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
Algoa Guest House
Located in the beautiful seaside suburb of Summerstrand, only 200 metres from the beach, Algoa Guest House offers 8 comfortable double suites (on...
The Harbour Masters House
Island Vibe -The Harbour Masters House offers accommodation in a newly revamped heritage-style building with vintage finishes in keeping with the...
Summerseas Ocean Apartment
Summerseas Ocean Apartment is a 2-bedroom self-catering apartment situated in a secure complex on the beachfront in Summerstrand. Situated on the...
Walmer Villiers
Walmer Villiers offers accommodation as well as warm, friendly hospitality close to Walmer Park Shopping Mall and within walking distance from 6t...
Keiskama B&B
Keiskama B&B is a stylish establishment, suited to the business or leisure traveler. Guests will experience warm hospitality and personal service...
Bluewater Beachfront Guest House
Bluewater Beachfront Guest House is a guesthouse on the beachfront in a lovely suburb of Port Elizabeth called Bluewater Bay. Five en-suite bedro...
Cape Flame Guest House
Appealing to both the leisure and corporate traveler, this stylish guest house has 11 spacious, well-appointed en-suite rooms, that have been ind...
Island Way Beach House 54
Island Way Beach House 54 is an apartment offering secure accommodation in a complex in Summerstrand. The complex is located directly across from...
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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