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Historic park · Gqeberha, Cabo Oriental
Donkin Reserve
Park atop the central hill of Gqeberha, with the 1861 lighthouse, the pyramid in memory of Elizabeth Donkin and the start of the Route 67 art trail.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Donkin Reserve
The Donkin Reserve occupies the top of the hill above Gqeberha's centre, facing Algoa Bay. In 1820 Sir Rufane Donkin, acting governor of the Cape, named the town Port Elizabeth in honour of his wife Elizabeth, who had died in India two years earlier, and ordered a stone pyramid of about 10 metres to be erected in her memory. He also decreed that the land should remain open to the public forever.
Next to the pyramid is the 1861 lighthouse, which houses the city's tourist information centre; you can climb to the top and see the city centre, the port and the bay. Around it are mosaics on the ground, metal sculptures, a large South African flag on a tall mast and a row of figures queuing to vote, behind a statue of Mandela, commemorating the first free elections of 1994.
The reserve is the start of Route 67, a trail of 67 public artworks, honoring the 67 years Mandela dedicated to public life. The path descends colorful stairways to the old town, passing the Opera House from 1892.
Donkin Street, beside it, has a row of terraced Victorian houses, a national monument.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the morning on a weekday, when the lighthouse and information centre are open. Confirm the days when the lighthouse climb is available.
How to get there
It is located in central Gqeberha, on Belmont Terrace, about 5 km from the Summerstrand waterfront by car or ride-hailing app.
Tip
Pick up the Route 67 map at the information centre and walk down the stairways to the old town.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Donkin Reserve
Why was Port Elizabeth called that?
In honor of Elizabeth Donkin, wife of Governor Rufane Donkin, to whom he dedicated the reserve's pyramid.
Can you climb the Donkin Reserve lighthouse?
Yes, via the tourist information centre, on days and times when it is open.
What is Route 67?
A trail of 67 public artworks honoring Mandela's 67 years of public life, which starts at the Donkin Reserve.