The seaside resort of Port Alfred is situated halfway between East London and Port Elizabeth on the banks of the Kowie River. It is an idyllic holiday resort with golden beaches, a residential marina, scenic harbour and a relaxed small town atmosphere. Surfers come from far and wide to ride the waves, and scuba divers enjoy year round diving, especially good in winter.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Port Elizabeth 150 km, Bathurst 21 km

Banks

Absa, Fnb, Perm, Standard

Rivers

Kowie

HISTORICAL VIEW

The coat of arms of Port Alfred bears testimony to the fascinating history of this beautiful town. The quarters of the shield show a fish, symbolizing excellent sea and river fishing. A rooster represents the 1820 Settler, William Cock, who was instrumental in changing the course of the Kowie River in the 1840’s. The Three Feathers of the Prince of Wales represent the town’s royal connection, it is named after Prince Alfred and was visited in 1925 by the Prince of Wales (later Edward V111 who abdicated in 1936). The anchor depicts safe anchorage for shipping. Atop the shield is an ancient galley commemorating early sailors who passed along these shores, notably Bartholomeu Diaz in 1488. When the 1820 Settlers first laid eyes on the mouth of the Kowie River, it was a marshy area consisting of a few small islands and expansive reed beds, nevertheless they immediately realized the potential of the river mouth as a port. In 1821 the Locust, a small brig, easily crossed the sand bar at the mouth of the river, sparkling development plans that lasted for almost 10 years. The Cape Government appointed J Dyason as harbour master and pilot of Port Kowie, as it then became known. During 1825 the name was changed to Port Frances, after the wife of Colonel Henry Somerset, son of the Cape Governor at the time. In 1831 attempts by government to develop a viable port were finally scrapped. In 1841 William Cock, a local resident, formed the Kowie Harbour Improvement Company, and his efforts led to diversion of the river flow to a new channel along the West Bank. The harbour was reopened in 1863 and for the next 20 years up to 100 vessels called here annually. The advent of steam ships with a deeper draft, the developing of new harbour facilities on the Buffalo River at East London and the opening of a rail link from Grahamstown to Port Alfred in 1884, led to a decline in the town’s importance as a commercial harbour and it finally fell into disuse in the 1890’s to Port Alfred in honour of Prince Alfred who was visiting South Africa at that time. In 1989 harbour life was revitalized with the opening of the small craft harbour on the newly built residential Royal Alfred Marina, where pleasure craft of all kinds, including seagoing yachts, find safe anchorage.

Kowie History Museum

The museum concentrates mainly on the history of Port Alfred and the Lower Albany District, plus a card index system of all 1820 Settlers and their immediate descendants, much used by genealogical researches. The museum concentrates mainly on the history of Port Alfred and the Lower Albany.

Old Settler Church and Ceremony – National Monument

Old Wooden Bollard

On the West Bank. A relic from those busy harbour days. Schooners used to moor these and the bollard features in several old sepia photographs from the last century.

Railway Station (1884)

Declared a national monument

‘White Gables’

A private home, declared a national monument

NATURE

Kap River Nature Reserve

Canoes, trails and overnight

Kowie Nature Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve

Waters Meeting Nature Reserve

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

South African Grand Prix Powerboat Series – May

‘African Bush Experience’

Thandweni Lapa, set in a bush clearing, caters for parties or conference groups who want to enjoy a traditional African experience. Groups only. Book through the Victoria Protea Hotel

Arts, Crafts and Shopping

Pottery, arts, crafts, souvenirs, baskets, antiques and collectables

Beaches

Clean, unspoilt beaches with walks, shell collecting and interesting inter tidal zones, dunes skiing on sandski boards.

Summerhill – The Big Pineapple

Pineapple farm at Bathurst with pub and farm rides and full range of restaurants and eateries, modern cinemas.

ACTIVITIES

Canoeing

Canoe 21 km upriver, sleep in a forest hut.

