Things to do

We also arrange tours for guests and car hire. Would you like us to suggest a day/night trip or adventure trip whilst you are in Port Elizabeth? Contact Us.

RIDE THE APPLE EXPRESS

This is a must-do activity for any railway enthusiast or anyone who wants to combine a sightseeing trip through a beautiful section of the Eastern Cape with the fun of a train trip.  This narrow-gauge train runs on a scenic 72 kilometre route between Port Elizabeth and the inland town of Loerie.  One of the highlights is a stop on the Van Stadens River Bridge.  At 77 metres above the river, this is the highest narrow-gauge railway bridge in the world.  Passengers can choose to walk across the bridge or stay on board for the crossing.   The views are fantastic!   A stiff drink (to calm the nerves if necessary after the bridge crossing) and a leisurely lunch are provided en route at the quaint Thornhill Hotel.  For more info go to www.apple-express.co.za.

VISIT JEFFREYS BAY, ST FRANCIS BAY AND CAPE ST FRANCIS

Approximately 65 kilometres west of Brighton Lodge (an easy 45 minute drive on the national highway) lies the surfers paradise of Jeffreys Bay (www.jeffreysbaytourism.org) one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world including the famous “Supertubes”.  A whole industry has been created around J-Bay’s (as it is locally known) surfing fame and local craft shops, clothing shops, coffee shops and restaurants create a special laid back ambience.  You can also visit the Jeffreys Bay Surf Museum and the Shell Museum.  Another 35 kilometres down the road lie the quaint villages of St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis.   St Francis bay is one of the most unique seaside villages in the world.  All the houses are white with black roofs and approximately half of the village is built around the largest web of man made canals and waterways in Africa.   Take a boat cruise along the canals and onto the magnificent Kromme River which flows past the village.  Visit the port at Port St Francis and have a meal in one of the many local restaurants.   A few kilometres away you will find the more rustic seaside village of Cape St Francis with its magnificent stretch of beach.  On the “wild side” you can climb the historic Seal Point lighthouse, the tallest masonry tower on the South African coast.

A visit to all three villages is an easy day trip from Brighton Lodge.

TAKE THE PLUNGE OFF THE BLOUKRANS BRIDGE

Make the highest commercial bridge-jump in the world off the Bloukrans Bridge – an awe inspiring 216 metres.   Situated approximately 150 kilometres west of Brighton Lodge along the famous and beautiful Garden Route an excursion to the bridge is a comfortable day trip from Brighton Lodge.  Almost anyone can do it – if a 95-year old can do it so can you!   The only rules are that you must be over 14 and weigh more than 35 kilograms.   Go to www.faceadrenalin.com for more details.

VISIT THE BAVIAANSKLOOF

There is a place of great beauty not far from Brighton Lodge – it is called Baviaanskloof (“Valley of the Baboons”).   The Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve is one of the largest wilderness conservation areas in South Africa – a mega-reserve comprising approximately 500 000 Hectares of unspoilt mountainous terrain.  The reserve is home to over 1 000 different plant species (including Protea and ancient cycads) and more than 50 mammal species (including buffalo, leopard, baboons and a variety of antelope).  In addition the reserve provides a habitat for over 300 bird species and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.   The condition of the gravel road through the reserve varies depending on the season, but it is definitely not suitable for sedans and at certain times certain sections are only suitable for 4 x 4 vehicles.   But for those who like the wilds (and perhaps even for those who think they don’t) it is a road you should travel at least once in your lifetime.  You will be rewarded with enduring memories of a magical and mystical place.

A variety of tour options through the Baviaanskloof, including day trips, are available.  Ask us to assist you to arrange a tour that suits you.  For more information and picture gallery go to www.ecparks.co.za/parks-reserves/baviaanskloof.

VISIT THE ADDO ELEPHANT PARK

Only 80 kilometres and less that 1 hour’s drive from Brighton Lodge you will encounter not only the Big Five but the Big Seven (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard, whale and the great white shark) at the Addo Elephant Park.   Situated in the malaria free area of the Sundays River valley the 164 000 hectare park is home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth (over 450), 400 Cape buffalo, over 50 of the endangered black rhino, lion and leopard.  Other mammals include a variety of antelope, zebra, jackal, warthog and hyena.  The park has been expanded to include a coastal nature reserve and a marine reserve resulting in the addition of whale and great white shark to the traditional “Big 5″.   If you are a birder Addo provides you with an opportunity to spot over 150 species of bird.  There are approximately 600 different plant species and the park is also home to the endangered flightless dung beetle.  When visiting the Addo Park be sure to take comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, camera and a hat and sunblock.  Maps and brochures on the park and wildlife reference books are available from the reception at Brighton Lodge.

Addo offers a variety of game drive options including self drive guided tours.  Brighton Lodge can also assist you to arrange tours where you will be collected from Brighton and returned at the end of the day.

TOUR THE BATTLEFIELDS OF THE EASTERN CAPE

The Eastern Cape was the scene of many fierce battles during the Cape Frontier Wars (also known as the Xhosa Wars) of the 18th and 19th centuries including the battle of Grahamstown where, in 1819, 10 000 Xhosa warriors attacked the village and were repulsed by a small garrison of approximately 330 British troops and civilians.   Organised tours will take you through the heart of “frontier territory” where you can relive the conflict that spans 100 years.  Day tours are available departing from Brighton Lodge.  Go to www.en.wikipedia.org/Wiki/Xhosa-Wars for more information on the frontier wars.

