Port Alfred, Eastern Cape

Infobox Settlement
official_name=Port Alfred
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subdivision_type=Country
subdivision_name=South Africa
subdivision_type1=Province
subdivision_name1=Eastern Cape Province
subdivision_type2=Municipality
subdivision_name2=Ndlambe Local Municipality
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government_type=Town Council
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population_total=20836
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Port Alfred is a small town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is situated on the eastern seaboard of the country at the mouth of the Kowie River, almost exactly half-way between the larger cities of Port Elizabeth and East London, 30km West of Cannon Rocks. One of its most distinctive features is a beautiful marina with a number of luxurious houses facing on to the canals. Associated with the marina is a small boat harbour, providing mooring for a variety of vessels from luxury yachts and other pleasure craft, to sporting and commercial deep-sea fishing vessels. The city enjoys a mild climate and award winning beaches, Kelly's beach has blue flag status, meaning it is one of the top beaches in South Africa. It is growing rapidly due to a high number of retirees and holiday makers building houses there.

Port Alfred is home to Southern Africa largest air school - 43 Airschool.

Port Alfred has many activities for visitors including fishing, [http://www.kerynsdiveschool.com Scuba diving] diving, canoeing, waterskiing and tubing. Other sporting activities include golf, hiking, horse trails and surfing.

Port Alfred also houses the [http://www.eiss.co.za Educational Institute for Service Studies] (EISS) which is affiliated to a Dutch University, [http://www.chn.nl Christelijke Hogeschool Nederland] , and offers hospitality education to students from Southern Africa and elsewhere.

History

Port Alfred was established in the early 1820’s by the British settlers who had been moved into the area by Lord Charles Somerset as a buffer between the Western Cape and the Ama Xhosa. The leaders of some of the settler parties who helped settle in the area were William Cock and William Holder. The town’s original name was Port Kowie named after the river which runs through the town. Later when Queen Victoria’s son Prince Alfred visited the name was changed to honour him. [ [http://www.africantravelexperiences.com/Information/Towns/Port%20Alfred.htm Port Alfred Cape south africa travel guides ] ] [ [http://www.go2africa.com/south-africa/port-alfred Port Alfred | South Africa | African Safari Travel | Go 2 Africa | Africa Travel & Safaris ] ]

External links

* [http://www.portalfred.co.za/ Port Alfred] town website
* [http://www.pamgolding.co.za/areas/port-alfred/port-alfred.asp A real estate agency's description of Port Alfred's early history and amenities]

References