Gqeberha is perfect for water babies, foodies, adventure seekers, or those looking for a peaceful time away. Filled with unique and fun things to do, the windy city has everything you need for an exciting holiday or weekend getaway.
Try one or more of these things to do on your next visit to Gqeberha.
Also read: Things to do in Hogsback
Beaches:
There’s nothing better than ocean air and salty hair, sandy toes and crashing waves when on holiday. Gqeberha boasts 40 km of gorgeous golden beaches, the warm Indian Ocean, and trained lifeguards to keep everyone safe.
It’s a brilliant location for sailing with its fair breezes, as well as for water sports enthusiasts or anyone who just loves a good old swim in the ocean.
For more on Gqeberha’s beaches visit: nmbt.co.za
1. Hobie Beach
Hobie Beach of Port Elizabeth, South Africa
A very popular choice for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers, Hobie Beach plays host to festivals like ‘Splash Festival,’ Beach Volleyball and World Boardsailing Championships. It’s also great for those wanting to walk the boardwalk or Shark Rock Pier.
2. King’s Beach
From the harbour to Humewood lies King’s Beach. Ideal for body surfing, sunbathing, and swimming, this beach is a fan favourite. It especially comes alive on Sundays when Beach Front Traders set up shop, ‘picnickers’ make use of the newly upgraded park, and the snack bar is in full swing for those looking for a sweet treat.
3. Noordhoek
For the much more experienced boardsailers, Noordhoek has large ocean swells and cross-shore conditions that some describe as ‘an awesome site.’
4. Sardinia Bay
Bottlenose Dolphin – three surfing a wave at Sardinia Bay beach, Port Elizabeth.
Sardinia Bay is an excellent choice for those in the mood for a long beach walk or horse ride along the stretch of coastline. Snorkelling and scuba diving are encouraged as the sealife is abundant, and picnic spots beckon those wanting to while away the day by the ocean.
5. Bluewater Bay Beach
This stretch of beach is known for its white sand and calm waters, perfect for families with young children. There’s an abundance of water sports activities to try and coastal restaurants and cafes to visit if you feel like a bite to eat.
Nature reserves and hiking trails:
6. Island Nature Reserve
Enjoy the indigenous Alexandria coastal forest and tree species like the white and hard pear, and Outeniqua yellowwood. Along with the flora is fauna like bushbuck and blue duiker as well as fifty different species of bird. If you don’t feel like hiking one of the four hiking trails on offer, make use of the picnic sites and braai facilities.
7. Settlers Park Nature Reserve
Located along the banks of the Baakens River, this nature reserve is rich in bird life and indigenous flora. It boasts short walks, a flower display house, an 1820 settlers’ statue Marquette, and rock pools to explore.
8. Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
Sign of showing Van Stadens directions on a sunny day outdoors
Comprised of the northern river banks, a large, plateau, and the southern wooded slopes, each with its own vegetation type, this wildflower reserve is ideal for nature lovers. You have the option to drive, walk, or cycle through the reserve, enjoying the large variety of plant and bird life that the area offers. Take a break from exploring to have a picnic at one of the picnic sites available.
9. Sacramento Trail
This popular 8 km round trip starts in the coastal village of Schoenmakerskop and takes you through the Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and seascapes as you make your way along this coastal trail. Depending on the time of year, you may be treated to wildflowers and remarkable dune vegetation.
10. Roseate Tern Hiking Trail
Based in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve in Summerstrand, the Roseate Tern Hiking Trail is a 9 km circular route. It takes you past natural dune vegetation, a lighthouse built in 1851, and a bird hide that’s perfect for enjoying the vibrant birdlife.
No permit is required if you park outside the gate.
11. Humpback Dolphin Trail
This 2.3 km raised coastal walkway that takes you from Flat Rocks to Pollok Beach. The walkway is made of recycled plastic that will fool you into believing it’s wooden. The elevated view allows you to potentially spot the humpback whales or dolphins for which the trail was named after.
