We spent a night in Port Alfred, a scenic coastal town on South Africa’s Eastern Cape Sunshine Coast. At the mouth of the Kowie River, roughly halfway between Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and East London, it is known for its relaxed seaside atmosphere and sandy beaches. The Kowie River is navigable for approximately 25 kilometres inland, making it a popular destination for boaters and water-sports enthusiasts.
The town dates back to 1821, when the first ship entered the Kowie River, and the settlement became known as Port St. Francis. It was later renamed Port Alfred in honour of Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s second son, after he visited the Cape Colony.
Among the town’s historical highlights is Wharf Street, one of its oldest commercial thoroughfares, lined with buildings reflecting its nineteenth-century trading heritage. Port Alfred is also home to Kelly’s Beach, a popular family-friendly beach recognised for its Blue Flag status, while East Beach attracts surfers looking for waves along this stretch of coastline. Another distinctive feature is the Royal Alfred Marina, an exclusive residential development built around an extensive network of canals with direct access to the river and harbour.
Unfortunately, our sightseeing plans were cut short when two municipal traffic officers blocked our expedition truck for six hours. As a result, we never managed to explore the famous Wharf Street or see as much of the town as we had hoped. Sometimes, life on the road brings unexpected challenges, and Port Alfred was one of those stops where our plans didn’t quite go as intended.
Parking location – Port Alfred: 33.6028372S 26.8898471E (🚻,🚿,🏊,💦,🔌,🅿️220 ZAR/pax)