Port Alfred Things to Do

Africa's largest and most colourful cultural event offers a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talent. Every year for 11 days (June/July) Grahamstown's population almost doubles, as over 50 000 people flock to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape for the feast of arts, crafts and sheer entertainment.

a very small little museum in a very old building. Originally it was a school, then the magistrate's court house and then Telkom occupied it. You can read about the British settlers of 1820 that came to this part of the country and all their struggles. There is a nice butterfly and moth collection from this region. You can get acquinted with some Xhosa customs and costumes. So if you have nothing to do or it is raining and you need to entertain the kids, bring them here. Cost is R5.00 per adult and R1.00 per child.

A fun cruise as the skipper is really funny and extremely witty. However, even though you go approx 3km upstream, you do not really leave Port Alfred. So if you want to see the homes along the canals and upstream, then this is the cruise for you. If you want to see the countryside, then do the canoe trip which goes 21km upstream.
The two hour cruise cost R60 per adult and R30 per child. Bring your own refreshments along as none are supplied.

A lovely area to visit with a nice beach next to it. A little bit upstream I would say approx 500 meters is where the 1820 settlers crossed the river. You will find a big stone with a unreadable plaque where this place is where they crossed the river.

Port Alfred is a sleepy town during the off-season. Early December to the end of January the popolation more than doubles, and the shopkeepers battle to keep up with the demand for food and drink. I am sure the locals breathe a sigh of relief when the town gets back to normality. A lot of the locals especially those who have homes on the Marina or on the Riverbanks, hire the homes out to tourists. They usually fetch quite a good daily rate. Up to R3500.00 per day for a 5 bedroom house on the Marina.
Having a boat to cruise the marina with, is a must, especially for those evening cruises through the canals. The canals will take you up the Kowie River, if you would like to do a bit of water-skiing, or if you are a keen fisherman.
Kelly's Beach is one of the best beaches in South Africa (in my opinion). White clean sand, small waves and warmish water, unlike Cape Town which is freezing.

Kowie Nature Reserve is situated 8km north of Port Alfred and covers an area of 200 hectares.
Hiking trails along the river banks are a main feature,although locals claim the reserve is best seen by boat.
Boat trailers have access to picnic sites on the banks of the Kowie River.
In this reserve , a scenic plateau falls away steeply to the winding Kowie River.
The vegetation is predominantly valley bushveld,and includes many rare cycads.
The rare blue duiker and many bird species are to be found here as well.

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Wide tidal Kowie River stretching from river mouth to indigenous forest, for pleasure cruising, angling, water-skiing, canoeing, birdlife and a safe access to the sea from the harbour for deep-sea anglers and scuba divers.

Deep sea fishing out of the Kowie River Mouth in Port Alfred is a must. Boats go out to sae daily and there are some that take visitors out to do a spot of fishing for the day at a nominal fee.