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Eastern Province - Port St Francis |  |
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Eastern Cape, to the west of Port Elizabeth The bay, which stretches from Port Elizabeth(specifically, from nearby Cape Recife) east to the village of St Francis Bay, is fringed by a beautiful, 100-kilometre stretch of sandy coastline graced by a number of nature reserves, small towns and seaside resorts (including Jeffrey's Bay and Aston Bay). The waters are popular among anglers and surfers; Paradise Beach, at the lagoon confluence of the Seekoei and Swan rivers, is home to breeding pairs of swans. The picturesque holiday village of St Francis Bay lies nestled among the green clad dunes lining the beautiful Bay of St Francis. Dolphins and whales play along the shoreline while the sound of gulls echo lazily overhead. The Kromme River, navigable for 10 Km upstream from the moth, twist and winds its tranquil way down to the azure sea creating a paradise for fishermen, boaters, canoeists, windsurfers and the marine creatures which shelter in its waters. Lined to the river is a magnificent marina where the unique architecture, gracious white walled thatched homes, is reflected in the tranquil waters of the canals. Situated only an hours drive from the city of Port Elizabeth, the climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters. A magnificent white, gently sloping beach extends appromimately 3 km from the main bathing area to the river mouth and even beyond, providing safe bathing for young and old - a place to soak up the sun. The bay itself is world famous for its waves and is frequented by surfers from all over South Africa and overseas. The waters of the bay are ideally suited for hobie catting , windsurfing, rubberducking, surfing, paddleski-ing, in fact any sort of water sport. St Francis boasts some of the finest rock and surf angling along the East coast and hours of pleasant leisure can be enjoyed, fishing upstream on the Kromme River, or even from your own jetty on the canals of the marina. A nature lover could lose himself in the natural beauty of the area, with pristine hiking and biking trails through the nature reserve with "Fynbos" and antelope, along a dune river system with its unique landscape, or along white expanses of beach. Bird life is abundant with over 200 species recorded in an area including the rare African Oyster Catcher and magnificent Fish Eagle. Port St Francis is a small boat harbour which lies in a sheltered nook of the bay and provides a picturesque setting and safe anchorage for calamari boats, pleasure craft, and ocean going yachts. Attractive residential units snuggle into the landscape gardens overlooking the activities of the harbour. Ships and a hotel will soon complete the development. Surrounding the harbour in the Mediterranean style section of the village, with red tiled roofs, arches and warm coloured walls. An airpark nearby caters for those who wish to fly in.Adjcent to St Francis Bay is the rustic fishing village of Cape St Francis, popular for its surfing and Seal Point with its beautiful stretch of beach and historic lighthouse, built in 1878. Walking trails wind along the rocky coast, through the Irma Booysen Floral Reserve, and along the Cape St Francis point, linking it with the village of St Francis Bay. Excellent accommodation is available in St Francis Bay in well appointed lodges, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments where the emphasis is on friendliness and quality. A quaint shipping center caters for visitors needs, and a variety of restaurants titillate the palates of holiday makers. With an excellent golf course, bowling green, and tennis courts for the sports lover, then the stunning Garden Route, enchanting inland valleys laden with citrus fruits, private game reserves and other holiday attractions right on your doorstep, all add up to the perfect venue for the holiday of a lifetime. Cape St Francis Cape St Francis is a rustic down to earth fishing and holiday village. On Seal Point, the Western most extremity of Cape St Francis is a cylindrical lighthouse built in 1873 and now a national Monument. This marks what local anglers would claim is the best fishing spot in the land. For yellowtail at least few would contest this title and large shoals can still be encountered during the summer. Surfers also flock to this village to surf the waves at Seal Point. Port St Francis A small craft and commercial fishing harbour has been developed which was opened in December 1996. This is a new extension of St Francis on Sea. This exciting development will be a major attraction to the area and provide yatches with a much needed harbour along the coast. It also houses a shopping center, restaurants, entertainment center and a fish market. |
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PORT ST FRANCIS Western Cape
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