Redhouse, Port Elizabeth
The picturesque little village of Redhouse - the epitome of tranquillity - lies positioned right on the edge of the Swartkops River, about 15 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. Life here is all about the river, its estuary and its adjacent saltpans - one of the best places in the country for sightings of the less common estuarine waders and terns, and, despite its urban setting, a ‘must see’ birding spot for fanatics and bird lovers.
Over 10 000 water birds come here in summer - the dense succulent thicket vegetation to the north protected by the Zwartkops Valley and Aloe Nature reserves – birding specialists recommend at least 3 hours to ‘bird’ the estuary and saltpans at low tide. You’ll catch more than a glimpse of flamingos, African black oystercatchers, sand plovers, sandpipers and little terns.
The nicest nearby beach is Bluewater Bay, but you’ll find that life on the Swartkops River is such that the sea needn’t feature in your holiday. The constant call of birds, river sailing and boating, swimming, skiing and river cruises mean that days easily slide into a happy water-filled existence that only needs the odd foray to a supermarket for supplies, or hiking and mountain biking in the Aloe or Zwartkops Valley reserves, to complete the picture of serenity.
But if living the colonial lifestyle in Redhouse - all that sailing and rowing - becomes a little tedious, then Amsterdamhoek, right on the Swartkops River estuary, is a wonderful place to catch a magnificent sunset, drink in hand.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Peacefull, friendly, quaint, great birdlife, rather special. The residents are friendly, the atmosphere great. Its like stepping back in time.
Lia Mulcahy (port Elizabeth)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
The Paxton Hotel
The Paxton Hotel provides superb 4 Star accommodation for discerning visitors to the beautiful and fast developing coastal town of Port Elizabeth...
Le Blue Guest House
Within a short walk of both the beach and the river lies Le Blue Guest House. This immaculate establishment is as clean as a new pin and offers y...
Palm Villa
Palm Villa offers comfortable bed and breakfast in a leafy forest estate. The six hectare property is a hidden treasure with a calm and relaxing ...
Brookes Hill Suites 261
Brookes Hill Suites 261 is a neat and beautifully furnished self-catering studio apartment located in the secure Brookes Hill Suites complex in G...
SooS Guest House & Spa
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Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes
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The Great Escape
The Great Escape is a unique and tranquil getaway offering accommodation where you get to experience what it means to have only the sound of the ...
Barkly Street Guesthouse
Barkly Street Guesthouse is located in the picturesque grounds of the Barkly Street Theatre. The rooms are furnished with King-size beds and all ...
Things to do in the area
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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