port elizabeth south africa tourism

Experiences

Adventure & sports, restaurants, arts & culture, #sharethebay, business & conferencing, coastal & beaches, entertainment & shopping, the nelson mandela bay pass, wildlife & nature, travel & tours, events click here to view all events, a semigrant mirror by jeff rankin, 2024 cosafa cup, creative arts conference, windsong bohemian, the beach hotel winter wonderland afternoon tea, from london to lorraine bridge street edition 6 july, news click here to view all news, 2024 cosafa cup, ec motor group named renault sa's top micro dealership, madibaz hockey teams ready for massive push at ussas, self-belief critical to madibaz's ussa netball dream, madibaz purge turnovers to turn over new leaf, from porter to manager: a hotel career born out of teen curiosity.

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Port Elizabeth

Written by Karen Hastings and Carri Wilbanks Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Port Elizabeth, called "PE" by the locals, is South Africa's third largest port, with some of the country's cleanest city beaches. With more than 40 kilometers of coastline on the Eastern Cape , lapped by the clear waters of beautiful Algoa Bay, water sports are one of the top things to do, from surfing, sailing, swimming, and fishing to windsurfing, kiteboarding, and scuba diving.

Travelers who prefer to stay dry can hop aboard a harbor cruise with the chance to spot whales such as humpbacks, Southern right whales, and Bryde's whales, depending on the time of year.

But Port Elizabeth is not all about the sea. In the city's historic hub, the art and heritage trail, Route 67, celebrates the fascinating and sometimes turbulent history of this friendly colonial city. And in the surrounding area, private game reserves and the popular Addo Elephant National Park lure wildlife lovers with affordable DIY and guided safaris. Discover more places to visit in this seaside city with our list of the top attractions in Port Elizabeth.

1. Port Elizabeth Beaches

2. addo elephant national park, 3. the boardwalk, 4. kragga kamma game park, 5. route 67, 6. the donkin reserve, 7. southern african foundation for the conservation of coastal birds, 8. cape recife nature reserve, 9. van stadens wildflower reserve, 10. south end museum, 11. shamwari private game reserve, 12. storms river bridge, 13. south african air force museum, 14. island nature reserve, where to stay in port elizabeth for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in port elizabeth, port elizabeth, south africa - climate chart.

Port Elizabeth boasts some of the tidiest and safest city beaches in South Africa. More than 40 kilometers of sun-splashed sand rims the coast along Algoa Bay. The best picks for a swim are Wells Estate Beach with a paddling pool and water slides; well-shaded Humewood Beach; and popular Kings Beach, with kiosks, restaurants, a skate park, and other entertainment facilities close by. All these beaches earned the coveted international Blue Flag status, awarded for exemplary water quality, safety, and environmental management.

Near the Boardwalk entertainment complex, Hobie Beach offers sheltered rock pools and is well suited for swimming and windsurfing. Pollock Beach is a top surfing spot, and unspoiled Sardinia Bay , in a marine reserve, is great for snorkeling and scuba diving, although fishing is off limits. Avid anglers should head to the northern beaches such as New Brighton Beach and Bluewater Bay .

South Africa's third biggest national park, Addo Elephant National Park lies 72 kilometers north of Port Elizabeth and offers nature lovers the taste of a true African safari. The park encompasses more than 444,000 acres, extending from the Karoo, in the north, over the Zuurberg range to the coast. It also includes offshore islands, which shelter important breeding populations of Cape gannets and African penguins.

The park was established in 1931 to preserve the last eleven South African bush elephants from extinction. Today, more than 600 of these majestic beasts roam the park, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, lions, leopards, zebras, spotted hyenas, numerous antelope, and more than 185 species of birds.

Other adventures here include night game drives, horseback riding, and hiking trails. Travelers can choose accommodation options to suit their budget–from cottages and chalets to a camp site, all with access to a restaurant and shop. Day visitors are welcome, and visitors can explore the park in their own car or take a guided tour.

Official site: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/default.php

In Summerstrand, a 12-minute walk from the beach, The Boardwalk is a slickly packaged leisure resort and convention center on an artificial lake. Tourists and locals will find plenty of things to do here. Browse the boutiques and specialty stores; dine at the restaurants and cafes; and enjoy the entertainment venues, which include a five-screen cinema, an amphitheater hosting live shows, an amusement arcade, bowling alley, and adventure golf. The fitness center features two pools, and if you're seeking a little pampering, you can relax at the full-service spa.

At night, the complex comes alive with a musical fountain show. More than 100 individual jets shoot water up to 60 meters into the air, illuminated by colorful lights, and a screen of water displays multimedia presentations. Adults and children of all ages will find something fun to see and do here, and it's a great alternative to the beach on wet weather days.

