This scenic coastal town on Route 72 lies midway between Port Elizabeth and East London on the Cowie River. It has a wonderful temperate climate with sunny summers and mild winters. The town is known for its endless pristine beaches; magnificent deep sea; friendly village atmosphere; glorious surf; river fishing and the laid-back lifestyle so beloved by all visitors, many of whom become permanent residents.

Port Alfred Car renal is available at Port Elizabeth and East London airport from the major car hire companies such as Avis, Hertz and Budget Rent a Car. Port Alfred has several car-hire depots. There are also frequent bus services passing through Port Alfred and several local taxi operators who will take you to the airports.

Port Alfred Car Rental include

• Free mileage per day according to package booked (either 100km free per day OR 200 km free per day or unlimited mileage)
• Collision damage waiver liability. This covers you for damage to your hired vehicle in the event of an accident.
• Theft waiver
• Airport surcharges
• Bail bonds (where needed)
• All local taxes

Tourist Attractions

Sibuya Game Reserve

Spanning the magnificent Kariega estuary on its course to meet the warm Indian Ocean, malaria-free Sibuya is South Africas’ only game reserve accessed solely by boat. After arriving at Sibuya’s reception near the river mouth in Kenton-on-sea, guests embark on a meandering 40 minute boat cruse to the reserve. Along the way kingfishers, fish eagles, otters, antelope and other wildlife may be spotted. Sibuya Game Reserve offers nearly 400 bird species and 45 species of game, including the “big five”.

Guests at the Sibuya Game Reserve receive accommodation in the form of luxury suite tents on raised wooden decks. With just 4 tents in the river camp and 8 tents in the forest camp, Sibuya’s professional rangers are able to offer personalized game drives, rewarding walks and exclusive boat trips. Visitors can also indulge in fishing, swimming and canoeing, or just simply relax in a hammock under the trees.

Kariega Game Reserve

Sanctuary to abundant game and wildlife such as rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, eland, wildebeest and a variety of antelope as well as a myriad of bird species including nesting Martial, crowned and Fish eagles, this 6000 hectare private game reserve is a must, for those seeking the retreat in the thrill of the great outdoors and an African safari vacation of a lifetime.

Set high above the spectacular Kariega River Valley, you can not get closer to nature than in this wondrous African wilderness, in the heart of this 1820 Settler Country, with its rich historical heritage. The Kariega Game Reserve also offers a wide variety of activities such as mountain biking, bird watching, game drives, hiking, fishing and the ever famous river cruises on the Kariega Queen.

Surfing

There are solid 6 degrees barrel heaves up on the insanely hollow sand bank just off East Pier at Port Alfred. This wave delivers some epic stand-up tubes in the right conditions and it peaks in the river mouth and grinds all the way past the /East Pier. The two most popular surf breaks are on either side of the Cowie River Mouth and are known as East and West Beach, with East Beach being the most popular of the two.

Boating, fishing and water skiing

With 29 kilometers of navigable river, boating and skiing are probably the most popular past times in Port Alfred. The small boat harbor which is next to the Royal Alfred Marina, is home to private boats of all descriptions such as ski and fishing boats, millionaire’s yachts canoe’s and rafts.

Across the river, at the mouth of the harbor, is the Ski Boat Club which is host to the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute). Boats can be launched at the small boat harbor or at the old Municipal slipway, near the tourism office. Visitors are warned, please observe and respect the skiing spots demarcated alongside the river.

Port Alfred host the most wonderful fishing competitions, which will in future be national competitions. It also is famous for having the distinction of being the third largest “line fishing port” in South Africa.

Port Alfred is a town rich in historical heritage and a must for every nature and water sport lover.

More Attractions

• Cowie Nature Reserve
• Port Alfred Trail
• Sunshine Coast Trail
• Settler Hiking Trail
• Alexandria Hiking Trail
• Nyala Valley Game Park
• Bathurst Ramble
• Kap River Reserve
• Blaauwkrantz Reserve