Major city · South Africa
St FrancisSt Francis Bay
Give St Francis 2–3 nights if you want canals, surf and a lighthouse; 1 night if it is a stop on the Garden Route drive.
St Francis is three places in one: St Francis Bay, a canal village of white houses and thatch; Port St Francis, a working squid harbour; and Cape St Francis, a quiet surf point with a lighthouse. It sits 76 km west of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and 25 km south of Jeffreys Bay, so it works as a two-night pause on a Garden Route self-drive rather than a destination on its own.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ZAR
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (warm, dry, surf and beach weather)
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, windy; many houses shut)
- Airports
- PLZ · ELS
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive befor…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Southern Africa ↗A rental car may leave its home country only with the rental company's cross-border letter, the registration papers and paid road taxes at each post; driving into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Angola without them ends at the border.
- Southern Africa ↗Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive before sunset: livestock, wildlife, pedestrians and unlit trucks make night driving the main cause of serious visitor accidents.
- South Africa ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the Department of Home Affairs or a South African mission before booking; exemptions depend on nationality, and the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is optional for most visa-exempt visitors in 2026.
- South Africa ↗Travelling with children: accompanied foreign children no longer need a birth certificate, but unaccompanied minors, South African children and some passports that omit parents' names still do; check with Home Affairs and your airline before you fly.
- South Africa ↗Driving is on the left. If your licence is not in English or has no photo, get an International Driving Permit before you travel; rental companies also check it.
- South Africa ↗National park gates open and close at fixed times; you must be inside your camp before the gate closes, and speed limits in parks are enforced.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for St Francis112 ▾
- From a mobile112
- Local police, Humansdorp area+27 42 293-1133
- Local ambulance+27 42 293-1311
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about St Francis, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?checkCurrency is the South African rand (ZAR, R), about 17–18 per US$ in 2026 (check).South Africa-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodacom and MTN have the best coverage; Cell C and Telkom are cheaper.South Africa-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most cities and towns; in some municipalities with failing infrastructure, ask your host.South Africa-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant: 10–15%; check if a service charge is added for large groups.South Africa-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/M/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.South Africa-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for a beach village; the real risks are rip currents at Seal Point and Paradise Beach, winter wind, and petty theft from parked cars.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsClean Western toilets at fuel stations (Engen, Shell, Ultra City), malls and park camps.South Africa-wide
- Emergency numbers112 From a mobile · +27 42 293-1133 Local police, Humansdorp area · +27 42 293-1311 Local ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open daily in cities; small towns close Sunday afternoon.South Africa-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPLZ Port Elizabeth / Chief Dawid Stuurman International (About 76 km (47 mi) by road; the closest airport, roughly 1 h 15 min by car).PLZ Port Elizabeth / Chief Dawid Stuurman International (About 47 mi (76 km) by road; the closest airport, roughly 1 h 15 min by car).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeR30–55
- Beerdraught / bottle at a bottle storeR35–55R20–30
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiFew taxis; agree the fare first.R80–150
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekR150–350
- Museum or sight ticketSeal Point Lighthouse entryR15 (check)
- Budget bedHostel or backpacker bed, a night, per personR 350
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per roomR 1,500
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per roomR 2,600
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R 700 · Mid R 1,400 · High R 2,600
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PLZ Port Elizabeth / Chief Dawid Stuurman International (About 76 km (47 mi) by road; the closest airport, roughly 1 h 15 min by car) · ELS East London (About 356 km (221 mi); a long drive, use only if PLZ fares are full)PLZ Port Elizabeth / Chief Dawid Stuurman International (About 47 mi (76 km) by road; the closest airport, roughly 1 h 15 min by car) · ELS East London (About 221 mi (356 km); a long drive, use only if PLZ fares are full)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jul (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Feb (7 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
St Francis: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. There is no useful public transport between the three villages, and the N2 turn-off is at Humansdorp, then the R330 south. Rental desks are in Port Elizabeth and at PLZ airport; local rental is limited. Distances are short (village to Cape St Francis is about 5 km), so a day of driving is cheap.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jeffreys Bay
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive the R330 north to Humansdorp, then the N2 east
Supertubes and the surf shops; a half day is enough.
