Things to do near
Maitlands
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Hiking Trail
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Port Elizabeth (3.3 km from Maitlands) This day walk takes about three hours and is 3 km in length. It is an easy circular walk that passes through a portion of the forest and links up with the old wagon trail to a disused lead mine.
Bushbuck, blue duikers, porcupine and rodents, as well as a large variety of birds can be spotted. Hikers should take their own water, as the stream water is not drinkable. This trail is great for children. Information boxes and a small hall for conservation education is situated on the trail.
Beaches
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Beachview (5.6 km from Maitlands) The attractive beach at Beachview is situated on a section of Port Elizabeth’s coastline that is fantastic for long beach walks. Beachview is a good place for beachcombing and to start hiking to the next beach at Maitlands. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season but swimming is not safe due to strong rip currents and backwash.
Beaches
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Blue Horizon Bay (7.2 km from Maitlands) Van Stadens Beach lies at the mouth of the Van Stadens River and has a wonderful lagoon for swimming, fishing and paddleboats. Tall dunes offer some fun sand boarding. The river is suitable for small boats to navigate upstream to the gorge. Lifeguards are on duty over the peak holiday season.
Animal Parks
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Seaview (9.9 km from Maitlands) Situated just 25 kilometres from the Port Elizabeth beachfront and associated attractions, Seaview Game and Lion Park offers a unique experience. Visitors can play with tame lion cubs varying in age from four to nine months depending on the time of year.
Along with this rare interaction, guests can have a close-up viewing experience of wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, antelope, jackals and wildebeest in their natural habitat. Lynx, warthogs and meerkat live in large, individual enclosures in the sanctuary area.
Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the restaurant taking in the panoramic views of the wildlife to the north and ocean to the south. Whales and dolphins can often be spotted from this vantage point.
From the restaurant there is an elevated boardwalk where you can view the animals at close quarters.
Open daily 08:00 – 17:00
Lion feeding time is on Sunday at 12:00
+27 (0) 41 378 1702
Nature Reserves
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Port Elizabeth (12.3 km from Maitlands) Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve was established in 1951 and is situated 40 km from Port Elizabeth. It is one of the top places to see lowland fynbos, flowering proteas and a variety of other endemic fynbos. Visitors can see a large variety of vegetation in the various habitats of the escarpment. There is an abundance of succulents, ericas, leucadendrons, and other indigenous flora.
The reserve aims to protect the large variety of bird, plant and animal species within the area. Bird watchers can feast their eyes on more than 170 bird species and a number of raptors frolicking in their natural habitat along the rocky gorge. This includes the forest buzzard, jackal buzzard, booted eagle, African crowned eagle, peregrine falcon, black sparrowhawk, and lanner falcon. There is an indigenous coastal forest along the gorge of Van Staden's River. It is home to the Knysna turaco, the Knysna warbler, and the sombre greenbul, among many others.
There is also a nursery in the reserve which sells indigenous flora, and scenic picnic sites on the plateau that are perfect for relaxing over a meal. There are two hiking trails for those who want to explore the reserve. The River Walk is four kilometres long and the Forest Walk is six kilometres. Mountain bikers can explore the plateau section of the reserve, and there are easier sections which are ideal for families to cycle on.
Animal Parks
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Kragga Kamma (19.6 km from Maitlands) At Kragga Kamma Game Park just outside Port Elizabeth all the animals roam freely in natural surroundings. This owner-operated park allows no hunting or other disturbances and that means you can always get close-up views and great photo opportunities of the animals.Lush coastal bush and grassland is home to vast herds of African wildlife including white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, nyala, bontebok, impala and many more species.Knysna loeries are plentiful and more than 200 species of wild birds and waterfowl have been documented.The Kragga Kamma Game Park is open every day from 08:00 to 17:00 for entry. Gates are locked at 19:00 in summer and 18:00 (from 1 April) in winter.Visitors are welcome to drive around on the well-maintained roads in their own vehicle or opt for a two hour game drive with a professional guide.Also on offer is an up-close interaction with Duma, the tame cheetah. Duma's pen is situated at The Bush Café, which serves light meals and beverages.Bush Café: +27 (0)41 379 5646
Animal Parks
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Thornhill (21.2 km from Maitlands) African Dawn is set in a tranquil valley. This beautiful bird and wildlife sanctuary features an endangered cat breeding program and rehabilitation centre. The on-site restaurant offers good meals.
Open daily 09:00 - 17:00.
Popular Attractions
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Uitenhage (23.3 km from Maitlands) BallynaFagh Farm offers visitors a relaxing setting to enjoy a wonderful outride on well-schooled horses.
Explore this little bit of African bush and country lanes on horseback. Rides are about 1.5 hours in length with something to suit all levels of experience. If you're new to horse riding, lessons can be arranged.
Beaches
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Sardinia Bay (24.5 km from Maitlands) Sardinia Bay is easily one of Port Elizabeth’s most scenic beaches and best for long walks. It’s a popular surfing spot but is known to be dangerous for swimming due to strong rip tides. Dog walkers and horse riders also favour this spacious sandy beach. Picnic places, braai spots and ablution facilities are available so pack your picnic basket and spend an entire day chilling here with family and friends.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (27.4 km from Maitlands) The quaint Old Railway Station Museum is reputed to be one of the oldest railway stations in South Africa. On display are two vintage locomotives, a number of coaches, period furniture and equipment that capture the nostalgia of the pioneering days of steam locomotives. In addition to the station office, the building includes a residence, waiting room and tearoom.
Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 15:30.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (27.4 km from Maitlands) The Drostdy Museum forms part of the Uitenhage Museum, as does the Cuyler Manor Museum and the Old Railway Station Museum. The Drostdy Africana Museum focuses on the development of the city and how it grew through the introduction of industries ranging from clothing, furniture and other items.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (27.4 km from Maitlands) The AutoPavilion, place of cars and legends, first opened its doors in 2004. This modern, state-of-the art heritage centre replaced the existing museum that housed Volkswagen SA's old vehicles. The multi-million Rand attraction is unique as it is the only automobile discovery centre in Africa and only the 5th worldwide.
Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:00.
Beaches
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Gamtoos Mouth (27.7 km from Maitlands) At the mouth of the Gamtoos River lies a stunning beach with a huge stretch of soft white sand, perfect for lengthy strolls. The scenic lagoon and river offer safe swimming, boating and canoeing.
Big Event Venues
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West End (PE) (28.1 km from Maitlands) Varsvlei Commonage is the venue for the annual Northern Arts Festival. This unique event celebrates the heritage and culture of Nelson Mandela Bay and the broader Eastern Cape. Growing bigger and better every year, organizers focus on keeping it fun as well as bridging the divide between community development and the arts.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (28.9 km from Maitlands) The Cuyler Manor was built as a homestead for General Jacob Glen Cuyler, Landdrost of Uitenhage from 1806 to 1827. This typical Cape Dutch house has been lovingly restored and furnished, and functions as a living museum. Demonstrations of traditional activities including soap and candle making, baking and weaving can be arranged.