This holiday town is located in the Eastern Cape almost halfway between East London and Gqeberha (also known as Port Elizabeth).
Port Alfred was founded in 1820 by the British Settlers and today is a must visit for tourists coming to South Africa. The Town was originally named Port St.Francis, and finally being named Port Alfred in honour of Prince Albert, who was visiting the colony at the time. Wharf Street was established as the first commercial street in Port Alfred dating back to 1821 and is now a tourist hub with restaurants all along the road which, still has beautifully preserved buildings dating back to that time.
In 1841 the Kowie River mouth was seen as a potential port resulting in the construction of the West and East pier forming the new mouth of the river. Over 1000 vessels would enter the river mouth, however in 1890s this was stopped by the construction of a railroad between Port Alfred and Grahamstown. The steam engines “Kowie” and “Port Alfred” were imported in 1882. The Kowie Museum, now housed in the old Railway Station Building in Port Alfred has a magnificent display of the old Railway system.
Kelly's Beach is the main beach used by the locals for swimming, surfing and other water-based activities you can think of. This is a must visit for people who are interested in having a day at the beach and be able to find a cache in the same place.