Kragga Kamma Game Park, located in the suburb of Kragga Kamma in Port Elizabeth, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the wilds of Africa in a unique and intimate way. The park, which is home to a wide variety of species including giraffe, zebra, buffalo, rhino, and a variety of antelope, as well as the elusive cheetahs, can be explored by taking a drive in your own vehicle along the well-maintained roads.
One of the great things about Kragga Kamma Game Park is that the wildlife is accustomed to vehicles and will not shy away from them, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to see these animals up close. For an even more interactive experience, visitors can also take part in the Cheetah Tours, which enable visitors to interact with these magnificent predators.
For birdwatchers, the park is a paradise, with over 200 recorded bird species, including Fish Eagles, Sparrow Hawks, Jackal Buzzards, and the beautiful Yellow-billed Kites. There is even a boardwalk at canopy height that allows for optimal views.
Donkin Heritage Trail
Kragga Kamma Game Park offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions to explore and enjoy. One popular activity is the Donkin Heritage Trail, a 5 kilometre trail that follows in the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers, linking 47 historical sites in central Port Elizabeth. The trail is named after the Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin, and visitors can walk in the footsteps of the 4000 British settlers who arrived by ship in the Old Hill area of Port Elizabeth.
The Donkin Heritage Trail is a joy for those who love historical tours, as the rich history is not only charming but also fascinating. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, as the route is conveniently signposted, and the trail begins with a walk around the central city market square, the centrepiece of which is the City Hall, which dates from 1858. In the square also stands a replica of the Diaz Cross, commemorating the first European to sail into Algoa Bay in 1488, when Bartholomew Diaz landed on the shores.
Part of the trail includes the Donkin Houses and the Donkin Reserve, while the library building, a gorgeous example of Victorian Gothic architecture, is on the corner of Market Square. Number 7 Castle Hill, which is one of the oldest surviving settler cottages in the city, and Pembridge House are also part of the historical trail.
Visitors can also climb the Campanile, a spiral staircase that entails 204 steps, but the views over Algoa Bay are well worth the effort. Other buildings and monuments of interest include the King George VI art gallery, an open air theatre, a conservatory, numerous churches and an opera house, all within walking distance of the Donkin houses.
Donkin Street also forms part of Art Route 67, a self-guided architectural tour of historical Port Elizabeth, and visitors can explore the old lighthouse, a series of old Victorian churches, and a large pyramid built in memory of Donkin’s deceased wife. The Donkin Heritage Trail is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Port Elizabeth and its settlers.
Fort Frederick
Kragga Kamma Game Park offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions to explore and enjoy. One popular attraction is Fort Frederick, a national monument that may at first glance appear to be little more than a few brick walls. However, it is only in learning the history behind the fort that it takes on a meaning of its own.
Fort Frederick was built in 1799 to defend the mouth of the Baakens River and stands overlooking the harbour in the South African ‘windy’ or ‘friendly city’ of Port Elizabeth. The fort offers visitors stunning views over Algoa Bay alone, making it a worthwhile visit.
On the north side of the fort lies the grave of Captain Francis Evatt, Commandant of Fort Frederick between 1817 and 1847. Captain Evatt is known to have overseen the arrival of the Settlers in 1820. The fort is a historical site that represents the rich history of the region, and visitors can learn about the events that shaped the city’s past.
Overall, Fort Frederick is a fascinating attraction that provides visitors with a glimpse into the past and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the region’s past.
Bayworld Museum Complex
Kragga Kamma Game Park offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions to explore and enjoy. One popular attraction is the Bayworld Museum Complex, one of Port Elizabeth’s major tourist attractions, situated along Marine Drive on the beachfront at Humewood. The complex comprises the Museum, Oceanarium, Snake Park, and Number 7 Castle Hill Museum. The underlying theme of Bayworld is public education, and is aimed at stimulating a greater awareness of the need for conservation of our natural and cultural heritage.
The Main Museum of Bayworld blends cultural and natural history. Visitors can embark on an exciting journey through time and through the fascinating world around us. Marvel at the diversity of museum displays, from prehistoric dinosaurs to ethnic beadwork, as well as a variety of historical treasures that will keep visitors intrigued for hours. Noteworthy exhibits include the 15m skeleton of the last southern right whale harpooned in Algoa Bay, a life-sized reconstruction of the giant prehistoric dinosaur known as Algoasaurus, a replica of the Dias Cross, and a 5m bronze cannon dated 1640 recovered from a Portuguese galleon wrecked near Port Elizabeth.
The popular seal and penguin presentations take place daily at the Oceanarium. Exhibits within the Oceanarium include an underwater observation area in the aquarium, a dolphin research centre, various smaller tanks for different species of bony fish, as well as two larger tanks housing sharks and stingrays.
A wide variety of reptiles such as tortoises, snakes and crocodiles can be viewed at the Snake Park, the oldest in Africa. Rare and threatened species including Madagascar ground boas are housed safely in realistically landscaped glass enclosures. Reptile demonstrations take place daily.
No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1830 and is now regarded as one of the oldest surviving Settler cottages in Port Elizabeth. The interior presents a picture of domestic life such as many which was enjoyed by English middle class family in mid-19th Century Port Elizabeth. The dollhouse, lace and kitchen are particularly impressive. The museum is a picturesque family dwelling located in Castle Hill Road, Central, has Yellowwood floors and beams, and a restored slate roof.
Overall, the Bayworld Museum Complex offers visitors a unique and educational experience, with a wide range of exhibits and activities that cover both natural and cultural history. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the region’s past.
The park also offers visitors a variety of facilities including picnic spots and braai facilities, as well as a restaurant-cum-coffee shop and a small curio shop. Visitors can even have their photograph taken with the tame cheetah, who is known to enjoy having his belly rubbed.
Self-drive tours require an entrance fee for adults and scholars (up to 18 years), but there is no charge for children under 6 years old. Guided game drives are also available at a fee. Whether you prefer to explore the park on your own or with a trained guide, Kragga Kamma Game Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts visiting Port Elizabeth.
