Kabega Park is a versatile suburb, where old meets new, and urban and nature nestle together.
One of the more historical areas of Port Elizabeth, Kabega Park was affected and shaped by segregation legislation during the apartheid years.
At the time of forced removals, the Chinese community was forced to move into this area and, though it was a painful part of South African history, these families stood together and build a flourishing and vibrant community in the years to follow.
When Carol Gardner moved to Kabega Park in 2011, some parts of the suburb were still undeveloped.
“The infrastructure of the suburb has changed a lot, with more properties and shopping centres being built,” she says.
The residents of Kabega Park are now also far more culturally and racially diverse than in the preceding years.
Property
Kabega Park has a wide variety of properties available, ranging from free-standing houses to flats, as well as townhouse complexes of varying sizes.
There are also numerous businesses that add convenience to residents’ lives.
Carol says what drew her to the area was its location. “It is close to the Baakens Valley, so the natural surroundings, birdlife and tranquillity of the area attracted me when deciding to purchase my home.”
The value of properties in the area has increased.
Another resident, Liandi Stander, says she was attracted to the size of the properties in the area.
“My townhouse was spacious and the complex very secure.
"Kabega Park has a full complement of schools, shops, sports and medical facilities, as well as places of worship,” she says.
“There are many properties which are affordable as it’s an older part of the city. They’re generally spacious too.”
Schooling
There are several schools in Kabega Park to which parents can send their children.
These include government schools Kabega Park Pre-Primary and Primary, Kabega Christian Independent School, St Joseph’s Roman Catholic School, and Morningside High School. Curro Westbrook and Rowallan Park Primary are also just a short distance away.
Explore
According to Carol, the area is relatively quiet while being conveniently close to the Baakens Valley, which means there are a variety of things to see and do on the leisure front.
“There are different types of birdlife, as well as numerous walking trails, which are my favourite,” she says.
“Kabega Park is away from the hustle and busy lifestyle of the inner city. There’s less pollution and I enjoy the tranquillity of the area.”
Liandi says one of her favourite places in the surrounding area is Hunters Indoor Cricket, the ideal hangout for sporty types.
Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park is also just a short distance away and provides hours of entertainment for kids, with a range of different trampoline areas and activities on offer.
Property prices
The median asking price for properties in this suburb is R649,000, which would enable you to purchase a typical property such as two-bedroom complex.
The residential stock in Kabega Park is fairly evenly split between houses and properties in a complex, with a few flats (8%) as well.
A monthly bond repayment on a property retailing for R649,000 would be R6,263 taken over a period of 20 years at 10% prime.
SEE

The Baakens Valley is an urban river valley featuring forest, scrubland and wildlife, and also boasts numerous hiking and mountain-biking trails. It’s advisable to hike or cycle as part of a group as some sections of the valley are quite isolated. There are also several public parks where lazy picnics or a walk with the kids can be enjoyed...