Travel Guide of Port Alfred in South Africa by Influencers and Travelers
Port Alfred is a small town with a population of just under 26,000 in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is situated on the eastern seaboard of the country at the mouth of the Kowie River, almost exactly halfway between the larger cities of Port Elizabeth and East London and 30 kilometres west of Cannon Rocks.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Port Alfred
TRAVELERS TOP 2 :
1 - Kleinemonde
15 km away
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2 - Grahamstown
45 km away
Makhanda, commonly known as Grahamstown, is a town of about 70,000 people in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is situated about 110 kilometres northeast of Port Elizabeth and 130 kilometres southwest of East London.
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Pictures and Stories of Port Alfred from Influencers
20 pictures of Port Alfred from Nicolien Botha, , and other travelers
- Sea bird flying over the ocean with dunes in the background ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nicolien Botha | ©Unsplash
- Powerful waves breaking towards the shore at sunrise ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nicolien Botha | ©Unsplash
- Sea birds soaking up the morning sunshine ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nicolien Botha | ©Unsplash
- Girl jumping in the air in a field. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Nicolien Botha | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Port Alfred ?
Travel to Port Alfred if you like:
🏖️ Beach ⛰️ Mountain 🏖️ SurfingHow to visit Port Alfred ?
Why traveling there?
Port Alfred is a charming coastal town on South Africa's Eastern Cape, known for its pristine beaches, water sports, and friendly locals. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a laid-back vacation with a touch of adventure. The town is also a perfect base for exploring the nearby Addo Elephant National Park and the Sunshine Coast.
How to get there?
The nearest airport to Port Alfred is East London Airport (ELS), approximately 144 km away. You can also fly to Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), which is 154 km away. From either airport, you can rent a car or book a shuttle to Port Alfred. Alternatively, you can take a bus from major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, with Intercape or Greyhound offering services to Port Alfred.
What to book in advance?
It's recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons (December to January and June to July). If you plan to participate in water sports or visit nearby attractions such as Addo Elephant National Park, it's advisable to book guided tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
What are the costs?
Port Alfred is a relatively affordable destination. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury lodges, with prices starting from $30 per night. Dining out is also reasonably priced, with meals at local restaurants costing between $5 and $15. Activities and tours vary in price, with water sports like canoeing and boat rentals starting from $20, and guided tours to Addo Elephant National Park costing around $100 per person.
What are the best things to do?
Port Alfred offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Some must-do activities include:
1. Relaxing on the pristine beaches such as Kelly's Beach or East Beach
2. Enjoying water sports like canoeing, surfing, and boat cruises on the Kowie River
3. Visiting the nearby Addo Elephant National Park for a wildlife safari
4. Exploring the Royal Port Alfred Golf Course for a scenic round of golf
5. Taking a scenic drive along the R72 Sunshine Coast route
Where to eat?
1. Ocean Basket: A popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh fish and sushi.
2. The Wharf Street Brew Pub: A brewpub offering craft beers and a delicious menu with dishes like gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas.
3. Barmuda: A laid-back cafe offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options, as well as tasty homemade cakes and pastries.
Where to stay?
1. The Royal St Andrews Hotel: A luxurious hotel offering elegant rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant.
2. Dockside Guest House: A charming guesthouse overlooking the Kowie River, with comfortable rooms and a tranquil atmosphere.
3. Kowie River Chalets: Self-catering chalets perfect for families or groups, featuring fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies with river views.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, visit the Bathurst Agricultural Museum, just a 15-minute drive from Port Alfred. This unique museum showcases the history of farming in the Eastern Cape, with over 1300 exhibits, including vintage tractors and machinery. After exploring the museum, head to the nearby Pig and Whistle Inn, the oldest continuously licensed pub in South Africa, dating back to 1832, for a refreshing drink and a hearty meal.
Learn More about Port Alfred
The port created by the British settlers of Grahamstown has become today a smiling seaside resort. A village has developed in the shelter of the dunes, on the banks of the Kowie River, which can be traced for 28 km. Port Alfred, located halfway between East London and Port Elizabeth, about 150 km on each side, is very popular with holidaymakers between Christmas and Easter, which corresponds to the South African summer.
Whether you're visiting alone or with the whole family, a stay in Port Alfred is sure to leave an unforgettable impression. A trip to Port Alfred invites with its idyllic beauty, relaxed atmosphere, melodious sound of waves, and sunlight filling the space. Kelly Beach, 3 km from the downtown area, is the number one stop for those who love convenience. But many visitors also choose vacation packages in the Port Alfred Town around East Beach - which is no less attractive in terms of attraction.
Alfred Harbor is where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the best of Cape Town, you could spend a day or more here experiencing all the sights. Sit and sip a cool drink in a beachside restaurant, enjoy the cool breeze and gaze at the shadow of Table Mountain in the distance. Walk along the harbor and stop at one of the many unique craft stores, or spend an afternoon trying on some designer clothes.
Many of the city's main tourist attractions are concentrated in this area. Hop aboard one of four daily boats to Robben Island, where a museum with evocative artifacts tells visitors what South Africa had to go through to achieve democracy. If you're traveling with kids, stop by the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Learn about the area's past on a walking history tour that departs daily from the Chavonnes Battery Museum. The tour lasts up to an hour, peeking through details dating back two centuries on the harbour. South African tourists can book and pay for tours at the Alfred Harbor Information Centre. If you prefer to go on a self-guided tour, you can download maps and guide sheets from the Alfred Waterfront website.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Port Alfred
You can stay at Royal St. Andres Hotel (750m from beach), A Villa de Mer Guesthouse (beachfront), Settler Sands Resort (beachfront) or Mypond Stenden Hotel (1,8km from beach)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/mypond-stenden.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/a-villa-de-mer-guesthouse.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/royal-st-andrews-spa-and-conference-centre.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/settler-sands-resort-holsboer-vacations.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g953995-d2479380-Reviews-Ocean_Basket_Port_Alfred-Port_Alfred_Eastern_Cape.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g953995-d3474804-Reviews-Lily_Restaurant-Port_Alfred_Eastern_Cape.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g953995-d15199245-Reviews-Rise_Courtyard_Cafe-Port_Alfred_Eastern_Cape.html
Where to Stay in Port Alfred
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More Travel spots to explore around Port Alfred
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🏄 Surfing spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🏖️ Shore spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏞️ Waterway spots Flipping spots 🏞️ Lake spotsTravel map of Port Alfred
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