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Points of Interest in Gqeberha

10 points of interest in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape with CastAwayZA. Get GPS directions on the free app.

Points of Interest

Cape Recife Lighthouse

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe Cape Recife Lighthouse is an active 24-meter-high octagonal beacon situated at the tip of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Built in 1851, it warns ships of the treacherous Thunderbolt Reef and is famous for its striking black and white bands. Guided Tours: Visitors can climb the 87 steps to the top for 360-degree views. Tours are typically available in the mornings. Permits: Entry to the reserve requires a permit, available at Pine Lodge Resort (usually cash only).View details →
Points of Interest

The Campanile

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe Campanile is a 52-metre-high historical memorial in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Built in 1923 to mark the centenary of the 1820 Settlers' landing, it stands at the entrance to the railway station and docks. Observation Room: You can climb 204 steps to reach the top for a panoramic view of the harbour and city. Carillon: It houses the largest collection of bells in South Africa, featuring 23 bronze bells weighing a total of 17 tons. Modern Upgrades: Following major renovations in 2017, the tower now includes art galleries on various floors and a lift (though its operation can vary).View details →
Points of Interest

Harbour Board Building

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe historic Harbour Board Building, often called the "White Building," is located in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). It is celebrated as one of the country's finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Timeline: The foundation stone was laid on 14 January 1904 by J. Searle. Recognition: Proclaimed a National Monument in 1968. Architecture: Designed in the Art Nouveau (or Liberty) style with massive stone exteriors. Interior: Features richly ornamented woodwork, a grand staircase, and intricate stained glass windows. Designers: Created by the architectural firm Jones & McWilliams.View details →
Points of Interest

St. Peters Church Ruins

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe St. Peters Church Ruins, located in the historic South End of Gqeberha, are the stone remnants of an Anglican church built in 1875. Once a central community hub, the church was deconsecrated in 1972 following the apartheid-era forced removals that displaced its congregation. In 2025, the site was officially reopened as the St. Peters Rainbow Village, a heritage and tourism precinct managed by the Mandela Bay Development Agency. Location: 6 Gardner Circle, South End, Gqeberha. Hours: Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00) and Saturday (10:00–15:00). Entry: Free for public viewing.View details →
Points of Interest

Giant Flagpole

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe giant flagpole in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is located at the Donkin Reserve. Standing at 65 metres tall, it is widely considered the tallest flying flagpole in South Africa. Location: Donkin Reserve, overlooking the city and the Indian Ocean. Height: 65 metres (extended from an original 45m and then 60m). Flag Size: 12m x 8m—roughly the size of a tennis court.Symbolism: Part of Route 67, a public art initiative commemorating the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to politics. While the flagpole remains a major landmark, its maintenance is a frequent topic of local discussion. High winds in the "Windy City" often cause the flag to tear or put strain on the motor used to hoist it.View details →
Points of Interest

Schonies Whale Bone

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe Schoenies Whale Bone is a unique, local coastal landmark located in Schoenmakerskop, Gqeberha. Situated just a short distance down the beach from the Sacramento Café, these natural remains are left over from a whale carcass that washed up on the rocky coastline. It serves as a fascinating outdoor curiosity for hikers, nature lovers, and families walking along the coastal trails.View details →
Points of Interest

Molly’s Corner

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeMolly’s Corner is a scenic coastal landmark and popular lookout point situated along Marine Drive in the quiet beachside village of Schoenmakerskop, Gqeberha. Positioned directly along the rugged, rocky coastline, this destination offers stunning, unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean, making it a favorite pitstop for road trippers, local walkers, and weekend day-trippers. Known for its refreshing sea breezes and excellent vantage points, it serves as an inviting open-air spot to relax, stretch your legs, or watch for dolphins and whales moving along the Nelson Mandela Bay shoreline.View details →
Points of Interest

Yellow Frame Cape Recife Lighthouse

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe Yellow Frame Cape Recife Lighthouse is an iconic, oversized tourism installation and interactive selfie spot located on the sandy dunes of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve in Gqeberha. Painted in a vibrant "corporate yellow" that mirrors Nelson Mandela Bay’s official logo, this massive 390kg metal frame is perfectly placed to capture spectacular, postcard-ready photos of the historic 1851 black-and-white striped lighthouse tower in the background. It serves as a highly popular and fun open-air stop for road trippers, hikers, and photography lovers looking to document their coastal journey and #ShareTheBay on social media.View details →
Points of Interest

Nature Reserve Cape Recife

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeThe Cape Recife Nature Reserve is a pristine 366-hectare coastal sanctuary beautifully positioned at the southernmost point of Algoa Bay in Gqeberha. Proclaimed in 1973, this environmentally vital reserve sits directly next to Pine Lodge off Marine Drive, offering a spectacular mix of rolling sand dunes, untouched beaches, and dramatic rocky outcrops. It serves as a major eco-tourism asset, housing the historic 1851 Cape Recife Lighthouse, World War II military remnants, and the renowned SANCCOB marine bird rehabilitation center. Providing sweeping ocean views and unparalleled birdwatching opportunities, it is an essential, invigorating destination for hikers, surfers, and wildlife lovers looking to explore the wilder side of Nelson Mandela Bay.View details →
Points of Interest

Log Viewpoint Ziggy’s

Gqeberha, Eastern CapeLog Viewpoint Ziggy’s is a breathtaking oceanfront scenic lookout and casual outdoor viewing area in Summerstrand, Gqeberha. Positioned directly on the rustic grass embankments of Ziggy's Rock & Reggae Bar inside the Pine Lodge Resort property, this popular vantage point features a distinct, natural log seating structure right at the edge of the coastal fynbos vegetation. Offering completely unobstructed, panoramic views of the crashing Indian Ocean waves and the wild Cape Recife shoreline, it serves as an iconic, laid-back spot for travelers to sit back, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and soak in Nelson Mandela Bay’s beautiful coastal landscapes.View details →

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