Port Alfred

Port Alfred is a small coastal town located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, situated at the mouth of the Kowie River. It lies almost equidistant between the larger cities of Port Elizabeth and East London, and 30 kilometers east of Cannon Rocks. The town is part of the scenic Sunshine Coast, characterized by lush, verdant rolling hills, dense coastal forests, and untouched golden beaches. The area is rumored to have a high number of sunshine hours per year.Historically, Port Alfred was established in the early 1820s by British settlers. It was originally two separate settlements, Port Kowie on the west bank and Port Frances on the east bank. The town was renamed Port Alfred in 1860 in honor of England's Prince Alfred during his visit. Efforts to develop a viable harbor at the Kowie River mouth began in 1821, with South Africa's first man-made harbor opening in 1841. This allowed high-masted sailing ships to dock, and the harbor thrived for about 20 years, seeing around 100 ships annually. However, its importance declined with the development of better harbor facilities elsewhere and the establishment of a railway line between Port Alfred and Grahamstown in the 1880s, leading to the harbor's disuse by the 1890s. The town revitalized in 1989 with the development of the residential Royal Alfred Marina, catering to recreational crafts.Today, Port Alfred is known as an idyllic holiday town. Activities include fishing, with the Kowie River being a significant feature. The Kap River Reserve nearby offers mountain biking with views through a unique riverine ecosystem. The town is also home to the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club, one of only five "Royal" golf clubs in Africa, established in 1907. Educational institutions include Stenden South Africa and 43 Air School, which is the largest aviation training school in the Southern Hemisphere. Wharf Street, the first commercial street dating back to 1821, is now a tourist hub with preserved historical buildings.