Hamburg, Sunshine Coast
Just south of the mouth of the Kieskamma River, the (very) small town of Hamburg lies on the coast between the popular coastal city of East London and the as popular beach resort town of Port Alfred.
As such, Hamburg is often overlooked and passed by without a backward glance, or an understanding of the little town's merits as a place in which to get away from it all. Think of it as one of those very few 'undiscovered' coastal gems.
And yes, the name Hamburg is a direct connection to its German counterpart as it was named by a group of British-hired German legionnaires turned farmer who wanted to establish a port at the mouth of the river, which then went a little pear-shaped when the harbour kept silting up.
The legionnaires, apparently, quickly returned to their former roles as soldiers, finding farming a little difficult perhaps, but a second wave of German settlers could farm and soon established the coastal town as a great spot for would-be fishermen.
Then Hamburg was incorporated into the Ciskei by the apartheid government and for a while it was ignored by holiday makers. The beach though is so pretty (although 'pretty' is an understatement – it is rather rugged, vast and mostly unfrequented) that it was only time before it resumed its position as a popular beach side resort post 1994.
Whilst fishing is the major draw card to the area (it is known as the land of the monster kob) and you won't hit the beach without sighting at least a couple of lines out, there are also great heritage hiking trails, the chance to canoe, windsurf and bird watch.
In short, if you're looking for beach holiday away from the madding crowds, this is it.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Harewood Lodge
Harewood Lodge is a lovely family owned guest house, which is situated a mere l0 minute stroll away from the famous Nahoon beach and river. Come ...
The Golf Lodge B&B
The Golf Lodge B&B offers affordable and comfortable accommodation in the quaint town of Alexandria. Choose from our selection of rooms on a bed ...
Marina Martinique 1297
Marina Martinique 1297 offers quality accommodation for a family holiday. The holiday home is situated in a well known and sought after security ...
Bushman's Cabin
Bushman's Cabin is a self-catering holiday home located in a quiet neighbourhood in Boesmansriviermond, Eastern Cape. The Cabin can accommodate u...
Montrose Valley B&B
Montrose Valley B&B can be found in Bunkershill in East London and offers guests a comfortable place to stay. There is a swimming pool and off st...
Tulip Avenue Self Catering
Come and enjoy luxury accommodation at our beach house or one of our flatlets. Based on Tulip Street in Jeffreys bay, we offer self catering acco...
Hancke Holiday Apartments
Hancke Holiday Apartments are two spacious well furnished holiday apartments situated on the main beach in Jeffreys Bay, with breathtaking sea vi...
Villa Mtati
Villa Mtati is a spacious beachfront villa (sleeps 6) offering a fully catered experience. This exclusive use house is on three levels with panor...
Parrot Peek Inn
Parrot Peek Inn offers accommodation in East London. Choose from our range of comfortable rooms each equipped with quality linen and towels as we...
Things to do in the area
Keiskamma River Mouth
Keiskamma River Mouth is a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings and bird watch. If you are feeling more active why not go hik...
Noteworthy attractions
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...
Fish River Country Club
With breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean from several of its holes, the Fish River Sun Country Club offers golfers a parkland type challenge a...
Royal Port Alfred Golf Club
Situated at Port Alfred, which is on the coast more or less halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, the club was granted its 'Royal' pref...
St Francis Bay Golf Club
St Francis Bay Golf Club is situated in the village of St Francis Bay on the warm Indian Ocean coastline of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The...
St Francis Links
The layout of the St Francis Links Course combines every element of shot making with its undulating terrain, greens and surrounds as well as its ...
Wedgewood Country Club
At Wedgewood Country Club, 18-holes of lush, tree-lined parkland course is at your disposal. Enormous blue gum trees along undulating fairways, w...
Sibuya Game Reserve
Sibuya Game Reserve covers more than 2000 hectares and incorporates the unique East Cape Valley Bushveld, Grasslands and Coastal Forests. Antelop...
Woody Cape Nature Reserve
The conservation area extends over about 25 000 ha of lightly undulating to flat terrain and incorporates the Alexandria coastal dune fields (kno...
East London Museum
The East London Museum has the world's only dodo egg, a large natural science collection, collections ranging from the prehistoric times of South...
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