More Than a Beach Holiday

Port Alfred is full of exciting activities for everyone – from hyperactive adventurers to lazy loungers. The December holidays are the perfect time to take advantage of this fun-in-the-sun diversity.

FAMILY FUN

Be a beach bum The array of beaches stretching from Port Alfred to Boknes and Bushman’s means the opportunity to sample a different coastal spot every day. These family friendly beaches allow Mom and Dad to soak up the sun while the kids play volleyball and fashion sandcastles.

Explore the hood Bathurst is a 15-minute drive from Green Fountain Farm Resort, and has a variety of stores catering to every age group. Ladies love shopping in the Earth Art ceramic studio while their men grab a beer at the country’s oldest pub, the Pig ‘n Whistle, and the children explore The Curiosity Shoppe, filled with toys of every kind. Kenton-on-Sea and Grahamstown are also close by.

Throw a line Make a day of going out to fetch dinner by getting the entire crew involved in fishing for their meal. Port Alfred offers beach, deep-sea and rock fishing, so you could really turn your holiday into a fend-for-yourself family adventure.

Get therapy When big-city shopping withdrawal hits, Rosehill Mall and Heritage Mall are ready to satisfy your retail-therapy needs. If outdoor street-side browsing is more your thing, then catch breakfast together at The Courtyard before wandering through the décor store, second-hand shop, florist and Greek deli.

ROMANTIC ESCAPADES

Take a swing It takes about four hours to play a round of golf, right? Talk about spending quality time with your loved one. The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club’s rolling greenery is the perfect setting for a bit of action romance. The Gary Player-designed course at Fish River Sun is also nearby.

Cruise the river Hire a boat or yacht at Port Alfred’s harbour and sail down the Kowie River for sundowners. This peaceful body of water offers views of both sides of town and is the perfect setting for an on-board picnic with bubbly.

Go trotting Horseriding becomes an idyllic outing when enjoyed on the beach. Take your pick from cantering through dune forests to galloping along the water’s edge. Surprise bookings like this are guaranteed to score you many points with your partner.

ADRENALINE HIGHS

Speedy Gonzeles Speed-lovers will get their fix with days spent duneboarding, powerkiting, skydiving and four-wheeling. It’s all systems go, go, go!

Splish splash Water enthusiasts are guaranteed to have their adrenaline pumping when jetskiing, surfing, bodyboarding and waterskiing. Between the river and the ocean, there’s no lack of water in this town.

NATURE’S SOUL FOOD

Go down under Soft coral, ship wrecks and the ‘lunar landing’ that is home to hundreds of crayfish make Port Alfred an underwater heaven for scuba-diving enthusiasts. The reefs and their prolific marine life offer colourful fun below sea level.

Take a hike The Kowie Nature Reserve has an eight-kilometre hiking trail along the town’s river, with various exit and entry points for those looking for shorter walks. The five-day Three Sisters Trail is for the big walkers, and takes adventurers through indigenous forests, sand dunes, wetlands and magnificent stretches of coastal shore.

Into the wild The game reserves in the area are becoming some of South Africa’s most popular due to their malaria-free environment. Spot some of Africa’s wildest animals on daily game drives. Bird-watchers will be equally taken by the abundance of feathery friends.