20 things to do in and around Gqeberha (2024)

It’s a brilliant location for sailing with its fair breezes, as well as for water sports enthusiasts or anyone who just loves a good old swim in the ocean.

For more on Gqeberha’s beaches visit: nmbt.co.za

1. Hobie Beach

A very popular choice for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers, Hobie Beach plays host to festivals like ‘Splash Festival,’ Beach Volleyball and World Boardsailing Championships. It’s also great for those wanting to walk the boardwalk or Shark Rock Pier.

2. King’s Beach

From the harbour to Humewood lies King’s Beach. Ideal for body surfing, sunbathing, and swimming, this beach is a fan favourite. It especially comes alive on Sundays when Beach Front Traders set up shop, ‘picnickers’ make use of the newly upgraded park, and the snack bar is in full swing for those looking for a sweet treat.

3. Noordhoek

For the much more experienced boardsailers, Noordhoek has large ocean swells and cross-shore conditions that some describe as ‘an awesome site.’

4. Sardinia Bay

Sardinia Bay is an excellent choice for those in the mood for a long beach walk or horse ride along the stretch of coastline. Snorkelling and scuba diving are encouraged as the sealife is abundant, and picnic spots beckon those wanting to while away the day by the ocean.

5. Bluewater Bay Beach

This stretch of beach is known for its white sand and calm waters, perfect for families with young children. There’s an abundance of water sports activities to try and coastal restaurants and cafes to visit if you feel like a bite to eat.

Nature reserves and hiking trails:

6. Island Nature Reserve

Enjoy the indigenous Alexandria coastal forest and tree species like the white and hard pear, and Outeniqua yellowwood. Along with the flora is fauna like bushbuck and blue duiker as well as fifty different species of bird. If you don’t feel like hiking one of the four hiking trails on offer, make use of the picnic sites and braai facilities.

7. Settlers Park Nature Reserve

Located along the banks of the Baakens River, this nature reserve is rich in bird life and indigenous flora. It boasts short walks, a flower display house, an 1820 settlers’ statue Marquette, and rock pools to explore.

8. Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve

Comprised of the northern river banks, a large, plateau, and the southern wooded slopes, each with its own vegetation type, this wildflower reserve is ideal for nature lovers. You have the option to drive, walk, or cycle through the reserve, enjoying the large variety of plant and bird life that the area offers. Take a break from exploring to have a picnic at one of the picnic sites available.

9. Sacramento Trail

This popular 8 km round trip starts in the coastal village of Schoenmakerskop and takes you through the Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and seascapes as you make your way along this coastal trail. Depending on the time of year, you may be treated to wildflowers and remarkable dune vegetation.

10. Roseate Tern Hiking Trail

Based in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve in Summerstrand, the Roseate Tern Hiking Trail is a 9 km circular route. It takes you past natural dune vegetation, a lighthouse built in 1851, and a bird hide that’s perfect for enjoying the vibrant birdlife.

No permit is required if you park outside the gate.

11. Humpback Dolphin Trail

This 2.3 km raised coastal walkway that takes you from Flat Rocks to Pollok Beach. The walkway is made of recycled plastic that will fool you into believing it’s wooden. The elevated view allows you to potentially spot the humpback whales or dolphins for which the trail was named after.

To find out more about nature reserves and hiking trails in Gqeberha, visit: nmbt.co.za

Wildlife

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the many game reserves that surround Gqeberha. Take a short drive out from the city to take in the solitude and peace that comes with being in the bush among Africa’s mighty creatures.

12. Addo Elephant National Park

It’s not possible to make a list of things to do in Gqeberha without mentioning the very popular Addo Elephant Park. Spend time with Africa’s gentle giants in the country’s third-largest national park.

13. Kragga Kamma Game Park

This wildlife reserve is home to a variety of animals, including white rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, nyalas, bonteboks, and lechwe. Enjoy a self-drive game drive, or book a guided tour with a professional guide. Other activities in the park are birdwatching from the Treetop Boardwalk, lunch at the Bush Café, and a stroll along the Monkey Walk.

14. St Croix Island Penguin Colony