St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is one of South Africa's most exclusive holiday destinations, characterized by its uniform architecture of white walls and black thatched roofs. The heart of the town is a sprawling canal system, often called the 'Venice of South Africa', which is first-rate for boating and swimming. Adjacent to it lies Port St Francis, a modern working harbor famous for its calamari (chokka) fishing industry. For surfers, 'Bruce's Beauties' is a legendary break that gained worldwide fame through the film 'The Endless Summer'. The surrounding area features world-class golf courses and scenic hikes in the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve. The historic lighthouse at Seal Point is a landmark feature and a great spot for sunset views. Gastronomy in St Francis Bay is upscale, with waterfront restaurants serving excellent seafood. To get here, take the R330 off the N2 highway. The best time to visit is during summer (December to February) for beach activities, while spring is good for nature lovers to see wildflowers and whales in the bay.

Nearby cities

Gqeberha

Formerly known as Port Elizabeth, this coastal city is a major hub for the South African automotive industry.

East London

South Africa's only river port city is situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River on the Indian Ocean.

Kariega

Formerly called Uitenhage, this industrial town is heavily involved in the production of cars and tires.

Mthatha

Formerly known as Umtata, it was the capital of the Transkei and is deeply connected to the history of Nelson Mandela.

Bhisho

This small town serves as the administrative capital of the Eastern Cape province and houses government buildings.

Komani

A town surrounded by mountains, historically designed as a strategic outpost.

Makhanda

Previously known as Grahamstown, the city is famous for its educational institutions and annual arts festival.

Graaff-Reinet

The fourth-oldest town in the country, enclosed by a bend of the Sundays River, full of Cape Dutch architecture.

Aliwal North

The town on the Orange River is mostly known for its hot mineral springs, drawing many visitors.

Cradock

A historic gem in the heart of the Karoo, renowned for its Victorian architecture and as a gateway to the Mountain Zebra National Park.

Jeffreys Bay

World-renowned as a surfer's paradise, this town offers endless beaches, famous waves, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Port Alfred

Port Alfred is a vibrant coastal town situated on the Kowie River, offering magnificent beaches and a bustling marina.

Gonubie

A scenic coastal town near East London in South Africa's Eastern Cape, known for its river mouth and sandy beaches.

Bushman's River Mouth

Bushman's River Mouth is a picturesque coastal town on the Sunshine Coast, renowned for its spectacular river estuary.

Port Edward

Port Edward is a popular resort town on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, near the border with the Eastern Cape.

History & landmarks

Port Elizabeth City Hall

A historic government building featuring a prominent clock tower in the center of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Addo

World-famous for its Elephant National Park, Addo offers unparalleled wildlife safaris in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

A multi-purpose stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) featuring a distinctive roof design.

Owl House

A fascinating house and sculpture garden created by outsider artist Helen Martins in Nieu-Bethesda.

More places

Klasies River Caves

The Klasies River Caves on the East Coast contain evidence that modern humans lived here continuously about 125,000 years ago.

Volkswagen Plant Kariega

The largest car plant in Africa, producing the popular Polo model for international distribution.

Port of Gqeberha

Formerly known as the Port of Port Elizabeth, it is a key facility for the automotive export industry.

Tsitsikamma Forest

A protected coastal forest along the Garden Route.

Port of Ngqura

A deep-water port adjacent to the Coega Industrial Development Zone, designed to handle new generation vessels.

Baviaanskloof Valley

A spectacular, deeply incised valley.

Addo Elephant National Park

Reserve famous for its massive elephant herds.

Addo Elephant National Park

A well-known park for its elephant herds.