Port Alfred

Travel Guide
Port Alfred showing boating, a coastal town and a marina
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

Though West Bank might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club and Shipwreck Hiking & Canoe Trails.

West Bank
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 CA $117 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $117
CA $136 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
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! (76 reviews)
"Great hotel, wonderful staff and delicous breakfast."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa
My Pond Hotel
My Pond Hotel
3.5 out of 5
33 Van Der Riet Street, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
The price is CA $54 per night from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5
CA $54
CA $62 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Port Alfred. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Great Fish Point ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (44 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 Apr. 12, 2023

My Pond Hotel
The Lookout Guest House
The Lookout Guest House
4 out of 5
24 Park Rd, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
The price is CA $87 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $87
CA $87 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 4-star beach guesthouse in Port Alfred. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Fish River Sun Golf Course and Kwena ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Amazing location and facilities. Service was incredible."

Reviewed on May 21, 2023

The Lookout Guest House
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.
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 sauna. Popular attractions East Beach and The Royal Port Alfred Golf ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Awesome place
"The chalet was clean and beautiful"

Reviewed on Feb. 2, 2022

First Group Kowie River Chalets
Habels haven beach front
Habels haven beach front
Port Alfred
Stay at this vacation home in Port Alfred. Enjoy patios. Popular attractions Kelly's Beach and The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club are located nearby.
Habels haven beach front
Beach View Paradise
Beach View Paradise
Port Alfred
Stay at this vacation home in Port Alfred. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Kelly's Beach and The Royal Port Alfred ...
Beach View Paradise
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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