ELEPHANT SAFARIS

Fancy a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up really close and personal with the giants of the African bush?   About 1 hour’s drive from Brighton Lodge you can walk with, feed and ride elephants through the diverse Eastern Cape bushveld.  Experienced handlers share their knowledge and insight into these magnificent beasts and allow you to interact with them in their natural habitat.  Afterwards sip a sundowner from a viewing deck and watch them frolicking at their favourite watering hole.   This is an African bush experience not to be missed.   Talk to us about arranging this unforgettable day trip for you.

VISIT THE CAPE RECIFE NATURE RESERVE

A few kilometres down the road from Brighton Lodge is the Cape Recife Nature Reserve.  This reserve offers an incredible diversity of outdoor activity.   Take a bucket and a net and explore the tidal pools for underwater life including a variety of mollusc, starfish and fish – or simply stroll down the magnificent sandy beaches.  The reserve is a bird-watchers paradise where over 190 species can be spotted.   Birders come from all over the world to tick off the many rare species of terns which roost here including the endangered Roseate Tern and Antarctic Tern and the rare Damara Tern.   Seabirds including many species of gulls and the African Black Oyster Catcher abound.  There is also a bird hide on the reclaimed wetland where freshwater species including the Black Crane, African Swamp Hen and Little Bitten can be spotted.   The reserve has a number of walking trails of varying lengths catering for the fit and not so fit.   Meander through the fynbos and you may spot a Grysbok (a small antelope endemic to fynbos), mongoose, Cape Clawless Otters, bushpig and vervet monkeys – or do some shipwreck spotting from the well preserved rooftop of the old fortress observation post which was erected in 1940 as a World War II lookout.   You will also find the Cape Recife lighthouse which was erected in 1851 (go to www.lighthouses.co.za for more information on this and other lighthouses in South Africa).

VISIT BAYWORLD

Bayworld is one of Port Elizabeth’s “must see” tourist attractions, is situated on the beachfront and comprises the Museum, Oceanarium, Snake Park and Tropical House. In addition to the popular daily dolphin and seal presentations hosted at he Oceanarium, the Snake Park also houses a wide variety of exotic and indigenous snakes as well as an impressive variety of Eastern Cape Reptiles.

BEACHES

What makes Port Elizabeths’ beaches so special is that Algoa Bay boasts 40 km of magnificent coastline and protected beaches, complemented by a perfect combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes. Included in the 40 km coastline are King’s Beach, Hobie Beach, Pollok Beach, Brighton Beach, Bluewater Bay, St George’s Strand and Wells Estate. The wide expanses of golden sands are ideal for safe and sheltered swimming, snorkelling, body surfing, yachting, windsurfing, jetskiing, fishing and beautiful beach walks. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season at all the main beaches.

SEA

Port Elizabeth lies on the shores of Algoa Bay, a superb 40-kilometre sweep of golden beaches lapped by the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a paradise for sunbathers, the watersport and the whale-watcher; these giant marine mammals (mostly of the southern wright type) come inshore in number enthusiast to breed and to give birth to their young between June and November each year.

WILD LIFE AND GAME VIEWING

A variety of game viewing venues are available within less that an hour’s drive of Port Elizabeth. Included in these venues are private game reserves, one of which boasts the “Big Five”, in a Malaria-Free environment. The Addo Elephant National Park, which was proclaimed in order to save the Eastern Cape Elephant and Cape Buffalo from extinction, is now home to over 314 elephants and offers sanctuary to a myriad of birds, the black rhino, numerous antelope species as well as the unique flightless dung beetle. A game and lion park is situated a mere 18km from the city centre, which allows for close-up game viewing on 31 hectares of pristine coastal bush.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Port Elizabeth offers an abundance of nature reserves ranging from a floral wonderland to unspoilt sand dunes and dramatic mountain ranges. A variety of scenic walks are available within the city limits that includes coastal and valley experiences. These trails can be self-guided or accompanied by expert trail guides. A host of other adventures are also available such as birding, mountain biking and horse riding.

TAKE A WALK

There are a number of walking trails in and around Port Elizabeth including the Guinea Fowl Trail, Bushbuck Walking Trail and Sacramento Trail. Ask at our reception for details.

GOLF

The Humewood Golf Course (one of three courses in Port Elizabeth) is situated 3 kilometres from Brighton Lodge.  This links course is consistently ranked as one of South Africa’s top ten courses.  In the opinion of the late Bobby Locke who won 4 British Open Championships between 1949 and 1957, this course compares favourably with the top links courses in the British Isles.  In addition to Port Elizabeth’s three courses there are a number of other excellent courses within a easy hour’s drive of Port Elizabeth including the highly rated Jack Nichlaus designed St Francis links.

Tootabi Valley Safaris – HUNT FOR A DAY

 

Come and enjoy a day of hunting in a malaria free area.
Price: – USD 850 – you will get the following: -

• Transport to and from the lodge
• Trophy Impala or Blesbuck
• One meal and beverages
• Included: – hunting permit, rifle and ammunition skinning and field preparation of trophies

Observers rate: USD 150
Please contact us to make the necessary arrangement for you.