Diving

Fishing

Spear Fishing

The Kowie Diver school offers the opportunity to dive on one of South Africa’s most colourful reefs

Game Drives

Night game drives on coastal farm

Hiking

Treehouse Trails

Leading through indigenous riverine forest. Another option is a guided educational walk (flora, fauna and history of the area). Overnight at Loerie’s Loft, a rustic treehouse in an ancient yellowwood overhanging a natural fresh water pool formed by a bend in the river. Abundant birdlife can be seen and heard. Basic self catering accommodation in the forest for up to eight people. All provisions and personal effects need to be carried with you on the trail. Safe parking at farmhouse. Eight mattresses in Loerie’s Loft, braai with grid. Skottel, kettle and tongs, firewood and fresh drinking water. Two gas lamps. Outdoor toilet (longdrop). Fresh water pool for swimming or fishing. Outrigger canoe. Need to bring cutlery, sleeping bag, crockery, food and drinks, comfortable backpack, walking shoes and torch. The sheltered river bank is ideal for braaing and picnicking. No access to vehicles. Loerie’s Loft can be reached by a short 15 minutes walk, or by the 1,5 hour walking trail. Suitable for all ages.

Beach Walk to the ‘Three Sisters’

Twenty minutes walk along the beach to three outcrops of coral rock, where low tide leaves fascination rock pools. At the middle ‘Sister’ there is a little cove through a natural coral archway. Do now walk at low tide. Obtain tide guides from the Visitor’s Bureau.

Directions:

Travel 12 km along R67 road to East London, turn right at Riet River sign, follow twisting road alongside river for 1km. Park and cross edge of lagoon to beach, walk east.

Beach Walk Westwards to Kenton

Six to seven hour walk. Leave anywhere from along Westbeach. Water is available at kasouga. Walk ends on the east bank of the Kariega River. Sights to see include rock pools, interesting rock formation, shipwreck of the Cape St Blaize (1964). Grant’s Valley Cottage, a sheltered cave just before Kenton, with plaque commemorating Fredrick A Venter.

Kap River Valley Hike (Albany)

Approximately 5 hours. Bookings essential

Kowie Hiking Trail

This is a nature conservation hiking trail, giving nature lovers and bird watchers an opportunity to hike about 8 km through the bush and along the bank of the beautiful Kowie River. It is located inside the Kowie Nature Reserve and you may be required to obtain a permit from rangers. Two braai areas and toilet facilities, area patrolled by rangers.

Oribi Nature Trail

Informal guided trails through private land on Hope Farm. Half day and full day trails, as required. Trails are by appointment at reasonable rates, catering for individuals, schools, families and clubs. Year round. Ideal for nature, animal and bird lovers, photographers and artists. Wildlife includes, oribi, many species of buck and smaller mammals and abundant birdlife

Directions:

Coastal farm 5 km from Port Alfred on the R72 road to Port Elizabeth

Sherwood Farm

Walks on easy terrain, route maps available, return to farm’s ‘Pig Sty’. Coffee shop for fresh farm fare.

Directions:

19 km from Port Alfred on the East London road, turn left at sign, 1 km from tarred road.

Walk to the Sarel Hayward Dam

30min walk. An uphill trail that brings hikers to the top of the dam wall. Not accessible by public road. Home of fish eagles. Need to pay entrance fee to Waters Meeting Reserve.

Directions:

From Port Alfred, travel 15 km to Bathurst, turn left at the Pig and Whistle Hotel and travel 5 km off tar to the Horseshoe Bend Viewsite. Enter the Water Meeting Reserve, take downhill road to river. About halfway down the road, find farm gate with stile. Leave your car at the stile, climb over and start your walk to the dam.

Horse Riding

Horse Riding along the beach or in nature reserve

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Mountain bikes for hire

WHERE TO STAY

Rugged Rocks Beach Cottages (Port Alfred)

Fully equipped self catering cottages nestled amid milkwood trees next to the beach. Tranquil surroundings teeming with birdlife and home to buck, monkeys and other small animals. Close to golf course and all amenities. Endless beaches, excellent fishing and enchanting rock pools.

Accommodation in and around Franschoek