By Gugulethu Tshabalala
Set along the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast, Alexandria is the kind of town you visit to slow down. Known as a gateway to the greater Addo Elephant National Park region, it combines working farmland, dramatic dune landscapes and quiet coastal access — without the crowds.
Originally called Oliefants Hoek, after the thousands of elephants that once roamed here, Alexandria today is better known for its chicory industry, dairy farms and pineapple fields. It remains a small, friendly farming town where life still moves at a measured pace.
What to Eat
Food here reflects the land. Expect farm-style breakfasts, hearty country dinners and fresh local dairy. Many meals are served at the town’s country hotel or within B&B establishments, where hospitality is personal and unpretentious. Think homemade breads, generous portions and produce that hasn’t travelled far from field to plate.
What to Do
Nature is the main attraction.
The 25,000-hectare Woody Cape Nature Reserve protects the remarkable Alexandria Dune Fields — one of the world’s most significant dune field systems. It’s a prime destination for birdwatching, beach walks and exploring shifting white sand that seems to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
For active travellers, the Alexandria Hiking Trail offers a 36km circular route through forest, dunes and coastline. The hike can be completed over two or three nights, with Day One covering approximately 19.5km and Day Two 16.5km. A moderate to good fitness level is required, especially for the dune crossing, which is best tackled early in the morning before the heat builds.
Scenic Route 72 adds another layer to the experience, looping through Woody Cape toward the coastal villages of Cannon Rocks and Boknes, where wide beaches and relaxed seaside charm await.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Alexandria is simple but welcoming. A comfortable country hotel anchors the town, while several attractive B&Bs offer warm, personalised hospitality. For hikers, the forest and coastal huts along the trail provide an immersive overnight experience surrounded by nature.
For travellers seeking space, fresh air and authenticity on the Sunshine Coast, Alexandria offers exactly that — no spectacle required.