To find out more about nature reserves and hiking trails in Gqeberha, visit: nmbt.co.za
Wildlife
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the many game reserves that surround Gqeberha. Take a short drive out from the city to take in the solitude and peace that comes with being in the bush among Africa’s mighty creatures.
12. Addo Elephant National Park
It’s not possible to make a list of things to do in Gqeberha without mentioning the very popular Addo Elephant Park. Spend time with Africa’s gentle giants in the country’s third-largest national park.
13. Kragga Kamma Game Park
This wildlife reserve is home to a variety of animals, including white rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, nyalas, bonteboks, and lechwe. Enjoy a self-drive game drive, or book a guided tour with a professional guide. Other activities in the park are birdwatching from the Treetop Boardwalk, lunch at the Bush Café, and a stroll along the Monkey Walk.
14. St Croix Island Penguin Colony
St Croix is an island off the coast of Gqeberha, that is home to the largest African penguin colony in the world. The island is a penguin sanctuary and is part of an experiment to study the effects of fishing on penguin breeding and foraging behaviour. Boats aren’t allowed to land on the island, but you can book a boat cruise that takes you close enough to see the penguins.
15. Redhouse Village
15 minutes outside Gqeberha lies the picturesque Redhouse village. Life here revolves around the Swartkops River, the estuary, and saltpans. The water sources attract over 10 000 water birds each summer, and you can have the pleasure of spending time spotting sand plovers, sandpipers, African black oystercatchers, and even flamingos.
Restaurants
There is nothing better than ending off a busy day with a delicious meal that you don’t have to cook. Enjoy a morning fry-up, a lazy lunch, or a hearty dinner meal at one of the restaurants in Gqeberha.
16. Muse Restaurant
Muse is a relaxed fine-dining restaurant that serves Nouvelle cuisine, meaning they serve the freshest and best ingredients. The menu changes seasonally to ensure that the food is always fresh and exciting. Muse is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family.
- Location: 1b Stanley Street, Richmond Hill
- Operating hours: Tues – Sat | 12:00 – 22:00
- Website: muserestaurant.co.za
17. Grass Roof
This literal grass-roofed restaurant is a farm-to-table farmstall, bakery, and restaurant. Enjoy a fresh breakfast or lunch at this quirky, spacious restaurant with meals made from locally-made produce and home-grown vegetables.
- Location: 792 Heron Rd, Lovemore Park
- Operating hours: Monday – Sunday | 8:00 – 4:30
- Website: grassroof.co.za
18. Beer Yard
If you’re in the mood for a good time and good craft beer, Beer Yard should be top of your list. With hearty meals (especially their burgers), a relaxed atmosphere, and hand-picked craft beer, this location will probably beckon you to visit again and again.
- Location: 1 Cooper Street, Richmond Hill
- Operating hours: Monday – Saturday | 10:00 – 23:00; Sunday | 10:00 – 22:00
- Website: facebook.com/BeerYardPE
19. Something Good Roadhouse
Bring your whole family, including the dog, to the Something Good Roadhouse. Step back into the 50s (when the roadhouse was revived) and enjoy a classic burger and milkshake by the seaside.
- Location: Marine Drive, Summerstrand
- Operating hours: Monday – Sunday | 8:00 – 20:00
- Website: somethinggoodroadhouse.co.za
20. Groundfloor Cafe
Sometimes all you need is a great cup of coffee, crafted by skilled baristas. If that sounds like you, Groundfloor Cafe has your name written all over it. Set in a vibrant, rustic coffee shop made comfortable with relaxing decor, it’s the perfect surroundings to ‘slurp up’ a great cup of coffee.
- Location: 20a Stanley Street, Richmond Hill
- Operating hours: Monday – Friday | 7:00 – 15:30; Saturday | 8:00 – 21:00; Sunday | 8:00 – 13:00
- Website: facebook.com
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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