Address: Beach Road Summerstrand 6019, Port Elizabeth

Official site: http://www.suninternational.com/boardwalk/

Less than 30 minutes' drive from Port Elizabeth, Kragga Kamma Game Park welcomes day trippers for self-guided or guided safaris. The park is more affordable than other game-viewing options, with an impressive array of wildlife for its size, including white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and monkeys. A favorite are the cheetahs in their own enclosure with a catwalk above for better viewing opportunities. All the other animals roam freely.

This is a great option for those who don't have time for a longer safari at a national park; visitors can easily tour the park in two to three hours. Tracks through the park are fine for two-wheel-drive cars, but the park also offers guided tours in open Land Rovers.

About a 10-minute drive from Kragga Kamma Game Park, Holmeleigh Farmyard is another critter-filled family attraction. Pricier and more luxurious safari experiences with a range of plush accommodations are available at Kwantu Private Game Reserve, about 85 kilometers from Port Elizabeth, and Shamwari Game Reserve, 75 kilometers south of town.

Official site: http://www.kraggakamma.co.za

Route 67 in the city's historical hub is an art and heritage trail spotlighting 67 artworks created by Eastern Cape artists–one for every year Mandela devoted to public life. The trail weaves together the city's British heritage and African history and tells the story of the lead-up to the 1994 elections.

To follow the trail downhill, begin at the Donkin Reserve at the lighthouse. From here, visitors can stroll at their leisure to admire colorful mosaics, murals, sculptures, and engraved poetry. Along the way are several historical sites and art galleries. Notice the 67 steps leading up to the second largest flag in Africa. Also, look for the metal cut out of Nelson Mandela, fist pumping, as he leads a line of South African voters to the first democratic elections in 1994.

The trail ends at the Campanile , a 52-meter-high tower with a carillon of 23 bells erected in 1923 in honor of the first settlers.

In the city's historic hub, the Donkin Reserve is a small park established in 1820 by Sir Rufane Donkin, Port Elizabeth's founder. A highlight of the park is the poignant pyramid-shaped memorial to Sir Donkin's wife, Elizabeth, inscribed with the words: "To the memory of one of the most perfect of human beings who has given her name to the town below."

The nearby lighthouse, dating from 1861, houses the tourism office. Here, visitors can pick up a map for the five-kilometer-long Donkin Heritage Trail , which spans 47 historical sites from City Hall to St. George's Park including the Campanile , built in memory of the settlers who arrived here in 1820 and offering a panoramic view over the city.

From the Campanile, a street under the freeway leads to Market Square , the city's historic center. Before walking the trail, leave valuables behind and check with locals, as some areas can be dangerous. The Donkin Reserve is also the start of Route 67 , the city's popular art and heritage trail.

In the Cape Recife Nature Reserve , the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds welcomes visitors to see its rescued marine life and learn about these fascinating creatures. The center focuses on marine birds, in particular African penguins that hail from nearby St. Croix island, home to the largest breeding colony of African penguins in the world.

Many of the staff are knowledgeable volunteers who share their passion for their work on informative tours through the bird hospital and educate visitors about the center's rehabilitation efforts and the dangers facing these creatures in the wild. One of the best times to visit is during feeding time, around 2:30pm, when visitors can pull up a seat in the coffee shop and watch these charismatic creatures gobbling their meals and cavorting around the pool.

Official site: https://sanccob.co.za/

Covering 366 hectares, Cape Recife Nature Reserve, a few kilometers from Port Elizabeth, offers great hiking and beachcombing along a slice of unspoiled coast. Visitors can escape the crowds found at the city beaches here, and a nine-kilometer hiking trail curves through the park with beautiful views of the rocky coastline, dunes, an 1851 lighthouse, and pristine beaches with tidal pools.

Wildlife lovers can also stop by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds within the reserve. Better still, try timing a visit to coincide with the release of rescued penguins off the beach.

About 40 kilometers west of Port Elizabeth, Van Stadens Nature Reserve is the perfect place for a hike and a picnic. The well-maintained paths are easy to follow, and the walks vary in difficulty, from gentle paths through old-growth native trees to more challenging hikes through thick forests and along rushing streams. Those who walk to the Van Stadens bridge will be rewarded with beautiful views over the steep ravine and fantastic opportunities for photography.

At reception, a flower house displays a startling array of blooms, including many species of proteas. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and pack a picnic.

