Things To Do
in Despatch
Despatch is a small industrial town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, situated between Uitenhage (Kariega) and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). It grew from a clay pipe manufacturing industry and still celebrates that heritage with public art and a local museum. The town is a convenient base for visiting nearby nature reserves, Addo Elephant National Park and coastal attractions, while offering a quieter, small-town atmosphere.
Friendly neighborhoods, easy road access (R75/N2) and proximity to larger city services make Despatch practical for short stays or as a local stopover.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional South African dishes. Afterward, embark on a walking tour through the historic center of Despatch, where you can admire the architecture of the old buildings and learn about the town's rich history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the local museum, which showcases artifacts from the region's past.
For lunch, indulge in a delicious meal at a nearby bistro, featuring local produce and flavors. Post-lunch, take a stroll through the nearby botanical gardens, where you can appreciate the diverse plant species native to the region. As you wander, keep an eye out for local birdlife, making it a perfect moment for nature enthusiasts.
As the sun begins to set, head to a cozy restaurant that offers outdoor seating for a scenic dinner. Enjoy a selection of grilled meats, a staple of South African cuisine, while soaking in the warm evening air. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, enjoying the quiet charm of Despatch at night.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast, then gear up for a nature walk in the nearby nature reserves. Enjoy the fresh air as you explore the trails, keeping an eye out for the diverse bird species that inhabit the area. A local guide can enhance your experience by sharing insights about the ecology and wildlife of the region.
After a morning of exploration, find a picturesque spot for a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty surrounding you. Spend the afternoon bird watching, as this area is known for its rich avifauna, including several endemic species. Bring along binoculars and a camera to capture the stunning sights and sounds of nature.
As the day winds down, return to Despatch and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a local eatery that offers traditional South African cuisine, perhaps trying a potjiekos, a flavorful stew cooked in a cast-iron pot. After dinner, take a moment to relax at a local pub, enjoying live music or simply soaking in the friendly atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hail trip | $3-8 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-90 |
| ⛽Liter of petrol | $1.10-1.40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient location between Gqeberha and Kariega (Uitenhage) with good road access.
- Close to major natural attractions like Addo Elephant Park and coastal beaches.
- Quiet, small-town atmosphere with local character and heritage.
- Lower accommodation costs compared with bigger coastal cities.
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining within the town itself.
- Fewer public-transport options; having a car is very helpful.
- Some services and specialist shops require driving into Gqeberha or Uitenhage.
- Petty crime risk if basic precautions aren’t taken.
- "Hallo / Goeie dag" - Hello / Good day (Afrikaans/English greeting)
- "Molo / Molweni" - Hello (Xhosa singular / plural)
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Enkosi" - Thank you (Xhosa)
- "Asseblief" - Please / You're welcome (Afrikaans)
- "Ngiyacela" - Please (Xhosa)
Places to Visit in Despatch
Visit one of these nice places.
Photogenic public artworks and monuments celebrating the town’s clay pipe manufacturing heritage — good for close-up shots and town portraits.
Dramatic river gorge, dense vegetation and viewpoints that capture sweeping landscapes and wildflowers in season.
River mouth and estuary landscapes, with waterbirds, boat activity and tranquil sunset reflections.
Iconic wildlife photography opportunities — elephants, antelope and varied birdlife across open plains and rugged terrain.
Coastal sunrise and sunset shots, surfers and seaside activity are all within a short drive from Despatch.
Food in Despatch
Despatch Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
South African-style barbecue of boerewors, lamb chops and steak — widely available at restaurants and community gatherings; try it at local pubs or weekend markets.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked one-pot stew made in a cast-iron pot; often served at farm stalls and special events around the Eastern Cape.
Fresh fish, calamari and prawns available at coastal restaurants; drive to Gqeberha for the best oyster and fish options.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and farm stalls near Despatch and Uitenhage sell fresh fruit, baked goods, pies and grilled snacks — great for sampling homemade treats and local produce.
A short drive away, the beachfront markets and food stalls offer seafood, takeaways and casual snacks popular with locals and visitors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite verbal greetings and a handshake are common; using a friendly 'Good morning' or local language greeting is appreciated. Respectful acknowledgment of elders is customary.
Casual wear is acceptable in town; dress modestly when visiting places of worship or rural communities. Avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in informal settlements and of cultural events; be sensitive when photographing religious or private ceremonies.
South Africa is culturally diverse — be respectful of different languages, traditions and historical sensitivities; avoid political or racially charged remarks.
Safety
Tipping in Despatch
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 10–15% in restaurants is customary if service is good; small tips for porters, petrol attendants (if service provided) and tour guides are appreciated.
South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; contactless payments are common in larger outlets. Carry some cash for small stalls, markets and taxis.
ATMs are available in Despatch and nearby towns; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks and be mindful of ATM fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February: Warm to hot with summer rains and afternoon thunderstorms possible; great for beaches, water sports and long daylight hours, but bring sun protection and be prepared for sudden showers.
March–May: Mild temperatures and fewer crowds — ideal for hiking, game drives and exploring coastal towns; mornings can be cool.
June–August: Mild to cool winters with drier weather and chilly nights; minimal snow in lowlands but cooler temperatures are common — pack a warm layer for evenings.
September–November: Wildflowers (especially in reserves) and pleasant temperatures; excellent time for photography, birdwatching and nature walks.
Despatch at Night
Hiking in Despatch
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate footpaths through fynbos, riverine vegetation and viewpoints over the Van Stadens Gorge; best in spring for flowers.
Trails in the Addo and Zuurberg foothills range from easy walks to multi-day hikes with opportunities to see wildlife and unique flora.
Gentle riverside walks and birdwatching routes along the Sundays River estuary and adjacent nature areas.
Wilderness and hiking routes in nearby conservation areas offering remote scenery, cliffs and indigenous vegetation — ideal for day hikes and nature immersion.
Airports
How to reach Despatch by plane.
Main airport serving the area, approximately 20–30 km from Despatch (30–45 minutes by car). Offers domestic flights and some regional connections; car hire and shuttle/taxi services are available.
A larger regional airport approximately 150–180 km east of Despatch (2–3 hours by road), useful as an alternative for domestic connections depending on flight routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population identifies as Xhosa-speaking African South Africans with strong cultural traditions and communities across the Eastern Cape.
Afrikaans is commonly spoken, reflecting historical settlement and farming/industrial communities in the area.
English is widely used as a lingua franca for business, government and tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby union is widely followed in the Eastern Cape with local clubs and strong community support for school and provincial teams.
Cricket is popular across summer months with club matches and social games common in towns and on school fields.
Along the coast near Gqeberha, surfing, beach soccer and other seaside activities are popular, especially in summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Despatch.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in cafes and larger restaurants (salads, vegetable curries, grilled veg). Smaller eateries may have limited options, so ask staff; supermarkets nearby carry ingredients for self-catering.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are more commonly found in Gqeberha than in Despatch; if you have strict requirements, plan ahead and check menus or bring specialty items.
Major restaurants are generally responsive to allergy queries but always communicate clearly and, when possible, carry any necessary medication.