
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Gqeberha, South Africa
1. Donkey Sanctuary
A haven for rescued donkeys, offering educational tours and a unique opportunity to interact with these friendly creatures.
- Rescue Mission: Provides a safe home for donkeys in need.
- Educational Tours: Offers insight into the lives of these often-overlooked animals.
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to interact with and learn from donkeys.
2. Schuttertje's Brewery
A microbrewery offering tours, tastings, and a unique beer-making experience.
- Craft Beer Production: Produces small batches of artisanal beers.
- Tours and Tastings: Provides visitors with an insight into the beer-making process.
- Unique Atmosphere: Creates a casual, welcoming environment for visitors to relax and enjoy their brews.
3. Addo Elephant Park
A unique wildlife reserve where visitors can see elephants in a natural setting.
- Elephant Population: Home to a large population of elephants, including the famous 'Addo Eleven'.
- Wildlife Diversity: Offers sightings of various other wildlife species like lions, rhinos, and buffaloes.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Gqeberha, making it a convenient day trip.
4. Kenton-on-Sea
A charming seaside village with quiet beaches and scenic walks.
- Quiet Beaches: Offers tranquil, secluded beaches perfect for relaxation.
- Scenic Walks: Features picturesque walking trails along the coastline.
- Artist Colony: Home to a vibrant community of artists and art galleries.
5. Bushman Sands
A unique desert oasis with luxurious glamping tents and stunning stargazing.
- Glamping Tents: Offers a luxurious, eco-friendly camping experience.
- Stargazing: Provides clear skies for stunning nighttime views of the stars.
- Desert Oasis: A peaceful retreat amidst the surrounding desert landscape.
6. Colchester Wildlife Reserve
A nature reserve offering unique birdwatching opportunities and diverse wildlife.
- Bird Watching: Features over 200 species of birds, including the rare black harrier.
- Wildlife Diversity: Offers sightings of various other wildlife like antelope and caracal.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports local conservation initiatives to preserve the area's biodiversity.
7. St Francis Bay Canoe Trail
A scenic canoe trip through a maze of canals and lagoons.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of coastal dunes, wetlands, and wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Allows for close encounters with dolphins, seals, and various bird species.
- Peaceful Experience: Provides a relaxing, peaceful environment to unwind and enjoy nature.
8. Hailstorm Cave Art Centre
A unique art center showcasing the work of local San artists and their ancient cave paintings.
- San Artistry: Features traditional San artwork, including rock engravings and paintings.
- Cultural Education: Offers insights into the culture, history, and traditions of the San people.
- Art Gallery: Showcases contemporary art inspired by traditional San motifs and techniques.
9. The Red Location Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of anti-apartheid activism and the struggle for freedom.
- Historical Significance: Chronicles the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of anti-apartheid activists.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes immersive exhibits that engage visitors in the narrative.
- Community Involvement: Supports local communities through educational programs and workshops.
10. Thompson's Beach
A secluded beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Swimming and Snorkeling: Offers opportunities to explore the marine life in the shallow waters.
- Beach Relaxation: Provides a peaceful, serene environment for relaxation and sunbathing.
- Accessibility: Located close to other attractions in the area, making it a convenient stop.
11. Schotia Wildlife Park
A wildlife park offering guided tours and close encounters with various African species.
- Wildlife Encounters: Allows visitors to get up close and personal with big cats, rhinos, and other animals.
- Guided Tours: Offers informative tours led by knowledgeable guides.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation initiatives to protect endangered species.
12. Cofimvaba Cultural Village
A traditional Xhosa village offering insights into the local culture, customs, and way of life.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to immerse themselves in Xhosa culture and traditions.
- Artisans and Crafts: Features local artisans selling handmade crafts and artwork.
- Traditional Dancing and Music: Offers performances of traditional Xhosa music and dance.
13. Baviaans Wilderness Area
A vast wilderness area offering wildlife sightings, scenic drives, and stunning night skies.
- Wildlife Encounters: Provides opportunities to spot various wildlife species like elephants, lions, and antelope.
- Scenic Drives: Offers beautiful drives through diverse landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and rivers.
- Dark Sky Reserve: Designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve for its exceptional night skies.
14. Kleinplas Game Farm
A private game reserve offering safari experiences and a chance to see the Big Five.
- Big Five Sightings: Offers opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes.
- Guided Safaris: Provides knowledgeable guides for an informative safari experience.
- Privacy and Exclusivity: Offers a more intimate, exclusive safari experience compared to larger reserves.
15. Cape St Francis Nature Reserve
A coastal reserve offering hiking trails, birdwatching, and stunning ocean views.
- Hiking Trails: Features various walking trails with breathtaking coastal vistas.
- Birdwatching: Offers opportunities to spot various bird species, including the endangered Damara tern.
- Coastal Beauty: Provides a beautiful setting for relaxation and enjoyment of nature.