Official site: http://www.vanstadens.co.za

On Port Elizabeth's beachfront, South End Museum traces the history of the forced removal of the former residents of this area during the apartheid era. Photos, newspaper clippings, and recreations of living spaces bring to life the personal stories of the time and focus not only on the personal tragedies, but the triumphs as well. Although the displays are simple, the museum documents an important piece of the city's history. Entry is free, however visitors are encouraged to leave a donation.

Address: Walmer Blvd, Port Elizabeth

Official site: http://www.southendmuseum.co.za

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one of the top private game reserves in South Africa and is well-known for its conservation efforts. Located just 75-kilometers from Port Elizabeth, it is well worth booking a few nights accommodation here. The Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges are beautiful, the food excellent, and the wildlife viewing can be phenomenal.

Shamwari also runs a number of animal conservation programs, including the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries . These facilities are educational and also serve as home to rescued big cats from around the world. Day visitors to the cat sanctuary are allowed on a limited basis, but you must contact the reserve first to enquire. Don't just show up.

Official site: www.shamwari.com

Storms River Bridge, also known as Paul Sauer Bridge, is on the eastern end of the famous Garden Route , and the area around it is an eco-destination. The bridge itself, known as a deck arch bridge, is a work of art for engineering geeks, and building it was a big deal in 1953. In fact, at a height of 36 meters above Storms River, this suspension bridge was the highest concrete arch bridge in South Africa until 1984 when nearby Bloukrans River Bridge was built.

You can walk across the bridge, which serves as a gateway to Tsitsikamma National Park . Pause to take in the stunning views of the rocky gorge below. Also in the Storms River area is bungee jumping off the even higher Bloukrans River Bridge, located 20 kilometers to the west along the N2, as well as canopy tours.

Port Elizabeth is home to a branch of the South African Air Force Museum (the main museum is in Pretoria). Located on the southern side of the airport, it has nine aircraft on display. These include a supersonic jet fighter, two Harvard trainers, a helicopter, and the oldest surviving fighter jet in South Africa. The museum is a fun distraction for kids or anyone arriving at the airport a little early.

Besides the aircraft, the museum includes aircraft memorabilia, model planes, and photos in the main exhibition hall. In a WWII hanger, more planes are being restored. There is also a working flight simulator that can be booked with advance notification.

Located about 25 kilometers outside Port Elizabeth, the Island Nature Reserve is another beautiful natural attraction. It is most famous for its Bushback hiking trail. Traversing 16 kilometers, it starts just outside the Nature Reserve's main office. The reserve consists of varied ecosystems, including a 480-hectare indigenous Alexandria coastal forest and sandy dunes.

Besides the Bushback Trail, there are a number of shorter walking trails that are suitable for kids. Along the trails, you'll often spot some smaller animals, including vervet monkeys, small antelope, and even caracals. The park is also home to about 120 bird species.

Luxury Hotels:

• For a historic, boutique sleep try Hacklewood Hill Country House . In a house dating back to 1898 in the suburb of Walmer , Hacklewood has an old-fashioned, Victorian English style, with stained-glass doors and polished wood floors. Breakfast is included and there is an outdoor swimming pool.
• No5 by Mantis is another luxury choice in the S ummerstrand suburb and is very close to the beach. This five-star boutique property has just 10 posh suites done up in contemporary South African style, and the hotel has an impressive art collection on display throughout. Amenities include a restaurant and spa.
• The Boardwalk Hotel is also in the Summerstrand suburb. This beachfront resort has 140 rooms and suites all with Indian Ocean views. The trendy property also has plenty of on-site shopping and dining and is part of the larger Boardwalk entertainment complex mentioned earlier.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Sir Roys At The Sea is an excellent value choice near the beach in the Walmer suburb and also near the airport. The guesthouse features awesome views of the sea and Nelson Mandela Bay, and bright and spacious rooms and suites. There is also a swimming pool, and breakfast is included in the rate.
• Another mid-range choice, Paxton Hotel is a four-star hotel overlooking the bay. It features bright and contemporary rooms. On-site amenities include a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers.
• Garden Court Kings Beach is also popular, especially with families. This good-value hotel is right on Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel can help set up excursions to the sightseeing attractions listed above.

Budget Hotels:

• South Africa is such good value that many mid-range hotels would rank as budget in another country. Still, if you want to spend less, try the SUN1 Port Elizabeth . In a central location, it offers tiny but clean and trendily decorated rooms–think striped bedspreads and streamlined wood furnishings.
• Another similar option is the Road Lodge Port Elizabeth , which is also basic but comfortable. The rooms are more generic in decor than Sun1, however.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Visit Cape Town: Cape Town should be on all itineraries to South Africa. Getting there from Port Elizabeth is easy, involving either a short flight or a gorgeous eight-hour drive, partly along the famed Garden Route. Known as the Mother City, Cape Town is easily the most beautiful city in Africa, home to soaring mountains, clear (but freezing cold) turquoise-meets-deep-water-blue ocean, and attractions from the outdoorsy to the cultural – visit Robben Island, climb Table Mountain, wander the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is easy to spend a week here. Learn more in our Top Tourist Attractions in Cape Town article.

