Sunshine Coast (South Africa)
The Sunshine Coast is a region of the Eastern Cape. The Sunshine Coast has more sunshine hours per year than any other part of South Africa. With plenty of charm, sun-drenched beaches, warm waters and quaint seaside villages, it makes a popular holiday destination. Watch the whales and dolphins play in the sparkling ocean and the Big 7 roam their natural habitat.
Cities
- 🌍 Port Elizabeth — the largest city in the province is a popular destination for water sports, and also offers many historical attractions
- 🌍 Bathurst — the pineapple capital of South Africa
- 🌍 Grahamstown — heart of the Settler Country offering traditional atmosphere
- 🌍 Kenton-on-Sea — a seasidevtiwn near the Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari Game Reserve and Kariega Game Reserve
- 🌍 Jeffreys Bay — the surfer's paradise and host of various famous surfing contests
- 🌍 Port Alfred — at the Kowie River mouth (great fishing) with miles of unspoilt, deserted beaches
- 🌍 St Francis — village of thatched roof houses, very upmarket, a Jack Nicklaus golf course. St Francis Golf Club also a great place with a big heart for beginners.
- 🌍 Addo — the valley of elephants and roses
Other destinations
- 🌍 Addo Elephant National Park — the park has elephant, Black Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, lion and leopard, and the Marine reserve has dolphin, whales (southern right) and penguins
Understand
The area boasts a wide variety of water sports, such as surfing, canoeing, skiing and an annual power boat race. Other activities for the adventurous include beach sports, fishing, golf, hiking trails, mountain biking and horse safaris. The Sunshine Coast has miles of sun-drenched coastline, warm sparkling ocean and unspoiled beaches.
Get in
By plane
There are two airports located in close proximity to the Sunshine Coast. The East London and Port Elizabeth airports are both in close proximity.
By car
The Sunshine Coast is easily accessible by motorways from Cape Town (857 km), Durban (702 km), and Bloemfontein (587 km). You could also drive in from Johannesburg (999 km). The road conditions are fairly good if you are coming from any of these cities.
By bus
All major South African coach companies offer regular schedules to and from destinations like Addo.
Get around
By car
The N2 is the main route along the coast. While most of this road is in excellent condition, there are still some roadworks in the area.
See
- Addo Elephant National Park. At least 400 elephants all sizes. Around 30 min by car from Port Elizabeth.
- Alexandria - The little village of Alexandria, established in 1840, lies 99 km east of Port Elizabeth. It is home to the largest active dunefields in the world. The town is known for its chicory, dairy and pineapple farming
- Bathurst - Bathurst was founded in 1820 and named after the colonial secretary of the British government, Lord Bathurst. 10 minutes from Port Alfred and home to the oldest pub in South Africa, the town’s major attraction is the Big Pineapple, which stands 16.7 m high.
- Boknes - The Boknes coast is an untouched, natural paradise that offers an expansive stretch of magnificent, unspoiled beaches. It is a bird connoisseur’s delight.
- Bushmans River - The little village of Bushman’s River Mouth has a calm estuary and long stretches of sandy beach, which is perfect for river and beach activities. The Bushman’s River offers a 35 km stretch of open water and is the 2nd longest navigable river in South Africa.
- Cannon Rocks - Cannon Rocks is a tiny and quiet village lying on the shores of the Boknes lagoon. It is a very popular fishing spot.
- Kasouga - Kasouga is a little hamlet untouched by time, with wonderful and diverse birdlife and a lagoon brimming with life. There are no tarred roads, streetlights, hotels or shops, but a handful of little friendly B&Bs that offer the perfect excuse to unwind.
- Kenton-on-Sea - This tranquil coastal town lies between the Kariega and Bushman’s River. It is host to beautiful bays, beaches, well renowned nature reserves and activities such as water sports and angling. World renowned game reserves are located in close proximity to this coastal town.
- Kleinemonde. The little town of Kleinemonde lies on Twin Rivers - east and west Kleinemonde – and the banks are crowded with indigenous vegetation and ancient cycads that only add to the already incredible atmosphere.
- Port Alfred - On the Kowie River, 55 km from Grahamstown, lies Port Alfred. Uniquely positioned around the spectacular Royal Alfred Marina, Port Alfred is famous for its annual power boat race, and provides great shopping opportunities, and beauty, wellness and day spas.
Do
Warm water and clean barrels are synonymous with the Sunshine Coast which has a very popular surf break, the East Beach. The persistent wind that blows here throughout the year also makes it one of the hottest spots on the international kite surfing circuit.
Boating & water skiing - With long stretches of crystal-clean navigable rivers, boating and skiing are among the most popular past times found in the Sunshine Coast. The small boat harbour next to the Royal Alfred Marina in Port Alfred is home to private boats of all descriptions while the harbour houses all kinds of private ski boats, fishing boats, millionaires’ yachts, canoes and rafts.
Canoeing - sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, row boating, wildwater canoeing or surf skiing.
Fishing - reef, river, estuary, deep sea or coastal fishing: there are plenty of incredible locations in the Sunshine Coast to choose from. Port Alfred is the third largest “line fishing port” in South Africa.
Diving - The shores of the Sunshine Coast are host to the most unique diving experience in the Eastern Cape. This part of the coast is famous for soft coral reefs, numerous wrecks that dot the shores and the incredible “Lunar landing” where crayfish in the hundreds live and breed.
Horse & hiking trails - Whilst much of the coast's the beautiful scenery can be viewed from the comfort of a 4x4, most prefer to explore this rugged beauty on foot. There are plenty of horse trails offering horseback rides at the shores of the sea, up rivers and on game reserve trails.
Golf - Famous golf courses in the region include the Royal Port Alfred Golf Course, the Fish River Sun Golf Course, and the Green Fountain Farm Resort Driving Range.
Game viewing - The Sunshine Coast has no shortage of breathtakingly beautiful game reserves and lodges for nature lovers.
Stay safe
- Local telephone directory: 1023
- International telephone directory: 10903
Travel tips
- At the closest airport, get directions and information from marked information counters
- Stay alert and keep an eye on your valuables and luggage at all times
- Store your valuables and passport in the hotel safety deposit box
- When you go sight-seeing, plan your route beforehand
- Use registered and qualified tour guides. Contact tourism offices for a list of qualified tour guides
- Look out for stray animals on the road
- In the event of an accident, contact the police and emergency services immediately
Important numbers
- Ambulance: 10177 or +27 46 624-4240
- Port Alfred Police: 10111 or +27 46 604-2001
- Kenton Police: 10111 or +27 46 648-1222
- Fire Station: +27 46 624-1111 or +27 46 624-1140
- National Sea Rescue Institute: +27 82 990-5971