Port Elizabeth: South Africa's Ultimate Destination

Travelers will relish the many sites and activities, cultural splendors and vistas. This charming and growing city will do more than make you want to pull out your camera. It's a key destination for enriching thrills and lifetime memories.

Welcome to Port Elizabeth, a dynamic and inviting coastal city located on the scenic Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Home to over 1.4 million inhabitants, Port Elizabeth is South Africa's sixth largest and second oldest city. With its rich legacy of the Khoisan, San, British, Dutch, German and Xhosa people who inhabited and settled in the Nelson Mandela Bay, it is a city filled with historical monuments, architectural gems and unspoiled coastlines.

Port Elizabeth has come to establish itself as South Africa's true champion city for all water sport activities because of its coastal location and its ever-increasing number of participants. The Water Sports capital, as it is known, is also called the "The Friendly City" because of the characteristically charming and open people, and because its global friendship partnerships with Gothenburg, Sweden; Jacksonville, Florida and Palm Desert, California. And it is also been dubbed the "Windy City" for its lush, breezy and balmy subtropical climate where temperatures average 20-25°C or 68-77°F year-round.

A flagship city of The Nelson Mandela Metro (or Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality), which includes Uitenhage and Despatch, PE is home to St George's Park, South Africa's second oldest cricket club, as well as numerous historical sites, rich nature trails, wildlife and a range of spectacular beaches that make for a fun-filled vacation for solo travelers, couples, groups or families.

If you're a water sports enthusiast you can partake in exhilarating activities throughout the year. World-renowned Algoa Bay, with its mild breezes, calming waters and temperate climate, showcases some of the best sailing venues in the world. Fishing, wind surfing, body boarding and scuba diving in an underworld of spectacular coral reef, fish and ocean life offer visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Then again, there's nothing like the magic of rest and relaxation. If taking a complete break is your desire, enjoy a light swim and some sun bathing at any number of Port Elizabeth's gorgeous beaches such as Bluewater Bay or Kings Beach. Or stroll along Hobie Beach or Pollock Beach where you can spot the many yachts while catching sight of the windsurfers.

Mingle among the multi-million dollar homes of the "designer suburb" of Humerail and observe the sensational views of Algoa Bay. Take a bike ride through Richmond Hill and be sure to discover the hidden treasures of its quaint Victorian cottages, many of which boast the homes' original wooden fretwork from the 1800s.

Must see attractions

The Campanile (or Bell Tower), which was erected in 1923 to celebrate the arrival of the nearly 4,000 1820 Settlers, offers a breathtaking view of the city and is a must-stop destination for any visitor.

Historical treasures abound when you follow along in the footsteps of the settlers by walking the Donkin Heritage Trail, which links 47 historical sites in central Port Elizabeth, including the central city market square, the Donkin Houses, the Donkin Reserve, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum (formerly known as the King George VI Art Gallery) and The Opera House, which was fully refurbished by the Cape Provincial Arts Board in 1985/86.

For cultural, historical and educational diversity, visit The Bayworld Museum Complex at Humewood where you can walk back through time to see prehistoric dinosaurs, unearth ethnic jewelry, and behold artifacts and archeological fossils and finds.

Modern Treasures

Many of the Eastern Cape's modern treasures and major tourist attractions are located in Port Elizabeth.

As a major seaport for trade and as the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth invites visitors to experience the Victorian elegance and splendor of the Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World, a complete entertainment complex along the waterfront. A hotspot for thriving nightlife, the Boardwalk showcases lush Tivoli styled gardens, a man-made lake, an amphitheatre, restaurants, hotels, conference rooms and clubs.

Next door to the Boardwalk, enjoy dining, browsing, people watching and shopping at the upscale Summerstrand village shopping center.

Day Trips

Take a day trip to Beachview, a small village just 25 km/15 miles from PE, or venture to Kini Bay, the coastal hamlet that lies between Algoa Bay and Jeffreys Bay. Escape to the serene and majestic Maitlands, just 30 km/19 miles from PE, for inner peace and breathtaking sunsets. Then travel a short distance to Seaview to behold dazzling sand dunes.

