Port Alfred is a small coastal town situated on the eastern seaboard of South Africa in the Eastern Cape Province at the mouth of the Kowie River.
Known for its pristine beaches, scenic marina, natural beauty, and exciting activities, Port Alfred lies almost exactly halfway between the cities of East London and Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) and 30 km east of Cannon Rocks.
Port Alfred falls within the Ndlambe Local Municipality and the Sarah Baartman District Municipality. It is the largest and main town in the Ndlambe Local Municipality, and the administrative centre/seat of the Municipality.
Port Alfred is located at the intersection of the R67 and R72 Provincial Routes. The R67 connects Port Alfred with the N2 National Route at Makhanda (formerly known as Grahamstown) to the north, while the R72 joins the N2 near Colchester to the west and follows the coast to East London in the east.
Port Alfred boasts a unique blend of history, adventure, and modern comforts. This charming town is situated in the Adventure Province, with the most sunshine hours in South Africa, facilitating the enjoyment of outdoor activities, rich coral reefs that offer magnificent diving opportunities, and exploring beautiful rivers navigable for up to 25 kilometres.
History
Port Alfred was established in the early 1820s by British settlers who were moved into the area by Lord Charles Somerset, as there was conflict between the Cape Colony and the Xhosa people. Originally, it was two separate towns (settlers arriving on the west bank in 1820 named their settlement Port Kowie, and those arriving on the east bank named theirs Port Frances).
In 1839, William Cock and George Hodgkinson started to block the natural river mouth to the east and canalise the present opening to the sea.
By 1841, South Africa’s first man-made harbour was opened after completion of the stone-lined channel between the ocean and the Kowie River. This allowed high-masted sailing ships with their heavy cargo to dock at the wharf.
In 1860, when Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Alfred, visited, the name was changed in his honour.
