Cape Recife Nature Reserve

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. 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 Reserve is also regarded as one of the best bird-watching venues around Port Elizabeth.

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 : Weekly @ R32.10 per vehicle, annual (July - end June of each year) @ R163 .30 - reduced to half price from 1 February of each year.

Entrance for purpose of visiting SAMREC is gratis provided proof of visit is produced on exit from the Reserve.

Best times to visit 08h00 - 16H00. Visible security in Reserve during daylight hours.