Drive the Garden Route : Port Elizabeth sits just east of the start of one end of the Garden Route in Storms River . The popular drive then runs along the coast for 300 kilometers to Mossel Bay in the west. For more on this epic drive see our Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Garden Route to learn what to see and do along the way.

More on South Africa

The Top 10 Things to Do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The largest settlement on the coast between Durban and Cape Town, Port Elizabeth is one of South Africa’s most underrated tourist destinations. Reasons for visiting this charismatic Eastern Cape city include Blue Flag beaches, award-winning restaurants, and a wealth of historic sites with a connection to the city's colonial past. If you plan on being in town for a few days, consider investing in a one, two, three, or seven-day Nelson Mandela Bay Pass . For a discounted one-off price, you’ll receive free admission to many of the city’s best activities and attractions—including several of the Port Elizabeth highlights listed below. 

Unwind on the City’s Blue Flag Beaches

Ian Trower / Getty Images

Sun worshippers and watersports enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in Port Elizabeth, with a bevy of beautiful beaches to choose from. Three of them have been awarded Blue Flag status for their safety, cleanliness, amenities. and environmental standards. Kings Beach is an idyllic stretch of golden sand with family-friendly facilities including a waterslide park and children’s playground. Hobie Beach is popular with windsurfers, bathers and rock pool fans; while Humewood Beach offers sheltered sunbathing and a reliable surf break near the jetty. All three beaches are protected by licensed lifeguards for the duration of the South African summer . December is a particularly festive time to visit while the winter months see considerably fewer crowds. 

Discover Port Elizabeth’s Gourmet Culinary Scene

Saaleha Bamjee / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Port Elizabeth is a foodie city, with many excellent restaurants serving an impressive variety of international cuisines.Your first port of call should be Vovo Telo, a famous bakery and local hang-out spot. Using traditional artisan techniques, it serves up mouthwatering breakfasts and brunches with menu items ranging from inventive sandwiches to thin crust pizzas. One block over from Vovo Telo is Stanley Street, Port Elizabeth’s culinary epicenter. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants including Muse (farm-to-table fine dining), Fushin (sushi and tempura), and Two Olives (Mediterranean tapas and seafood). Don’t miss the Valley Market either, an artisanal food festival held on the first Saturday of every month at the historic Tramways Building.

Learn About Local History at the Port Elizabeth Museum

Ariadne Van Zandbergen/ Getty Images

Located on the Humewood beachfront, the Port Elizabeth Museum explores the city’s cultural and natural history through a series of fascinating permanent exhibits. These range from the Maritime History Hall to the Xhosa Beadwork Gallery, and tell the story of Algoa Bay from the days of the indigenous San people to the arrival of the colonial settlers. Some of the exhibits (specifically, a life-sized reconstruction of a local dinosaur species called Algoasaurus) even date back to prehistoric times. Other highlights include a bronze cannon from a Portuguese galleon that wrecked off the coast in the 17th century; and the skeleton of one of the last Southern right whales to be killed by Algoa Bay whalers.

Walk the Donkin Heritage Trail

michaeljung / Getty Images

The Donkin Heritage Trail is named after Sir Rufane Donkin, Port Elizabeth’s founder. It connects 51 historical sites, which together tell the story of the 1820 settlers and the British colonial era. The self-guided tour starts outside the Public Library with its statue of Queen Victoria and includes a host of Victorian houses, churches, and memorials. Amongst these is the Campanile (which marks the landing site of the 1820 Settlers and affords spectacular panoramas of the city and harbor) and the stone pyramid at Donkin Reserve. The latter was erected in honor of Sir Donkin’s wife, Elizabeth, for whom the city was named. Maps for the 5-kilometer trail are sold at the Donkin Reserve Information Office. 

Indulge in a Spot of Retail Therapy

Stuart Fox / Getty Images

Port Elizabeth is also a shopaholic’s paradise with a seemingly endless choice of retail outlets. Its most popular malls include Greenacres Shopping Centre, Walmer Park Shopping Centre and Baywest Mall, all of which offer a selection of South Africa’s biggest high street brands. Baywest Mall also has its own movie theater and ice rink. At The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World you can combine your retail therapy with open-air dining, arcade games, gambling and go-karting; while the Beachfront Traders flea market is your best bet for souvenirs . Held every Saturday and Sunday on the Kings Beach promenade, the market specializes in African curios ranging from wooden sculptures and paintings to Xhosa beadwork. 

