Despatch, Port Elizabeth
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality comprises Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and the small town of Despatch (as well as the surrounding rural areas). As such, Despatch has become an extension of the two bigger towns flanking it, but has also retained its own character and identity.
Its history extends into the late 19th century, when bricks were being made here and then despatched to Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth for the building of homes. While the brick industry is now one of yesteryear, some of the old homes still exist as a memorial to the establishment of this little town and the business that put it on the map.
Despatch is now a quiet residential area, but is situated in the heart of the South African motor hub, with the Volkswagen and General Motors headquarters in Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth respectively. It is home to many families and retirees, and has a population of around 30 000 people.
The Despatch Museum is an excellent place in which to experience some of the history and heritage of the town. It tells the tale of its establishment, and even has a model of a Stegosaurus, the remnants of which were found in this area in 1903. A number of acclaimed sportsmen hailed from here; including Adri Geldynhuys (former Springbok rugby player), Danie Gerber (former South African Union rugby player), and Rudi Koertzen (a former international cricket umpire), amongst others. Some of their blazers, medals and photographs adorn the walls of this museum.
Thanks to its convenient locale, Despatch offers its visitors the feeling of a quiet Eastern Cape town, coupled with the conveniences of being close to the urban hub of Port Elizabeth, with its many restaurants, malls and gorgeous beaches. Uitenhage is a pretty town with loads of history and character, and is only a few minutes’ drive from Despatch.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Aquadel Accommodation
Situated in the seaside suburb of Bluewater Bay, Aquadel Accommodation is just a five minute walk from safe, clean beaches and is also close to a...
Summerseas Seaside Apartment
Summerseas Seaside Apartment is a self-catering holiday apartment in Summerstrand situated in a secure complex on the beachfront. Opening onto a ...
A&A Guesthouse
A&A Guesthouse is centrally situated close to the large Greenacres Shopping Mall next to the Port Elizabeth golf club and within short driving di...
Margate Place Guest House
AA Superior Graded, Margate Place Guest House, "the most tourist friendly Guest House in Port Elizabeth", offers B&B or self catering accommodati...
Singa Lodge
A chic five star boutique lodge set in lush tropical gardens and only one block from the Port Elizabeth beach front of Pollock Beach. Simply awes...
Cashmere Suites
Cashmere Suites is a Port Elizabeth Guest House located in the lovely area of Cotswold. The guest house is ideal for guests travelling for busine...
Garden Unit on Fordyce
Garden Unit on Fordyce accommodates two adults and two children in a King-size bed and a day bed. There is a large bathroom with a shower. The un...
Whistlewood Guest House
Whistlewood Guest House is delightful historic small guest house in Walmer, Port Elizabeth. It's blessed with high ceilings, stained glass window...
Kingsworth Inn
Kingsworth Guest House offers affordable, safe and hygienic accommodation in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), ideal for long or short term stays. The G...
Things to do in the area
The Despatch Museum
The Despatch museum is an interesting museum brimming with history and a wide variety of it at that. The first thing you will notice is the large...
Swartkops Beach
On the outskirts of the industrial area of Port Elizabeth, heading towards the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park, is the tiny sandy stre...
Noteworthy attractions
Donkin Heritage Trail
The Donkin Heritage Trail is named after the Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin. South Africans are well acquainte...
Fort Frederick
Like many national monuments, Fort Frederick first appears as little more than a few brick walls, albeit old walls that seem to hold little signi...
St Georges Park Cricket Ground
The oldest park in Port Elizabeth and the site of the second oldest cricket club in the country, St George’s Park lies in the heart of Port Eliza...
Humewood Golf Club
One of South Africa’s top-rated golf clubs, Humewood is a true Links course which has hosted numerous PGA events, including the South African Ope...
Bayworld Museum Complex
The Main Museum of Bayworld blends cultural and natural history. Embark on an exciting journey through time and through the fascinating world aro...
Eastern Cape Beaches
The Eastern Cape in South Africa boasts some of the world’s best beaches and 800 km of unspoilt picturesque coastlines where blue oceans tumble o...
Port Elizabeth Golf Club
Port Elizabeth Golf Club, which is commonly known as "The Hill", was founded in 1890 and is one of South Africa's oldest golf clubs. Today the pl...
Walmer Country Club - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Walmer Country Club with its warm and friendly atmosphere, is 54 years old. It has grown from strength to strength and has over 550 members. Walm...
Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Cape Recife Nature Reserve is one of the best bird-watching locations in Port Elizabeth. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve offers beautiful beach, n...
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