Heading West or Going East

Take the N2 road and head west for a picturesque drive along the Garden Route to Cape Town and George. Driving east along the Sunshine Coast discover Grahamstown, East London and Durban.

Scheduled to host the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, Port Elizabeth is a vibrant and inviting destination for travelers who are seeking scenic hideaways, breathtaking views, historical journeys, and world-class water sports. Although the city is growing, it is laden with small-town charm and laid-back spirits that can make anyone feel at home in a new and exciting city.

More about Port Elizabeth: Explore the Stunning Beauty of Port Elizabeth South Africa

Port Elizabeth is the perfect South African getaway for any first time visitor, and this beautiful coastal city has a great deal to offer. Port Elizabeth provides a wealth of things to see and do, along with a charming and friendly local population. The city is large enough to offer visitors a wealth of great things to do, but still small enough to feel cozy, charming and safe.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of things to do on their visit to Port Elizabeth. Favorite outdoor activities include kite surfing, windsurfing, surfing and diving. Water sports are a big part of the Port Elizabeth culture, and any beach lover is sure to enjoy a trip to this coastal city. Its location on the water makes Port Elizabeth a perfect spot for ocean lovers as well, with many great sailing trips and whale watching excursions leaving right from the harbor.

Golfing enthusiasts will find plenty of ways to enjoy their favorite sport, with a number of great golf courses to challenge even the most accomplished golfer. Among the golf courses is Port Elizabeth is the famous Homewood, which has often been cited by golfing enthusiasts as one of the best in the world.

For something a little different Port Elizabeth offers visitors a chance to ride the Apple Express, a genuine narrow gauge steam powered train. Visitors can also explore the world of transportation by visiting the many vintage cars housed at the St. Croix Motor Museum.

Culture and history is very much alive in Port Elizabeth as well, and visitors can explore both with Calabash Tours. This unique tour company offers visitors a number of cultural trips designed to both entertain and enlighten. The tour guides provide a different way of looking at the world, bringing a unique perspective to visitors from around the world.

Port Elizabeth is also an architect’s dream, with many old buildings to explore and a rich architectural heritage. Visitors can embark on a self guided walking tour of the central part of the city, a perfect way to explore the old buildings and unique architecture of the old city. When taking any type of walking tour in South Africa it is a good idea to go as part of a group – many of the city’s hotels offer regularly scheduled walking tours. Any walking tour of Port Elizabeth should include a stop by the Victorian Feather Market, a unique structure built during a boom in the demand for ostrich feathers, the lovely Victorian library and an early 19th century home from the early days of Port Elizabeth.

After the walking tour has ended visitors will have plenty of other choices for things to see and do. Port Elizabeth is home to a number of wonderful museums, as well as a great aquarium that is home to not only stunning tropical fish but dolphins as well. The life of the city ranges from very rural to very urban, with everything from vast stretches of wilderness to densely packed urban playgrounds. Hikers can enjoy miles of stunning nature trials, while surfing enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite sport on the beaches of Port Elizabeth and the nearby communities of St. Francis Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay. There is also great hang gliding and paragliding for the adventurous, as well as many great aerial tours for a birds eye view of this stunning African city.

But no trip to Africa would be complete without seeing some wild animals, and the good news is that there are plenty of game viewing opportunities within an hour’s drive of the city. The Greater Addo Elephant Park is the perfect place to see not only elephants but other popular game species as well.

Need a car in Port Elizabeth? Visit Port Elizabeth Car Rentals

Port Elizabeth: The Friendly City

On the eastern cape of South Africa lies the charming city of Port Elizabeth. For tourists concluding their African journey, Port Elizabeth, or PE in short, offers a chance to unwind before heading back home, and for those just launching their campaign, it is an ideal base camp. A petite city whose locals call it the ‘ten minute city’, PE surprisingly has something to offer to everyone.

