Jeffreys Bay Airport: Your Gateway To South Africa’s Surfing Paradise

An image of a large commercial aeroplane on a runway at sunrise, with a hazy background.

Jeffreys Bay Airport, known as Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is a major travel hub in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Renamed in 2021 in honour of Chief Dawid Stuurman, a Khoi leader and anti-colonial activist, the airport represents a step toward recognising historical figures who shaped the country’s past. Located in Gqeberha, it connects travellers to domestic and limited international destinations, with modern facilities ensuring a smooth experience. In this guide, we will discuss the various aspects of the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport previously known as Port Elizabeth International Airport.

About

An image of the Jeffreys Bay Airport, with dense city buildings and vast coastal waters.

Photo: Vysotsky / Wikimedia Commons

Originally known as Port Elizabeth Airport, the facility was renamed in February 2021 to honour Chief Dawid Stuurman, a Khoi leader known for resisting colonial rule. He was twice exiled to Robben Island and managed to escape, making him a symbol of resilience. The renaming aligns with efforts to acknowledge figures from South Africa’s diverse past. Over the years, the airport has expanded to accommodate growing passenger traffic, making it an important regional airport in South Africa.

Location

A view of Deboarding of FlySafair Boeing 737 ZS-SJV, the Jeffreys Bay Airport.

Photo: Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons

The airport is located in Walmer, about 3.2 km from the city centre of Gqeberha city, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. The convenient location of the airport allows for quick access to major attractions, business districts, and coastal areas. The airport’s proximity to the city makes it easily reachable for travellers arriving or departing.

How To Reach

 An image of a traveller pulling a suitcase at a the Jeffreys Bay Airport, South Arica.

Photo: Alex P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

If you are wondering how to reach the airport, multiple convenient transport options are available.

By Car: Easy accessibility of the airport via the M11 and M9 roads, makes travel by car easier, with clear signage guiding travellers along the way.

By Taxi Or Ride-Hailing: Metred taxis and app-based services like Uber and Bolt operate widely, providing quick and efficient transfers.

By Public Transport: While public transport options are limited, many hotels and private operators offer shuttle services for convenient airport transfers.

Places To Visit Near Jeffreys Bay Airport

Here are ten noteworthy places to visit around the Jeffreys Bay Airport.

1. Kragga Kamma Game Park

View of two giraffes in a grassy field, with natural scenery in the Kragga Kamma Game Park.

Photo: NJR ZA / Wikimedia Commons

A short drive from the airport Kragga Kamma Game Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The private reserve is a true safari experience with free-roaming rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and other African species. Guests can drive through the park independently or join guided tours, giving them a close encounter with nature amidst peaceful surroundings.

Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM

2. Sardinia Bay Beach

An image of people enjoying at the Sardinia Bay beach with ocean water and distant mountains.

Photo: Robin Corps / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sardinia Bay Beach is a breathtaking coastal retreat with soft white sand dunes and crystal waters. In easy proximity to the airport, it’s a beach lover’s, picnicker’s, and photographer’s heaven. The beach is a favourite for divers and snorkelers to catch a glimpse of South Africa’s dynamic underwater world. The pristine condition and serene environment make it a destination one cannot miss.

Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Timings: Open year-round

3. Cape Recife Nature Reserve

An image of a lighthouse with a striped design, at the Cape Recife Nature Reserve.

Photo: Rainer Halama / Wikimedia Commons

Cape Recife Nature Reserve combines coastal beauty with ecological importance. It is home to the iconic Cape Recife Lighthouse, scenic walking trails, and diverse bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The reserve is also part of a marine protected area, helping to conserve the local ecosystem and is an important step taken for maintaining the ecological balance of the earth.

Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Timings: Open daily

4. The Donkin Reserve

Donkin Reserve with a white lighthouse with a red top, stone pyramid, grassy area, and buildings.

Photo: Ossewa / Wikimedia Commons

The Donkin Reserve is a historically significant site in Port Elizabeth, featuring a stone pyramid monument dedicated to Sir Rufane Donkin’s wife and a lighthouse that provides beautiful and amazing views of the city. It is part of the Donkin Heritage Trail, which connects key historical landmarks. The reserve is a great place to soak in the city’s colonial past while enjoying a leisurely walk through its well-preserved surroundings.

Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Timings: Open year-round

5. South African Marine Rehabilitation And Education Centre (SAMREC)

African penguin, rehabilitated at the South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre.

Photo: Jean van der Meulen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

SAMREC is a marine conservation facility dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating African penguins and other marine life. Located within Cape Recife Nature Reserve, educational tours around the facility are available where visitors can learn about the importance of marine conservation. Watching the rescued penguins being rehabilitated before their release into the wild is a highlight of the visit.

Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Timings: Open daily

Where To Stay

An image of a stylish bedroom with vaulted ceiling and natural lights, similar to the hotels.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Accommodation options in Gqeberha range from luxury to budget-friendly stays. The Boardwalk Hotel and Radisson Blu provide high-end stays with premium services. Mid-range hotels like The Paxton Hotel and Garden Court Kings Beach offer reasonably priced comfort. Budget travellers can find affordable guesthouses and self-catering apartments in areas like Walmer and Summerstrand.

Where To Eat

An image of a café representing the restaurants available near the Jeffreys Bay Airport.

Photo: Lawrence Suzara / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Gqeberha’s food scene includes a mix of local and international cuisine. Traditional South African dishes can be found at Vovo Telo or Cubata Portuguese Grill. Seafood lovers can try The Coachman or Ginger Restaurant for fresh dishes. Those looking for casual dining can visit Something Good Roadhouse or Bocadillos for a variety of meal options.

Best Time To Visit

An image of a traveller in an airport terminal at the Jeffreys Bay Airport, South Africa.

Photo: Victor Freitas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Gqeberha experiences mild temperatures throughout the year, making it a good place to visit at any time. The months from October to April are the warmest, making them ideal for outdoor activities. For travellers who prefer a quieter experience, the cooler months from May to September offer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.

Other Factors To Consider

Remember all the travel tips on your visit to the major attractions of South Africa.

Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

The cost of visiting Gqeberha varies based on accommodation, food, and activities. Mid-range travellers can expect to spend R1500-3000 / ₹7150-14300 per day covering hotel stays, meals, and transportation. Luxury travellers may spend more, depending on their preferences. Budget travellers can find affordable stays and meal options that help keep expenses lower.

Tips For Travellers

  • Do not leave expensive items on display in public to reduce the chances of theft.
  • Public transportation is scarce, so it is more convenient to have your own car for traveling outside the city.
  • There are no special vaccinations required for Gqeberha, but ensure your regular immunisations are up to date.
  • Mosquitoes are pesky, particularly during warmer weather, so use repellent to prevent bites.

Jeffreys Bay Airport serves as the gateway to Gqeberha, offering travellers a seamless and convenient entry into this vibrant coastal city. Whether you’re visiting for its stunning beaches, rich history, or wildlife experiences, arriving through the formerly called Port Elizabeth International airport ensures a smooth start to your journey. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore everything Gqeberha has to offer with ease.

Cover Photo: Maria Tyutina / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Airlines such as FlySafair, South African Airways, and Airlink operate flights from this airport.
The information desk is open Monday to Friday from 05:30 to 22:00, Saturday from 07:00 to 19:00, and Sunday from 05:30 to 22:00.
The airport offers car rental services, parking, baggage handling, and dining options.
The airport was renamed in February 2021 to honour Chief Dawid Stuurman, a Xhosa leader who resisted colonial rule.
The airport is often called the "ten-minute airport" because most major areas in the city are less than 10 minutes away by car.

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