Donkin Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours &

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Donkin Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Donkin Reserve, Pyramid, and Lighthouse in Gqeberha, South Africa, offer a striking blend of historical and maritime significance. Established by Sir Rufane Donkin in 1820 to honor his late wife, Elizabeth Markam Donkin, the reserve features a 10-meter stone pyramid dedicated to her memory. This monument, declared a national monument in 1938, carries the inscription: "In the memory of one of the most perfect of human beings who has given her name to the town below," intertwining her legacy with the town's identity. Adjacent to the pyramid, the 1861 lighthouse serves as a vital navigational aid, enhancing the site's historical depth. Together, these landmarks form a key part of the Donkin Heritage Trail, symbolizing both romantic dedication and navigational history, and have become an iconic emblem of Gqeberha.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

Attractions in Gqeberha

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AutoPavilion

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Route 67

Bayworld

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Reviews of Donkin Reserve

lina cifulu

2
Reviewed: 2024-04-07

I went on a Wednesday and either they were closed or the place is not welcoming cause we knocked on a couple of doors. The outside of the museum is pretty but not safe, as a tourist , I did not know that.
Audrey Ehlers

5
Reviewed: 2024-01-22

Some parts need some TLC, but it was a wonderful experience going up the Lighthouse, despite it being a cloudy day, and the views were exceptional. The staff and security at the lighthouse are to be commended...friendly and helpful.. and we felt quite safe. Can definitely be recommended...
Neville Fletcher

2
Reviewed: 2024-01-04

Really rundown and badly kept. Was embarrassed to take visitors from overseas here. Broken glass, devil thorns, litter and obviously no flag, just the pole. Very disappointed
Phumzile Khuzwayo

3
Reviewed: 2023-06-17

This was an interesting place to visit, we enjoyed seeing the memorial wall and the garden of remembrance. We also went up the light house which was an interesting experience. Going inside the lighthouse cost only R10. The grounds are unkempt though and there were a lot of unsavory characters loitering around, it helped that there was parking inside
Ange

4
Reviewed: 2023-04-28

It is a nice space. It invites the natural environment to attract people and make the area pedestrian active. The space is a memorial which attracts tourist and has a view towards the harbour. There is little shade on this big site. Which can cause it to be inactive. Specific foliage was planted to attract butterflies, as well as having steel cut silhouettes representing South African history. The reserve makes one feel like they are in a park away from the city. Please be careful when you are in the area visiting the Donkin Reserve