Navigating the 67 Public Artworks of Route 67 in Gqeberha

Route 67 consists of 67 public art pieces scattered through the urban center of Gqeberha—formerly Port Elizabeth—leading up to the prominent Donkin Reserve. Each installation represents one year of Nelson Mandela’s multi-decade commitment to the struggle for freedom in South Africa. The trail functions as a physical timeline, beginning at the Campanile memorial and ending at the Great Flag on top of the hill. Access to the entire route is free, though the physical exertion required to climb the steep sections near the Donkin Reserve should be considered before setting out on foot.

The Cultural Anatomy of the Art Trail

Starting the Ascent from the Campanile

The journey technically begins at the 52-meter tall Campanile, a bell tower built in 1923 to commemorate the arrival of the 1820 Settlers. This base point is situated near the city's main railway station, which serves as a busy transit hub. I suggest keeping a firm grip on your belongings in this specific area as the high foot traffic can make it a target for opportunistic crime. From here, the red brick path leads toward Vuyisile Mini Square, formerly Market Square. This square is home to the City Hall, a Victorian structure that was largely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1977. You will notice the statue of Queen Victoria, but the more interesting modern addition is the piece titled Conversations with the Queen. It features five figures representing activists who effectively challenged colonial and apartheid power structures.

The Symbolism of the 67 Works

Local artists from the Eastern Cape designed every piece on the trail, ensuring that the narrative remains rooted in regional identity. The Walk of Words consists of floor bricks inscribed with values like dignity and equality in various South African languages. While the trail is designed for walking, the wind in Gqeberha—frequently called the Windy City—is no exaggeration. Gusts often sweep through the concrete corridors of the city center, which can make the upward walk quite tiring on blustery afternoons. Many of the quotes from Mandela that line the route are etched into granite or laser-cut into steel, meant to withstand this harsh coastal environment.

Landmarks of the Donkin Reserve Hilltop

The Voting Line and Great Flag

As the trail reaches the Donkin Reserve, the scale of the artwork increases significantly. The Voting Line is a 38-meter long laser-cut steel sculpture depicting South Africans standing in a queue for the 1994 democratic election. At the front of the line is a silhouette of Nelson Mandela, fist raised in triumph. Just behind this sculpture lies the massive Piazza Mosaic, a 470-square-meter floor installation made of thousands of colored tiles. The mosaic illustrates the diverse fauna, flora, and heritage of the Eastern Cape. Nearby, the Great Flag flies from a 65-meter tall flagpole, which is currently the second highest in Africa. The flag itself is roughly the size of a tennis court and serves as a visible landmark from almost anywhere in the harbor area.

Historical Structures of the 1800s

The reserve contains two major historical buildings that predate the modern art trail. A stone pyramid, standing about 10 meters high, was erected in 1820 by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his wife, Elizabeth. It is a rare example of Egyptian-inspired architecture in the region and gives the city its name. Directly adjacent is the Donkin Lighthouse, constructed in 1861 to guide ships into Algoa Bay. While the lighthouse is no longer an active maritime beacon, it houses the local tourism office. You can request to climb the internal stairs for a panoramic view of the coastline, though the office usually closes around 16:30 on weekdays and 15:30 on Saturdays.

Practical Logistics for Navigating Gqeberha

Safety Precautions and Group Travel

Exploring Route 67 requires a degree of local awareness that most standard brochures omit. The trail passes through several quiet alleys and derelict sections of the city center where walking alone is ill-advised. I recommend visiting in a group of at least three or four people—a standard safety recommendation for urban hiking in South African city centers. If you are a solo traveler, hiring a registered guide from the Donkin Visitor Information Office is the most sensible way to experience the trail. Stick to the marked red brick path and avoid wandering into side streets or vacant lots, particularly near the lower sections of the route.

Parking and Physical Accessibility

For those who prefer to skip the steep climb, parking is available at the top of the hill along Belmont Terrace. This allows you to view the largest artworks, like the Voting Line and the Pyramid, without the physical strain of the 67 steps leading up from the CBD. If you do choose to walk from the bottom, the incline is significant enough that elderly visitors or those with limited mobility might struggle. The trail is mostly paved with bricks and concrete, making it wheelchair accessible in theory, though the steep gradients in certain sections may require assistance. Most visitors spend between 90 minutes and two hours to complete the full walk if they stop to read the various inscriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Route 67?

There is no entrance fee for Route 67 as it is a collection of public art pieces located in open city spaces. You may encounter a small voluntary fee or a fixed price of approximately R20 to R50 if you wish to climb the Donkin Lighthouse. Guided walking tours are also available for a fee, which varies depending on the tour operator and group size.

What are the opening hours for the Donkin Reserve?

The Donkin Reserve is a public park and technically remains open 24 hours a day, but visiting after dark is highly discouraged for safety reasons. The tourism office and lighthouse typically operate from 08:00 to 16:30 on weekdays and have shorter hours on Saturdays. Most shops and galleries along the route follow standard business hours, usually closing by 17:00.

Is it safe to walk Route 67 alone?

Walking the lower sections of Route 67 alone is not recommended because the path passes through quiet areas of the city center that can be isolated. It is much safer to walk in a group or as part of a guided tour, especially when carrying expensive camera equipment. If you must go alone, stick to the Donkin Reserve hilltop during peak morning hours when more people and security personnel are present.

Where is the best place to start the walk?

The most logical starting point for the full experience is the Campanile near the harbor, as it allows you to follow the timeline of Mandela’s life in chronological order. However, if you want a more relaxed visit, starting at the Donkin Reserve on Belmont Terrace is better because it places you near the largest installations and the tourism office. Starting at the top also means you will be walking downhill if you choose to see the lower pieces.