Alexandria

Alexandria, The Chicory Capital and Coastal Gateway

A visit to Alexandria is often framed by the towering sand dunes of the Alexandria Dunefield, part of the Addo Elephant National Park, where hiking across these vast, wind-sculpted landscapes offers a distinctively physical encounter with the coast. The town itself serves as a practical and engaging stop on the scenic R72, positioned between the holiday hubs of Port Alfred and the urban centre of Gqeberha, making it a logical pivot point for exploring the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast.

The town’s identity is firmly rooted in its agricultural output, historically known as the chicory capital of South Africa. This legacy, alongside significant dairy farming and pineapple production, was supported by a once-strong railway presence that connected its produce to wider markets, a history that still informs the character of the surrounding farmlands today.

Activities here are firmly place-based. You can embark on sand dune hiking within the Addo Elephant National Park, view contemporary art at the Quin Sculpture Garden, or sample local produce at the renowned Nanaga Farm Stall. For a different pace, the nearby Boardwalk Hotel and Casino and Convention Centre offers entertainment, while the region invites coastline drives, river cruises on the Sundays River, and community-focused township tours.

With a Mediterranean climate and comfortable year-round temperatures ranging from 21.2°C to 27.0°C, Alexandria suits travellers seeking outdoor activity without extreme heat. It particularly appeals to road-trippers, hiking enthusiasts, and those interested in agricultural heritage. The town functions well as a weekend base or a stopover, with its seasonal calendar punctuated by events like the Emnyameni Music Festival in early October.

Practical exploration is easy, with nearby towns like Addo for elephant viewing, Kenton-on-Sea for beaches, and Makhanda for historical interest all within reach for day trips. After a day of hiking dunes or touring farms, Alexandria provides its own accommodation and dining options, ready to facilitate your next move along this varied coast.