Humansdorp
goDoor to door: About 25 min
R330 north
Fuel, supermarkets and the Kouga Cultural Centre; do your shopping here.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
R330 to Humansdorp, then the N2 east
A full day; better as an arrival or departure stop than a return trip.
Addo Elephant National Park
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
N2 east past Port Elizabeth to the park gate
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in or near the park.
Kenton-on-Sea
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
N2 east, then the R72
Long for a day; combine with a Garden Route leg.
Port Alfred
skipDoor to door: About 3 h
N2 east, then the R72
Keep it for a separate Sunshine Coast stop.
Grahamstown (Makhanda)
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
N2 east to Port Elizabeth, then the R67 north
A long day; the arts festival is the main reason to go.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
St Francis Bay village and canals
Walk to restaurants and the canals; the best base without a car for evenings.
Cape St Francis
Quieter, next to the lighthouse and Seal Point; 10–15 min drive from the village.
Port St Francis
Harbour setting, calamari restaurants on the water; small, so book ahead.
Oyster Bay
About 14 km (8.7 mi) west; beach and fishing, very little else.About 8.7 mi (14 km) west; beach and fishing, very little else.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R700–1,200 excl. bed
- Mid
- R1,200–2,200 excl. bed
- High
- R2,200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 2 nights × R 1,500 | R 3,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × R 1,400 | R 5,600 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × R 600 · check | R 600 |
| Fuel, St Francis to Jeffreys Bay and back1 × R 150 · check | R 150 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R 250 | R 500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R 985 |
| Trip total≈ R 2,709 per person per day, bed included | R 10,835≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in rand; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | R30–55 |
| Calamari and chips at the port | R120–200 |
| Beer: draught / bottle at a bottle store | R35–55 / R20–30 |
| 5 km taxiFew taxis; agree the fare first. | R80–150 |
| Seal Point Lighthouse entry | R15 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | R150–350 |
| Green fee, St Francis Links | check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Swim between the flags at Seal Point and Paradise Beach; the reef and rip currents are real.
- The canal waterways are private property in places: check before you paddle or swim.
- Winter (Jun–Aug) closes many restaurants and rentals; confirm before booking.
- Fuel up in Humansdorp; the village has limited stations.
- Do not leave valuables visible in a parked car at beach car parks.
Emergency numbers
- From a mobile
- 112
- Local police, Humansdorp area
- +27 42 293-1133
- Local ambulance
- +27 42 293-1311
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
St FrancisSt Francis Bay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Nceda undise kule dilesiTo this address, please
Emergency
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No embassies in St Francis; consulates and embassies are in Cape Town or Pretoria. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PLZ airport → St Francis, taxi or transfer: about R900–1,400, 1 h 15 min (check)
- Car hire, one day, small car: from about R600 (check)
- St Francis → Jeffreys Bay, fuel: about R150 return (check)
Say or show
- Molo — Hello (moh-loh)
- Enkosi — Thank you (en-koh-see)
- Yimalini? — How much is it? (yee-mah-lee-nee)
- Liphi ulwandle? — Where is the beach? (lee-pee oo-lwan-dleh)
- Ndifuna uncedo — I need help (n-dee-foo-nah oon-seh-doh)
- Sala kakuhle — Goodbye (sah-lah kah-koo-hleh)
Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; R5–20 to car guards and fuel attendants.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for St Francis. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (warm, dry, surf and beach weather) · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, windy; many houses shut) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PLZ: last flight arrivals, rental desk hours, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: St Francis Bay village and canals, Port St Francis harbour, Cape St Francis lighthouse and Seal Point.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Seal Point Lighthouse, Penguin Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, St Francis Links) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hostile arrival fixtures (winter closures, wind, no rental car) so gates A–D can go green.