Pack a Picnic for a Day Out at St. George’s Park

lcswart / Getty Images

When the sun is shining, those that are tired of the beach flock to St. George’s Park . Established in 1860, it sprawls across 73 hectares of beautiful parkland complete with specimen trees and colorful flower beds. In season, you can watch local athletes competing at the historic Port Elizabeth Cricket Club or on the oldest bowling green in South Africa. The Conservatory is a magnificent relic from Victorian times and still hosts seasonal displays of exotic plants. In summer, the park’s Mannville Open-Air Theater hosts the annual Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival . Alternatively, try to time your visit with the Art in the Park artisan craft market, held on the last Sunday of every month. 

Take a Tour of Port Elizabeth’s Townships

Holger Leue / Getty Images

Although Port Elizabeth’s townships are not safe to visit on your own, you can learn a lot about the history and culture of the city’s townships by signing up for a tour with an operator like Calabash Tours . Under the supervision of local guides, you’ll hear firsthand about residents’ experiences of life in the Eastern Cape before, during, and after apartheid. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a township school, and to share a drink with the locals at a shebeen. Most visitors are astonished by the diversity, positivity and entrepreneurship that can be found in the city’s poorest areas. Calabash Tours promotes responsible tourism by making sure that township residents benefit directly from tour revenue.

Visit the Birds at Cape Recife Nature Reserve

  USO/ Getty Images

Located on a remote peninsula just south of the city center, Cape Recife Nature Reserve is a wilderness of untamed beaches, fragrant fynbos and dramatic rocky outcrops. It’s also one of the best birding sites in the Eastern Cape. Strike out on the 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) hiking trail or spend hours in the bird hide at the freshwater reclamation ponds. A particular highlight is the tern roost, where you can spot roseate, Antarctic, and Damara terns in season. The reserve is also home to SANCCOB Port Elizabeth , a sanctuary and rehabilitation center for marine birds. For 45 rand per adult, you can take a self-guided tour and enjoy close encounters with a variety of species including endangered African penguins.

Meet Marine Life on an Algoa Bay Cruise

Sami Sarkis / Getty Images

PE’s Algoa Bay is home to some incredible marine life, including dolphins, whales, sharks and Cape fur seals. Raggy Charters offers a range of different wildlife cruises, including trips to St. Croix Island (home to thousands of African penguins ) and Bird Island (the planet’s largest breeding colony of Cape gannets). You can also sign up for pelagic birding cruises that take you out to the continental shelf in search of albatrosses, shearwaters and skuas; or test your mettle by cage diving with great white sharks . If you want to see whales , remember that the peak time for humpback sightings is June/July or November/December, while southern right whales give birth in the bay from July to October. 

Go on Safari at Addo Elephant Park

For the chance to see Africa’s most iconic land mammals , take a 30-minute drive north of Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant National Park . As the name suggests, the reserve is especially famous for its huge herds of elephant, which can often be seen congregating around the waterholes in groups of 100 or more on hot days. It’s also home to the rest of the Big Five —including buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinos. You can sign up for a guided game drive or opt for a self-drive safari instead. The reserve’s dirt roads are well maintained and suitable for all vehicles. Currently, self-drive safaris cost 307 rand per adult and 154 rand per child.

Hermanus, South Africa: The Complete Guide

20 Best Things to Do in South Africa

South Africa Guide: Planning Your Trip

7 of the Best Dive Destinations in South Africa

The Top 18 Things to Do in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province

The Perfect Itinerary for a 10 Day Trip to South Africa

18 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

The Top 18 Things to Do in the Western Cape, South Africa

Malaria Free Safaris in Africa

How to Cage Dive with Great White Sharks in South Africa

10 of the Best Private Game Reserves in South Africa

The Best Time to Visit Cape Town

10 of the Best Golf Resorts in South Africa

10 of the Top Things to Do in Tunisia, North Africa

Driving in South Africa

18 Top Things to Do in Gauteng, South Africa

Home » Travel Guides » South Africa » 15 Best things to do in Port Elizabeth

15 Best things to do in Port Elizabeth

Here I use the knowledge I’ve gained over multiple trips to South Africa to highlight the very best things to do in Port Elizabeth. With the experienced eye of a travel writer specializing on the world’s oldest continent, you can be sure my picks are first-hand recommendations of attractions that wowed me.

