WHETHER you’re a local resident or if you’re planning a visit to Gqeberha this Easter holiday you are in for a treat! Besides the exquisite beaches, amazing nature reserves and friendly locals, Gqeberha also offers visitors a chance to get to know the city’s history. There’s something for everyone! Here are three cool things to do with your family in Gqeberha:
The Beach
Whether you’re looking for a safe place to suntan, or a shady area near the waves to watch your kids play around in the sand, the beaches in Gqeberha are the perfect place to park your umbrella. The coastal region of Nelson Mandela Bay offers you 40km of beautiful golden beaches! Kings Beach extends from the harbour wall to Humewood and is ideal for swimming and body surfing. Hobie Beach, which is in the vicinity of the Boardwalk and Shark Rock Pier, is a hot spot for volleyball enthusiasts and is the venue for the annual “Splash Festival”.
The History
If you’re a sucker for cultural heritage sites, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Gqeberha. The metro is home to some of the Eastern Cape’s more popular monuments, such as Fort Frederick, Cape Recife Lighthouse, the South End Museum and the Donkin Reserve and Donkin Heritage Trail. One of the all-time favourites has to be the Campanile. This historical building, erected to commemorate the landing of the 1820 Settlers, is situated at the entrance to the railway station and docks on Strand Street. It is 50m high and has a climb of 204 steps! The magnificent view of the harbour, once you’ve reached the top is priceless!
The Wildlife
While residing in Gqeberha is not exactly deemed as “outback living” you’ll find a fair share of wildlife and nature here. There are an array of hot spots, on the outskirts of Nelson Mandela Bay, that showcase the natural beauty that the Eastern Cape has to offer. Some of these include Van Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve, Settler’s Park, Maitlands Nature Reserve, Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area and Groendal Wilderness. You are also spoilt for choice if game viewing is your thing. Nelson Mandela Bay boasts an amazing selection of stunning game reserves and game drives that might bring you face-to-face with a member of the Big 7! For more, check out Addo Elephant National Park, Kragga Kamma Game Park and the Seaview Predator Park.
For more information check out the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism website, to learn about the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism pass card that will give you free access and many great discounts to many of these attractions.
Luchae Williams is a multi award winning parenting blogger and mom of 5. Her Blog My Spreadsheet Brain focuses on parenting, marriage and faith with a healthy dose of Humour. Luchae is also one of the founders and hosts of #ECMeetUp – an annual bloggers conference held in the Eastern Cape. Follow her on Instagram Facebook TikTok
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