Port Alfred Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Port Alfred showing landscape views, waves and mist or fog
Find great beaches, charming markets, outdoor adventures and the chance to spot South Africa’s famous wildlife at this Sunshine Coast town.

Long stretches of beach, plenty of sunshine, game reserves and a scenic marina make Port Alfred an enticing destination. English settlers founded Port Alfred as a fishing village in the early 1800s, where the Kowie River meets South Africa’s Sunshine Coast. Today, this laid-back town blends its fishing heritage with a lively beach atmosphere and modern attractions.

Port Alfred’s town centre is an unhurried collection of streets lined with colourful low-rise buildings. Stroll along Wharf Street to find food markets, restaurants and an antique store. Take a tour of the Wharf Street Brew Pub and enjoy live music events at the Little Theatre on the Wharf. Learn about the town’s English settlers at the nearby Kowie Museum. 

Go to Royal Alfred Marina and check out the exclusive waterfront neighbourhood set on five islands. Cross the Kowie River via Port Alfred Bridge and walk along the scenic Beach Road to the Indian Ocean and beaches on either side of the river mouth. 

West Beach is a long and pretty stretch of gold-colored sand. This family-friendly beach is a great place for safe swimming and collecting shells. Watersports centers, located downtown, can arrange scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing and whale-watching excursions. On the opposite side of the river is East Beach, where bigger waves roll in from the ocean. Come here to watch surfers and kitesurfers, or try sandboarding down the huge dunes.

Explore the meandering Kowie River by kayaking and hiking on the Kowie River Canoe Trail. The trail travels upriver to the Water Meeting Nature Reserve, where you can hike through forests and spot the endangered barred owl. Play 18 holes at the century-old Royal Port Alfred Golf Course.

Port Alfred is about a 2-hour drive from both Port Elizabeth and East London. The town is best reached via rented car. Port Alfred's consistently mild climate makes it a great year-round destination. The town is also a gateway to superb game parks. Go in search of South Africa’s famous “big five” at Shamwari Game Reserve and Sibuya Game Reserve.

Where to stay in Port Alfred

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West Bank

West Bank might not have many top sights, but The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club and Shipwreck Hiking & Canoe Trails are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Bank
My Pond Hotel
My Pond Hotel
3.5 out of 5
33 Van Der Riet Street, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
The price is ₹3,987 per night from 13 Jun to 14 Jun
₹3,987
per night
13 Jun - 14 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa.
8.2/10 Very Good! (42 reviews)
Beautiful hotel right on the river.
"Absolutely beautiful hotel. The breakfast included was amazing. friendly staff, beautiful pool, spacious and clean rooms. I will definitely stay here again. It was absolutely lovely and safe."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2023

My Pond Hotel
Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa
Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa
4 out of 5
19 St. Andrews Road, West Bank, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
The price is ₹5,685 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹5,685
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"Great hotel, wonderful staff and delicous breakfast."

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa
Halyards Hotel and Spa
Halyards Hotel and Spa
3 out of 5
Royal Alfred Marina, Albany Road, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
The price is ₹5,087 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹5,087
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
6.8/10 (33 reviews)
"Good location Poor hotel would not recommend to a dog."

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2024

Halyards Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mansfield Private Reserve
Mansfield Private Reserve
3 out of 5
6 Km from Port Alfred on R67, Towards Bathurst, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
Enjoy free parking, a garden and laundry facilities.
8/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
Wonderful
"Wonderful experience in such a tranquil setting. Am definately going back."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2019

Mansfield Private Reserve
First Group Kowie River Chalets
First Group Kowie River Chalets
3 out of 5
Oriole Road, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Awesome place
"The chalet was clean and beautiful"

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2022

First Group Kowie River Chalets
Driftwood - Kenton on Sea
Driftwood - Kenton on Sea
4 out of 5
16 River Road Kenton on Sea, Kenton on Sea, Eastern Cape
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
World class
"It was an amazing place. Looks even better than in the pictures. It's clean, well looked after. Well located. The hosts communicated well and made everything better ."

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2023

Driftwood - Kenton on Sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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