Fort Frederick Port Elizabeth
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Fort Frederick Port Elizabeth

3.8
·312 reviews·Gqeberha, South Africa

Historic 1799 British fort offering panoramic views of Port Elizabeth's harbor and a glimpse into colonial history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Fort Frederick Port Elizabeth

Fort Frederick Port Elizabeth

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1799 British fort offering panoramic views of Port Elizabeth's harbor and a glimpse into colonial history.

3.8
(312 reviews)

"A well-preserved fort with spectacular views, offering a fascinating glimpse into Port Elizabeth's past."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Visit During Opening Hours

Open Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Closed Saturdays. Plan your visit accordingly!

🚗 Safe Parking Available

A friendly guard often watches the car park, making it a safe spot to leave your vehicle.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Fort Structure

Historic Fort Structure

Central Port Elizabeth

Explore the well-preserved stone fort, a testament to British military engineering from 1799.

Panoramic Harbor Views

Panoramic Harbor Views

Hilltop vantage point

Enjoy breathtaking bird's-eye views of Port Elizabeth's bustling harbor and the Baakens River Valley.

Original Cannons

Original Cannons

Within the fort grounds

See the original cannons still in place, adding to the fort's historical authenticity.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Fort Frederick is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Arriving earlier in the day ensures you can explore the grounds before the afternoon heat and potential crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience.

What to Expect

This historic stone fort, built in 1799, offers a glimpse into the past with original cannons. While not extensive, it provides scenic hilltop views of Port Elizabeth's harbor and the Baakens River Valley. It's a well-preserved site with a friendly guard on duty.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons (before 3:30 PM)
Why
Still open, good for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you are brave enough, there is a hidden gem in the waters of the bay of Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha , the beautiful reef straight out from Shark Rock Pier. This is my favourite reef to dive and explore and always offers a unique experience to the diver! I’ll be posting alot more clips of this reef and area so make sure to follow to not miss out! #adventure #freediving #ocean #scuba #spearfishing ...
@jean.le.roux.spear
1.7K likes • 57.6K views

🎯 Visit During Opening Hours

Open Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Closed Saturdays. Plan your visit accordingly! Reddit

🚗 Safe Parking Available

A friendly guard often watches the car park, making it a safe spot to leave your vehicle. Reddit

GQ Urban Cruise 2025 Fort Frederick built in 1799 #saddlemtbtramps #GQUrbanCruise #history #portelizabeth #tourism #rideyourbike #explore
saddlemtbtramps
12 likes • 202 views
Port Elizabeth harbour viewed from Fort Frederick, on Athol Fugard Terrace, in Central. #sharethebay #portelizabeth #nelsonmandelabay #gqeberha #reels25 #reelssouthafrica #reelsafrica
jose_alvesjpalves51
3 likes • 282 views

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning panoramic views of the Port Elizabeth harbor from this hilltop vantage point. Instagram+1

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the historic fort and imagine its past. It's a well-maintained and fascinating site. Reddit

Athol Fugard Terrace, was originally called Belmont Terrace, and ends at the entrance to Fort Frederick, in Central. #portelizabeth #gqeberha #sharethebay #nelsonmandelabay #reelssouthafrica #africa
jose_alvesjpalves51
5 likes • 470 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Visit During Opening Hours

Open Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Closed Saturdays. Plan your visit accordingly! Reddit

🚗 Safe Parking Available

A friendly guard often watches the car park, making it a safe spot to leave your vehicle. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning panoramic views of the Port Elizabeth harbor from this hilltop vantage point. Instagram+1

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the historic fort and imagine its past. It's a well-maintained and fascinating site. Reddit

🧸 Kid-Friendly Amenities

Features a small playground and scattered benches, making it a pleasant stop for families. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(312 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Fort Frederick as a clean, well-preserved historical landmark offering spectacular views of Port Elizabeth's harbor. Many appreciate the free entry and the presence of original cannons, finding it a worthwhile stop for its historical significance and scenic beauty. Some note that while there isn't a vast amount to see, the well-maintained grounds and views make it a pleasant experience.

"It is a great historical land mark in Port Elizabeth.
It was clean an tidy when we were there.
Recommend a visit if in town"

Gordon Jefferies

"There’s not a hell of a lot here, but it is an ancient fort with the original guns still in place and fairly well-maintained

There’s no fee for entry and it has some gorgeous views

With a bit of imagination, you could turn it into something quite special"

Devlin Fenton

"A well-preserved fort that was the first permanent settlement in Gqeberha. Safe with a friendly guard that also looked after the car park."

