Port Alfred|On the Kowie River

A scenic, busy commercial town, and holiday destination.  There are many river and deep sea water sports available with a small boat harbour near the attractive Marina.  The town is flanked by beautiful beaches on either side of the Kowie River which flows through the centre of the town.  It is navigable for more than 20 kms and popular with boaters, fishing enthusiasts and water skiing.  The point- break at Eastern Beach has some of the best surfing in the country.  Excellent deep sea scuba diving experiences  are popular.  There are a variety of hiking trails nearby, along the beaches and inland.  The Royal Port Alfred Golf Course is one of only four ‘Royals’ in the country, with wonderful sea views.   The 43 Air School on the outskirts of the town on the way to Bathurst, was opened in 1942 as part of the Joint Air Training Scheme during World War 11.  After that, in 1988, it became an airline pilot training school, with pupils from around the world.
Nearby are the attractive private Mansfield, Kap River, and Round Hill Oribi Reserves, plus the Great Fish River Complex of game reserves.

Port Alfred was first named Port Francis as during the 1820 settler era it was intended to have the main harbour for the Eastern Cape there but then Port Elizabeth was chosen later as more suitable.  Prince Alfred visited P.A. in 1860 and it was then renamed Port Alfred in his honour.

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