Although now officially known as Gqeberha, most still know this Indian Ocean city as Port Elizabeth, or PE. It’s location on the broad Algoa Bay makes it an alternative choice to Durban for beach escapes. But there’s also plenty of culture and history to be had for those taking the time to get to know this noble lady of Eastern Cape Province, as we will see.

1. Donkin Reserve

Smack bang in the middle of Port Elizabeth’s Central Business District (CBD), the Donkin Reserve is a publicly-accessible open space combining native flora, historic structures, and fine views over the wider city.

Its lighthouse, dating to 1861, can usually be visited to enhance the views from Donkin’s Reserve further. Next to it is a 10 meter high stone pyramid dedicated to Elizabeth Markham. The wife of then governor Rufane Shaw Donkin, it’s from her the city got its name.

Bringing the Donkin Reserve into the modern era are brightly colored mosaics in part depicting the Portuguese ships which first rounded this part of the South African coast, and metal cutouts of Nelson Mandela, fist raised in celebration.

2. King’s Beach

Proudly flying a Blue Flag for cleanliness, King’s Beach is one of Port Elizabeth’s most popular stretches of sand. Its runs for 1.6 glorious kilometers from the harbor to Humewood, a beachside neighborhood with its own long history.

A good all-round beach, its sand is fine enough to ensure sand castles hold first, while warm Indian ocean waters lure visitors in to swim, bodyboard, and surf. Watched over the lifeguards, there’s also a nursery pool for toddlers, mini-golf, changing facilities, and refreshments. In fact, King’s Beach has all you need to spend a day soaking up Port Elizabeth’s sunny weather. Average daily temperatures don’t drop below 19°C at any time of year.

3. Route 67 walking trail

The city’s Route 67 trail consists of a piece of public art for each of the 67 years Nelson Mandela gave his life to ending racial segregation in South Africa under apartheid.

Starting at the Campanile, the city’s easy to spot clock and bell tower, it passes through Vuyisile Mini Market Square. Continuing onto St Mary’s Terrace and Donkin Reserve, it also takes it what’s reported to be the largest flag on the continent. Each of the artworks come with an information board to provide the wider context.

4. Splash Waterworld

The slides and rides behind King’s Beach belong to Splash Waterworld. Primarily aimed at children, this small waterpark nonetheless does its job of bringing smiles to the faces of those who visit. So prepare for a wet and wild time on attractions including the Super Tube, Lazy River, and Speed Slide, alongside a Kiddies Slide for younger patrons.

As you might expect, there are plenty of kiosks offering up drinks and snacks. More unusually, it’s also possible to take to the slides of Splash Waterworld after dark thanks to floodlights.

5. Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick was constructed in 1799 to avoid a French invasion of this part of Britain’s Cape Colony. Although this may sound like a baffling idea today, at the height of the Napoleonic Wars between the two countries, nothing seems to have been off the table.

Never having fired a shot from any of its guns, the two-story complex is square in form and sits on one bank of the Baakens River, overlooking the modern harbor. Said to be haunted by the ghosts of a Shakespeare play, behind its walls you’ll find a blockhouse, powder magazine, and small museum.

6. Addo Elephant National Park

Roughly 100 kilometers (1.5 hours) north of Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park makes for an easy day trip from the city. One of South Africa’s largest national parks, there’s no secret to what the big-ticket attractions are here.

There are around 600 elephants within the park, alongside several hundred buffalo, a pride of reintroduced lions, hyenas, Burchell’s zebra, kudu, eland, and bushbuck. Game drives are therefore the favorite past time, with 120 kilometers of track to choose between. Its lions and hyenas are most commonly spotted in the early morning or late evening.

My suggestion is to visit on a hotter day, which brings much of the action down to the waterhole.

7. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

Located within the grounds of Saint George’s Park, this gallery specializes in the art of South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Containing three main rooms, its artworks are regularly rehung to allow as much of its comprehensive collection to be seen as possible.

These works are enhanced by temporary exhibitions spanning from sculpture to quilting. In addition to artworks by colonial artists such as Thomas Baines and Frederick Timpson I’Ons, there’s a fascinating collection of beadworks by the Southern Nguni people, and a smattering of contemporary pieces too.

8. Bayworld

Opened in time for the new millennium, Bayworld is part natural history museum, part oceanarium, and part vivarium. Its museum exhibits are thoroughly modern, with plenty of interest for all ages.

Meanwhile, its outside areas include a dinosaur exhibit and oceanarium with live animal exhibits incorporating rescued turtles, seals, and penguins. Last but certainly not least, Bayworld has South Africa’s oldest snake park. Here visitors can get the lowdown on a myriad of local snakes, as well as crocs and tortoises.