The Sights and Sounds of Port Elizabeth

The Beaches

With calm seas and plenty of sunshine, the beaches of Algoa Bay are holiday postcard material. Whether its summer or winter, the weather is steadfastly pleasant at around 25 °C, and the rainfall is seldom a bother. The ever-present breezes have led to the bay’s reputation as one of the world's best sailing destinations, and earned it the nickname ‘the windy city’. Further, the seas have a rich collection of underwater curiosities such as coral reefs and shipwrecks, which has made the bay a diving hot spot.

There is no 'average' beach-goer at Algoa Bay, and everyone is encouraged to do their own thing. So, while the undecided are allowed to sit back and indulge in an afternoon session of people watching, the meditative can get their solitude in a round of early morning fishing. Stressed out folk can choose to vegetate or go for a relaxing wade in the waters, and the adventurers can choose to go surfing or scuba diving. As the locals are quick to point out, Port Elizabeth is the ‘Water Sports Capital’ of South Africa.

Attractions within the city

History buffs can get their money's worth with the Donkin Heritage Trail, which will take them across 47 historic sites covering 200 years of PE's past. Tourists preferring a more informal tour can head to Market Square to admire some fine examples of staid European architecture. Sites of interest include the City Hall and the Watch Tower, the Public Library, the Diaz Cross, and the Prester John Memorial. And if you don't mind a climb, the view from the Campanile, the bell tower, is breathtaking.

Bayworld is a must for children as it offers the combined treat of an aquarium, a snake farm, and a museum. Though the dolphin show is the undisputed crowd favorite, children will also enjoy the peculiar penguins and the playful seals. In addition, a collection of snakes, geckos, and juvenile crocodiles can be seen in a short stroll at the snake farm, and the museum offers displays from every period from the prehistoric to the pre-European. Noteworthy exhibits are the authentic tribal costumes, ship models, and the dinosaur display.

Shoppers will delight at PE's famous flea markets, 'Art in the Park' in St. George's Park, and the Humewood Flea Market, which specialize in the traditional arts and crafts.
Suggested souvenir picks include clay pottery and glass bead-work necklaces. These bazaars are also an excellent place to mingle with the locals, whose chattiness and approachability has made PE the ‘friendly city’. And, as the locals will surely recommend, you must try the ‘Bunny Chow’, South Africa’s favorite street food.

Wildlife

The Settlers Park Nature Reserve is a bird watcher’s paradise. The number of bird species present here is estimated at around 140, and this figure is further boosted in spring and fall by an influx of migratory birds. Some of the attractions here are the Knysna Turaco, the Southern Tchagra and the Peregrine Falcon.

The animals Africa is best known for, however, are the so called 'Big five': the Lion, the Leopard, the African Elephant, the Cape Buffalo, and the Black Rhino.
This group is easily observed by going on one of Shamwari Game Reserve's famous game drives. The award winning game park's experienced guides take visitors along the best routes, offer a wealth of animal facts, and regale travelers with jungle tales. Apart from game viewing, guests can visit a Xhosa village where they can meet the local people, admire the ancient rock art, and even buy a pint of the local beer.

Besides Shamwari, excellent safaris can be also had at the Addo Elephant Park and the Kariega Game Reserve. These reserves, though not as luxurious as Shamwari, are a bit cheaper.

Port Elizabeth in 2010

PE is one of South Africa’s nine lucky cities that will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. If previous tournaments are something to go by, the atmosphere will be one of exuberance, camaraderie, and nonstop partying. In addition to the World Cup, PE will also host the National Arts Festival, which is Africa’s biggest celebration of the arts, at around the same time. Thus for one month in 2010, the friendly city will be crowned the entertainment capital of the world. So whether you’re a football fan, an art lover, or a fun loving tourist, Port Elizabeth is the place to be this summer.

© capespirit.com

Need a car in Port Elizabeth? Visit Port Elizabeth Car Rentals

Cape Spirit Home
Cheap South Africa Car Rentals (First Car Rental)
Cheap South Africa Car Hire (Europcar)
Cheap South Africa Car Rental (Tempest)
South Africa Accommodation
Download a Free Cape Town travel guide
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Wallpapers
Cape Town Pictures
Cape Spirit Sitemap