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Places to stay around Port Alfred
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Port Alfred Information Guide
Established in the 1820’s, Port Alfred has been able to
hold onto its rich heritage while developing into a coastal town
that can accommodate visitors and offer residents a comfortable
life. Located between the two major cities of the Eastern Cape,
namely East London and Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred is often referred
to as the heart of the Sunshine Coast. The laid back atmosphere
of the town lures visitors from all over South Africa to enjoy a
peaceful and fun filled holiday. |
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For those interested in the rich history of the town, many visitors choose to explore the town on their own. Historical maps of Port Alfred are available at numerous shops in town, directing visitors to wonderful landmarks, sites and buildings such as the Kowie History Museum and the Settlers Church. Discovering Port Alfred is an adventure.The coat of arms of Port Alfred bears testimony to the fascinating history of this beautiful town. The quarters of the shield show a fish, symbolizing excellent sea and river fishing. A rooster represents the 1820 Settler, William Cock, who was instrumental in changing the course of the Kowie River in the 1840’s. The Three Feathers of the Prince of Wales represent the town’s royal connection, it is named after Prince Alfred and was visited in 1925 by the Prince of Wales (later Edward V111 who abdicated in 1936). |
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Port
Alfred telephone code - 046 South Africa code +27
Internet
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Other useful Information
Port
Alfred fishingThe anchor depicts safe anchorage for shipping. Atop the shield is an ancient galley commemorating early sailors who passed along these shores, notably Bartholomeu Diaz in 1488. When the 1820 Settlers first laid eyes on the mouth of the Kowie River, it was a marshy area consisting of a few small islands and expansive reed beds, nevertheless they immediately realized the potential of the river mouth as a port. In 1821 the Locust, a small brig, easily crossed the sand bar at the mouth of the river, sparkling development plans that lasted for almost 10 years. The Cape Government appointed J Dyason as harbor master and pilot of Port Kowie, as it then became known. During 1825 the name was changed to Port Frances, after the wife of Colonel Henry Somerset, son of the Cape Governor at the time. In 1831 attempts by government to develop a viable port were finally scrapped. In 1841 William Cock, a local resident, formed the Kowie Harbour Improvement Company, and his efforts led to diversion of the river flow to a new channel along the West Bank. The harbour was reopened in 1863 and for the next 20 years up to 100 vessels called here annually. The advent of steam ships with a deeper draft, the developing of new harbor facilities on the Buffalo River at East London and the opening of a rail link from Grahamstown to Port Alfred in 1884, led to a decline in the town’s importance as a commercial harbor and it finally fell into disuse in the 1890’s to Port Alfred in honor of Prince Alfred who was visiting South Africa at that time. In 1989 harbor life was revitalized with the opening of the small craft harbor on the newly built residential Royal Alfred Marina, where pleasure craft of all kinds, including seagoing yachts, find safe anchorage.