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Gqeberha

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Gqeberha, The Friendly City Frontier

Perched right on the shores of Algoa Bay where the N2 sweeps down the coast, Gqeberha is the vibrant heart of the Eastern Cape, nestled almost perfectly halfway between the surfing paradise of Jeffreys Bay and the historic settler charm of Grahamstown.

The city is also just a breezy 45-minute drive from the start of the glorious Garden Route, so you’re perfectly positioned for a coastal adventure of any kind.

The city centre is a wonderful museum of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and the magnificent Campanile monument with its 52-metre tall bell tower (the tallest of its kind in South Africa) is a must-see landmark that tells the story of the 1820 settlers. Not for nothing is much of the city centre a declared conservation area, with over 120 beautiful buildings protected.

The tower is famous for its 204 steps to the top – a bit of a climb, but the panoramic views of the harbour are absolutely worth every single one. A thriving community of artists and craftspeople call the city home, drawn by that unique blend of ocean energy and historical depth.

Right on the city’s doorstep lies the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve, a stunning 890-hectare stretch of pristine dune forest, rocky headlands and that famously long, empty beach. The reserve is part of the larger Cape Recife dune system, which includes unique limestone formations and a vital coastal wetland. It’s no surprise that the area is a crucial sanctuary for coastal birds and rare plants. You will visit to walk the dog-friendly trails, swim in the clear tidal pools, hunt for shells on the vast beach, or simply watch the dolphins play from the cliffs.