The Ecca Nature Reserve is a small 126 ha patch of rugged terrain situated 15 km north of Grahamstown along the R67 road to Fort Beaufort. Ecca displays both rich historical, geological and environmental features and is known world-wide for the fossils which have been discovered there. Most notable of these discoveries, were those of the ancient reptile, the Mesosaurus.

The remains were uncovered in the nineteenth century by famous geologist Andrew Geddes Baines. Baines was given instructions by the military of the Eastern Frontier in 1837 to construct a road from Grahamstown to Fort Beaufort. Baines would often camp in the area, and it was here that he observed and carefully listed the sediments which contained fossil remains. Baines' book covering the topic provided evidence for the theory of continental drift. Today a plaque in the reserve pays tribute to him.

The Ecca Nature Reserve consists mainly of dense semi-succulent thorny scrub vegetation, and is home to an abundance of tree euphorbias, aloes and spekboom. The reserve also features two hiking trails which lead hikers on a short circular walk of about two hours. These trails provide an excellent opportunity to view a variety of wildlife which includes kudu, bushbuck, steenbok and common duiker, as well as rock hyrax, commonly known as dassies. The paths are clearly marked, and have a number of informative plinths along the route. Ecca Nature Reserve also features a number of picnic and braai areas, bins and parking for visitors.