Port Elizabeth Beachfront Escape at Cape Recife Lighthouse

Discover Gqeberha’s most renowned seaside stay

Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa is a unique self-catering accommodation option inside a stately lighthouse with picturesque ocean views. Located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, it offers an unforgettable beachfront escape ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, or adventurous explorers. Book your dream lighthouse stay today!

Accommodation

A unique self-catering accommodation in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), located in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, offering a beautiful and biodiverse coastal area.

The Lighthouse

History and Mystery at Cape Recife, Cape Recife Light House Tours

Learn about the history and significance of the Cape Recife Lighthouse and the military lookout bunker from World War 2, as well as enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the tower.

Things To Do

The Cape Recife Nature Reserve offers Marine Safari Excursions and Birding and Botanical Tours, allowing visitors to explore the marine wildlife and scenery of Cape Recife by vehicle, bike, or foot.

Welcome to Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa

The original Portuguese name translates to “Cape of the reefs”, a reference to the geological features of this south-eastern part of South Africa’s coastline upon which many ships met their end. For this reason, an historic lighthouse was built on this promontory.

 

The Cape Recife Lighthouse was built in 1851 and the first light beamed across the ocean on 1 April of that year. The lighthouse warns passing ships of the dangers of the romantically named Thunderbolt Reef – named after the HMS Thunderbolt, a British Royal Navy Sail and Paddle Frigate. Several natural hazards such as Thunderbolt Reef and Roman Rock, not far offshore, have claimed many a ship.

 

The lighthouse is a twenty-four-metre-high masonry tower, octagonal in cross-section.  Originally painted four alternate bands of white and red, this was changed in 1929 to black and white bands which is the present colour scheme.

A military lookout bunker from World War 2 is also present in the reserve, marking its historically strategic location.

 

The landmark structures found in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve are a jewel in South Africa’s tourism portfolio.

Seaside Serenity Retreat
winter breakaway at cape recife

villa accommodation

Experience a unique stay at Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa! Our self-catering accommodation option is located inside a stately lighthouse with picturesque ocean views, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests.

 

The villa consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Towels and bed linen are provided.

 

Guests can engage in activities such as hiking, windsurfing, and diving. Free private parking is available on-site.

Self-catering With Breakfast Available

Guests can prepare their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen, which is equipped with a fridge-freezer, microwave, oven, gas stove, cutlery, crockery, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

 

Alternatively, guests can also enjoy a delicious breakfast available daily, which includes buffet, continental and Full English/Irish options. Bon appétit!

Reviews

This accommodation is absolutely incredible! The surroundings and views are stunning, and the place itself is beautifully decorated and equipped. We had a wonderful stay and will definitely be visiting again soon. Highly recommended!

Lesa

Things to do around Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa

Niche

We are delighted to offer a new, exciting adventure activity to our visitors.

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Reef Life

Always a favourite destination for divers and surfers, the fertile reefs offer a wealth of biodiversity.

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Family Friendly

This coastal destination is highly affordable to the average South African.

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Sun, Sea and Salty Breezes

Whether an early breakfast excursion or a sundowner bush and beach safari, the discoveries and photographic opportunities in the golden hours are endless.

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Walks and Hikes

Cape Recife is just perfect for easy hiking for almost any age and fitness level, and on the favourite things to do in Port Elizabeth.

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Cycling Cape Recife

Cycling Cape Recife

Another awesome way to experience this gem that is Cape Recife Nature Reserve is by bike.

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Scenic Flights

Join us for a view that angels enjoy – this rugged and raw stretch of coastline is truly magnificent when experienced from the air.

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Cape Recife in Port Elizabeth - Historic Lighthouse and Nature Reserve

4 More Exciting Cape Recife Lighthouse Activities

For more information on the activities offered at Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa, please don’t hesitate to enquire with us today!

The Latest News

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings at Cape Recife Nature Reserve! Our ‘Latest News’ section features exciting new activities, tours, and events that you won’t want to miss. From Marine Safari Excursions to Birding and Botanical Tours, there’s always something new to discover at Cape Recife. So why wait? Check out our latest news today and stay in the loop!

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CONTACT US

ERF 2410

Summerstrand

Gqeberha

South Africa, 6001

Email: book@caperecife.com

Phone: +27 (0)42 235 1450