Port Alfred Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Port Alfred showing waves, mist or fog and landscape views
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 center is an unhurried collection of streets lined with colorful 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 neighborhood 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 Shipwreck Hiking & Canoe Trails and Great Fish Point Lighthouse 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 AU$72 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$72
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Port Alfred. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Great Fish Point Lighthouse and Kwena ...
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 AU$130 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$130
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Port Alfred. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club and Sports ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
Royal Treatment
"It was refreshing. Friendly staff willing to gi an extra mile to endure you enjoy your stay. Easy booking and no loadshedding"

Reviewed on 14 Jan. 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 AU$104 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$104
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Port Alfred. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kwena Golf and Fish River Sun Golf Course ...
7/10 Good! (32 reviews)
Halyards Hotel and Spa review
"The hotel is well situated but the rooms need attention. Shower handles broken. Taps not secure to the basin No aircon. Thank goodness it was overcast and cool. Fan was ok. Beds were too small. King would have been better TV is working but has minimal channels and the screen has multiple lines so ..."

Reviewed on 11 Dec. 2023

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
Stay at this 3-star campground in Port Alfred. Enjoy free parking, a terrace, and a garden. Popular attractions Great Fish Point Lighthouse and Kwena Golf are ...
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
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Port Alfred. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Popular attractions East Beach and The Royal Port Alfred ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Awesome place
"The chalet was clean and beautiful"

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2022

First Group Kowie River Chalets
Comfort on the waters edge
Comfort on the waters edge
Port Alfred
Stay at this vacation home in Port Alfred. Enjoy private pools, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions East Beach and Fish River Sun Golf Course are ...
Comfort on the waters edge
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Port Alfred

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Mar 2019

New shopping center

5/5 - Excellent

Reabetswe
19 Feb 2019

The ge park was amazing.