9. Cape Recife Lighthouse

Cape Recife is the name given to Port Elizabeth’s southeasternmost point. The obvious location for an aid to navigation, its lighthouse was established in 1849 to guide ships around Thunderbolt reef, named after a British frigate which wasn’t so lucky.

Rising 24 meters and banded with black and white stripes, Cape Recife Lighthouse sits within a nature reserve offering hiking opportunities for all levels of fitness. Paths cut through the semi-tropical vegetation and over rocky outcrops to rockpools home to an impressive number of marine creatures.

10. Horse Memorial

Back in the center of Port Elizabeth lies its Horse Memorial. In approximate life size, it depicts a British solider kneeling in front of a horse and offering it a bucket of water. Designed by English sculpture Joseph Whitehead, it was unveiled in 1905 to honor the estimated 300,000 horses brought to South Africa during the Anglo Boer wars of 1899-1902. Most were brought to shore at Port Elizabeth.

Paid for by the public, it cost £800, equivalent to around £120,000 ($150,000) in today’s money, and was shipped all the way from London where the bronze was cast.

11. Amakhala Game Reserve

A private game reserve approximately 1.5 hours from Port Elizabeth by road, Amakhala has an area of 18,000 acres. Joining morning or evening game drives to explore them, visitors to Amakhala have a good chance of encountering all the Big Five species – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo.

Amakhala ranges from bushveld to savanna, with areas covering five of South Africa’s seven biomes. This means other species to look out for on day trips from Port Elizabeth include giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, antelope, and monkeys.

12. South End Museum

This museum is one of just a few attractions in Port Elizabeth which directly tackle the apartheid period. The South End neighborhood had been a multiracial one known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, good schools, and host of successful local businesses.

But that all ended when its non-white tenants were forcibly relocated, an event which took place between 1965 and 1975. Its this history which South End Museum seeks to share. It does this through its blend of displays, historic photographs, and a walk-on map of the area.

13. The Campanile

This stand-alone clock and bell tower has a passing resemblance to its more famous cousin in Saint Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy. Built for the most part from red brick, it rises to a height of 50 meters.

Constructed to mark one hundred years since the first settlers arrived into what became Port Elizabeth, workmen remained on the site between 1920 and 1922. Their efforts included completing the 204 steps which reach up to the observation room at the Campanile’s top. That said, there’s now an elevator too, providing easier access to the 23 bells which make up one of the largest carillons (bells played like a piano) in South Africa.

14. Whale watching

Port Elizabeth’s coastal waters aren’t only of interest to beach goers. They’re also a draw to whales to such an extent that Algoa Bay has been declared the World Cetacean Alliance’s fifth Whale Heritage Site.

Joining a licensed whale watching tour from Port Elizabeth gives the opportunity to watch the antics of southern right and humpback whales. Both are known for breaching the water. Other whale species which can be encountered are minke and Bryde’s whales. Known as the ‘bottlenose dolphin capital of the world,’ taking to the waters of Algoa Bay promises plenty of action from these intelligent creatures as an added bonus.

15. South African Air Force Museum

One of Port Elizabeth’s smaller museum spaces, the South African Air Force Museum is located within the perimeter of the city’s airport. Its collection currently contains nine aircraft, including South Africa’s oldest jet, a supersonic fighter, and two helicopters.

Access to a restored World War Two era hangar allows visitors to see restoration work as it happens, while the walls of the main museum are packed with cabinets and imagery linked to the force, founded in 1920. However, the highlight has to be the onsite flight simulator.

15 Best things to do in Port Elizabeth:

• Donkin Reserve
• King’s Beach
• Route 67 walking trail
• Splash Waterworld
• Fort Frederick
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
• Cape Recife Lighthouse
• Horse Memorial
• Amakhala Game Reserve
• South End Museum
• The Campanile
• Whale watching
• South African Air Force Museum

• 12 Cool Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Guadalajara, Mexico
• 10 Remarkable Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Lisburn
• 11 Interesting Things to See and Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
• 12+ Astonishing Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Nantes, France
• 14 Stunning Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Helsingborg, Sweden

Beautiful Beaches to Visit, Things to See and Fun Activities to Do in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Gqeberha is a city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was previously known as Port Elizabeth or PE. Many people still call it by that name. The best things to do in Port Elizabeth revolve around the city’s history, coastal activities, and wildlife safaris.

The city was founded in 1820 by Sir RufaneDonkin, the Governor of the Cape. He named it after his wife, Elizabeth. A memorial dedicated to her is still one of the top places to visit in Gqeberha . The city was a major port during British colonial rule and played an important role in South Africa’s fight for freedom.

