Bridge over the Kowie River

Port Alfred is a town on the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is situated at the mouth of the Kowie River, almost exactly midway between Port Elizabeth in the west and East London in the east. It boasts fabulous beaches that stretch for many kilometres in both directions.

Get in

By car

From Port Elizabeth take the N2 east then the R72 along the coast via Kenton.
From East London take the R72 south-west along the coast.
From Grahamstown take the R67 south via Bathurst.

Get around

Port Alfred is small enough that the entire town can easily be covered on foot. It is a pleasant walk from town along the west bank of the Kowie River to the beach (via Causeway and Beach Road). There are beaches on the eastern side of the Kowie River mouth as well but these are quite a bit further as you have to walk around the Royal Alfred Marina.

See

• Kowie Museum, ☏ +27 82 433-5662. 
• 1 The Great Fish Point Lighthouse, ☏ +27 46 675-1067.  
• Kap River Nature Reserve, ☏ +27 46 624-1140. 

Do

Boating and cruising

• Halyards Boats, ☏ +27 46 604-3300. 
• Boat Registrations, ☏ +27 46 624-4587. 
• Kowie River Cruises, ☏ +27 46 624-1727. 
• Let’s Go Cruises, ☏ +27 46 624-1866. 
• Lightleys Holiday House Boat, ☏ +27 44 386-0007. 
• Predator Charters, ☏ +27 82 495-9971. Deep sea charters 
• Outdoor Focus, ☏ +27 46 624-4432. 
• Kowie Canoe Trail, ☏ +27 46 624-4432. 1-3 day trail 
• Fishing: Whether you prefer reef, river, estuary, deep sea or coastal fishing, there are plenty of incredible locations within the Sunshine Coast to choose from. Port Alfred is famous for being the third largest “line fishing port” in South Africa.
• Diving: The shores of the Sunshine Coast are host to the most unique diving experience in the Eastern Cape. This part of the coast is famous for soft coral reefs, numerous wrecks that dot the shores and the incredible “Lunar landing” where crayfish in the hundreds live and breed.

Horse riding and hiking trails

• Three Sisters Horse Trails, ☏ +27 82 645-6354. In Kleinemonde. 
• Horse Shoe Bend Reserve, ☏ +27 46 624-1140. 
• Kap River Nature Reserve, ☏ +27 46 624-1140. 

Golf

• The Royal Port Alfred Golf Course, ☏ +27 46 624-4796. The Royal Port Alfred Golf Course has a sea view you will never forget. This 18-hole course was laid out between 1907 and 1915 and was given royal status by King George V. 
• The Fish River Sun Golf Course, ☏ +27 40 676-1101. 40 km away from Port Alfred. 
• Green Fountain Farm Resort Driving Range, ☏ +27 46 624-5859. Situated between two great golf courses is the Green Fountain Farm Resort Driving Range. They offer a full driving range, an immaculate putting green and a practice bunker. 

Game viewing

• Kariega Game Reserve, ☏ +27 46 636-7904. 

Eat

• The Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar, The Anchorage, Gluckman Rd, ☏ +27 46 624-5778. The locals' favouritein a beautiful setting on Demper's Lagoon. Excellent food and laidback atmosphere. 

Isigwamba (spinach with maize meal

Drink

• The Lounge @ The Square - Popular, modern club for students
• Beach Club - A typical coastal pub with a beach feeling, and it often has fun promo events.
• Roxy - Club right on the beach front.
• Highlander - Typical British style pub. Good food too.
• Barmuda - Cocktail bar on the bank of the Kowie River

Sleep

• Portofino Guest House, 18 Park Rd, ☏ +27 46 624-2223, fax: +27 46 624-2884, reservations@portofinohotel.co.za. Overlooks the Royal Alfred Marina and the bustling small boat harbour, and has breathtaking ocean views from their deck. Outdoor pool set in tranquil gardens. 11 rooms, with air-conditioning, en suite shower, toilet and basin. Cold buffet spread & hot plated English breakfast, tea and coffee: 7:45AM to 9AM. From R640. (updated Aug 2017)
• 4Carnoustie, Atherstone Rd, ☏ +27 46 624-3306, reservations@4carnoustie.co.za. R300 per person self catering, R400-700 per person B&B. 
• Green Fountain Farm Resort, Atherstone Rd, ☏ +27 46 624-5859, info@greenfountainfarm.co.za. Green Fountain Farm Resort is perfectly situated on the Sunshine Coast in beautifully appointed thatched chalets, fully equipped for self catering. 
• Drop Anchor Guest Cottage, Atherstone Rd, ☏ +27 46 624-3376, spleibbrandt@absamail.co.za. Self catering, free standing, secure cottage sleeping 4 persons near golf course, beach and village. 
• Turning Tides B&B/SC, Atherstone Rd, ☏ +27 46 624-4700, turningtides@telkomsa.net. A garden cottage and a studio (bedsitter), both of which are fully equipped for self-catering. Breakfast can be provided, if required. Turning Tides is situated close to Port Alfred's CBD, the Kowie River, and at least three restaurants. 
• 1 The Lookout Guest House (info@thelookout.co.za), 24 Park Rd, ☏ +27 46 624-4564. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A 4-star guest house with stunning views of the river, marina, and the ocean. Self-catering option is also available. From R350 pp B&B. 

Go next

• Addo
• Baviaans
• Grahamstown
• Jeffreys Bay & St Francis
• Karoo Heartland
• Sunshine Coast
• Tsitsikamma