Port Alfred · South Africa
Stays in Port Alfred
Updated July 25, 2026
Port Alfred is malaria-free and unfenced, a river-mouth town rather than a reserve gate, and that shapes where travellers stay. The Kowie River splits it: the Royal Alfred Marina and its moored yachts on one bank, the town grid and the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club on the other. Kelly's Beach carries Blue Flag status and does the swimming. Accommodation runs to two established hotels, one historic and one four-star on the river bank, plus self-catering along the marina. Gqeberha and East London are each within 140 km on the tarred R72, so arriving takes no special vehicle.
Port Alfred in numbers
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What to expect
- Malaria-free Eastern Cape coast, so no prophylaxis for any age
- The Kowie River mouth, its stone piers and the Royal Alfred Marina
- Kelly's Beach, the town's Blue Flag swimming beach
- The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club inside the town grid
- Kariega and Sibuya malaria-free Big Five reserves within a day trip
- Southern right whales along this coast between June and November
Local tips
- Fly into Gqeberha or East London and drive the R72; both are within 140 km of Port Alfred and the road is tarred the whole way.
- Book December and January early; the town fills with visitors from both cities and the hotels are the only large beds in town.
- Stay on the town side of the river if you want to walk to the golf club, and the marina side if you want the water.
- Use Kelly's Beach for swimming rather than East Beach when the easterly is blowing; the surf builds fast on this open coast.
- Set aside a day for Kariega or Sibuya toward Kenton on Sea; both are malaria-free and run Big Five game drives.
- Drive inland to Bathurst for the 1820 Settlers village, its pub and its antique shops, especially on a windy day.
Where to stay
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