Kevin Jamison

What People Like

Spectacular harbor views
Well-preserved historic fort
Free entry

What People Dislike

Not a lot to see

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fort Frederick is located in Central Port Elizabeth, at the corner of Fort Street and Athol Fugard Terrace. It's easily accessible by car, and there's a car park with a guard on duty for safety. InstagramReddit+1

While specific public transport routes aren't widely detailed, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Port Elizabeth and can take you directly to the fort. Instagram

Many visitors arrive via Athol Fugard Terrace, which leads directly to the fort's entrance and offers a scenic approach. Instagram+1

Yes, it's a prominent historical landmark in the Central area of Port Elizabeth, often visible from surrounding higher points. Instagram

Fort Frederick is situated near the Port Elizabeth harbor and the Baakens River Valley, offering opportunities to explore these areas as well. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Fort Frederick is free! There is no fee to explore the grounds and enjoy the views. Reddit

Fort Frederick is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. It is closed on Saturdays. Reddit

No, Fort Frederick is closed on Saturdays. It is open Monday to Friday during its operating hours. Reddit

No advance booking is required as entry is free and it's open to the public during its operating hours. Reddit

While official guided tours are not extensively advertised, the site is well-preserved and you can explore independently. A guard is often present. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The hilltop vantage point offers spectacular panoramic views of the Port Elizabeth harbor and the Baakens River Valley. The historic fort structure itself also makes for great photos. Instagram+2

Yes, photography is generally allowed within Fort Frederick. It's a popular spot for capturing historical architecture and scenic vistas. Instagram+1

Mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the scenic views. Instagram

Information on drone usage is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire on-site before flying a drone. TikTok

You can capture wide-angle shots of the harbor, including cranes and ships, as well as the surrounding cityscape and the Baakens River Valley. Instagram+2

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

Fort Frederick was built by British Army engineers in 1799 to protect Algoa Bay from a potential French naval attack. It predates the landing of the 1820 Settlers. Instagram+2

It represents the first permanent British settlement in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and played a role in the region's early colonial history. InstagramReddit

Yes, the fort still features original cannons in place, adding to its historical authenticity and appeal. Reddit

Athol Fugard Terrace, which ends at Fort Frederick, was originally called Belmont Terrace. Instagram

The fort is approximately 225 years old, having been built in 1799. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fort Frederick is a great stop for families looking for a bit of history and open space. The fort itself is interesting to explore, and the original cannons are a hit with children. Importantly, there's a small playground on-site, and plenty of scattered benches for parents to rest. The free entry makes it an economical choice for a family outing. Plus, the safe car park with a guard offers peace of mind. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Fort Frederick a rewarding location. The panoramic views of Port Elizabeth's harbor are exceptional, offering dynamic shots with ships, cranes, and the cityscape. The historic stone architecture of the fort itself provides a compelling foreground or subject. Consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light to capture the scenic beauty and historical details. Instagram+2

🏛️ History Buffs

For those interested in colonial history, Fort Frederick is a must-visit. It's one of the earliest permanent British settlements in the area, built in 1799. You can see the original cannons and imagine the strategic importance of this location. The well-preserved structure offers a direct link to the past, making it a fascinating site for historical exploration. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Fort Frederick stands as a significant historical landmark in Port Elizabeth, dating back to 1799. It was constructed by British Army engineers with the primary purpose of defending Algoa Bay against potential French naval incursions. This strategic positioning highlights the colonial era's geopolitical tensions. The fort's construction predates the arrival of the 1820 Settlers, marking it as one of the earliest permanent British establishments in the region. Its well-preserved stone structure and original cannons offer visitors a tangible connection to this pivotal period in South African history. InstagramReddit+2

Scenic Views and Modern Harbor

Perched on a hilltop, Fort Frederick offers more than just historical insights; it provides spectacular panoramic views of the Port Elizabeth harbor. From this vantage point, visitors can observe the modern-day activity of the port, including the prominent new red crane, contrasting with the fort's ancient architecture. The vista also encompasses the Baakens River Valley, offering a broader perspective of the city's landscape. These scenic views make it a popular spot for photography and appreciating the blend of history and contemporary life in Gqeberha. Instagram+3

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The visitor experience at Fort Frederick is generally positive, with many noting its cleanliness and tidy grounds. The presence of a friendly guard who also looks after the car park adds a sense of security. While the fort itself might not be an extensive complex, its historical significance and the beautiful views are highly appreciated. For families, the inclusion of a small playground and scattered benches makes it a comfortable and engaging stop. The free entry further enhances its appeal as an accessible historical site. Reddit

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