3km outside Port Aflred, Eastern Cape, a small dirt road turns off the R72. This road probably goes unnoticed to the many vehicles that commute between Port Elizabeth and East London everyday. Should you take the time to turn off and explore, you might actually find more than you expect.
The road follows the river all the way to the beach. It starts out as a gravel road, but quickly turns into a sand track as you approach the sea. Low range and deflated tires are not needed, but during the wet seasons the ground gets saturated and becomes very muddy. Deep puddles form and numerous vehicles have gotten stuck in the loose, wet sand.
The road takes you all the way to the beach. It is possible to access the beach from here with your vehicle. However, driving on beaches is illegal, so park well clear of the beach. There is a grass patch with braai facilities. There are no waste bins, so what you take in, you take out.
The great thing about the beach at Rufanes is that not everyone can get there. So you seldom share the beach with other people. So if you want to go to the beach, but don't want the noise and activity that is associated with public beaches, then Rufanes is the place to be!
