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.

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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.

Yes I know that looking at my photo, you do not see any bathers, but please remember that this is not season time. Also there are a number of lovely blue flag beaches here.

In this sleepy hollow, you can become bored, so entertain yourself and play cards with friends. Good for building strong friendship bonds.