The historic lighthouse was built in 1849 and is located in the Cape Recife nature reserve. Just north are the Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth International Airport and SANCCOB.
Cape Recife activities are subject to parking at the gate just before SAMREC and walking to the starting point of your trail. Some of these distances may be a challenge. The 366 hectare Cape Recife Nature Reserve was proclaimed in 1973, and is situated next to the Pine Lodge Holiday Resort off Marine Drive, Summerstrand. The reserve offers some of the best beaches and views within Port Elizabeth, the Roseate Tern Hiking trail and is home to SANCCOB Port Elizabeth where one can view the rehabilitation of marine animals in particular the African Penguin.
Why don’t you get your walking shoes on and start a 9 km circular walking trail starts at the entrance gate of the Nature Reserve and offers beautiful unspoilt beaches, natural dune vegetation, rocky outcrops, a lighthouse built in 1851, an old military observation post, as well as a bird hide. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve is also regarded as one of the best bird-watching venues around Gqeberha.
Entrance permits available from Pine Lodge Resort located at entrance to Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Entrance only with permit, zero tolerance for diving thus no entry with diving equipment.
Price of permits per vehicle (subject to change, please confirm pricing at Pine Lodge):
– Weekly @ R68.00 per vehicle,
– Annual (July – end June of each year) @ R344 – reduced to half price from 1 February of each year.
– Entrance for purpose of visiting SANCCOB is free/gratis provided proof of visit is produced on exit from the Reserve. Vehicles to park at SANCCOB and access to the reserve by foot.
– Entrance by foot and non motorised transport is free – parking available at gate.
– Weekly @ R68.00 per vehicle,
– Annual (July – end June of each year) @ R344 – reduced to half price from 1 February of each year.
– Entrance for purpose of visiting SANCCOB is free/gratis provided proof of visit is produced on exit from the Reserve. Vehicles to park at SANCCOB and access to the reserve by foot.
– Entrance by foot and non motorised transport is free – parking available at gate.
Best times to visit 08h00 – 16H00. Visible security in Reserve during daylight hours.
Such a great turnout at the #ECYethu #ecyourstoexplore #sharethebay#cityofgqeberha INSTAMEET at the @caperecifelighthouse @nelsonmandelabay @easterncapetourism