Many of the Port Elizabeth tourist attractions are dedicated to the freedom struggle and the people who fought for it, especially Nelson Mandela. Most of these places of interest in Port Elizabeth can be found on the famous Route 67. You will also see many attractions in PE from the colonial period including lighthouses, opera houses, forts, and public buildings.

However, people visit Port Elizabeth for the fun activities. Incredible landscapes surround the city. You have forests, beaches, sand dunes, and savannahs. These are the most beautiful places to visit in Port Elizabeth . Let’s start closer to the city, with the beaches of PE. It is a paradise for those who love the oceanside, its calm, happening and adventurous aspects. These golden sand beaches are absolutely beautiful.

Some are known for leisure, sunbathing, and beach sports. While other the best beaches in Port Elizabeth are popular for entertainment, shopping, dining, and nightlife. There are also some beautiful things to see in Port Elizabeth by the coastline. This includes massive sand dunes, historical sites, coastal forests, and nature reserves.

Going more towards the land, you can explore the incredible wilderness. Wildlife safaris are among the most fun things to do in Gqeberha . There are various nature reserves, game parks, and national parks where you can see a variety of wild animals. The most popular ones include lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, antelopes, African penguins, and many more. Catching a glimpse of these animals in their natural habitats is one of the most fascinating things to see in Port Elizabeth .

Finally, you have the adventurous side of Gqeberha travel. These different landscapes create possibilities for a variety of fun activities to do in Port Elizabeth . You can explore the nature trails through the forests and coastlines.

At the coastline, you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, swimming, and water sports. Exploratory activities like sandboarding, offroading, and boat cruises are also major Port Elizabeth attractions . You have a lot to do, see, and explore when you visit Gqeberha.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

Top 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

1. kragga kamma game park.

What trip to Africa is complete without Wildlife Safari? It is one of the best things to do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This game park is home to a variety of animals. You will get to explore the savannah forest in a jeep. The journey will bring you face-to-face with rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, and more.

This reserve has both guided and self-guided tours. If this is your first trip to Gqeberha attractions then go for a guided one. You will get to know a lot of interesting facts about the forests and the animals. There are many options, ranging from an hour to 5 hours.

I suggest you should book your Guided Safari of Kragga Kamma Game Park in advance.

2. Donkin Reserve

This park was established by the founder of Port Elizabeth in 1820. It serves as the starting point for Port Elizabeth sightseeing. Both Donkin Heritage Trail and Route 67 begin from Donkin Reserve.

The park is also known for the stone pyramid. It is a memorial dedicated to Sir Donkin’s wife Elizabeth. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this park.

3. Addo Elephant National Park

Spanning 444,000 acres, this is the third-largest national park in South Africa. The park is home to more than 600 elephants. If you want to see these majestic giants, there are no better Gqeberha tourist attractions.

The jeep tour takes you through the savannah forest and the coastline. You will get to explore a variety of landscapes and encounter different animals. You will come across some of the most beautiful things to see in Port Elizabeth. Aside from elephants, the national park is also home to black rhinos, cape buffalo, zebra, spotted hyenas, and African penguins.

The place is also well known for several outdoor activities to do in Port Elizabeth. This includes horseback riding trails, hiking, and night safaris. The park has many different routes to explore. Even for the shortest one, you will need at least 2 hours.

I suggest you should book a Full-Day Safari of Addo Elephant National Park in advance.

4. Route 67

This is a sightseeing tour to visit many attractions in PE dedicated to Nelson Mandela. The route takes you on a journey of 67 years from Mandela’s life expressed through art.

You will see murals, paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and other art forms created by artists from the Eastern Cape. The styles blend both African culture and British art styles. These are must-see places in Port Elizabeth for art and history admirers. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to complete this tour.

5. Best Beaches in Port Elizabeth

The coastline of Gqeberha has some amazing beaches. People come here for leisure, sunbathing, nightlife, watersports, swimming, dining, shopping, and partying. These beaches are clean and well-facilitated for a lot of fun activities.

Some of the best beaches in Port Elizabeth include Algoa, Wells Estate, Humewood, Kings, Hobie, Pollock, Sardinia, New Brighton, and Bluewater. Most of these beaches have the coveted Blue Flag status. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the best beaches in PE.

6. Bayworld Oceanarium

The oceanarium has two sections: one is dedicated to various African birds and reptiles and the other is a Cultural & Natural History Museum. The museum is dedicated to the rich diversity of Algoa Bay.

It is one of the best places to visit in Port Elizabeth for families. The exhibits focus on dinosaurs, birds, and animals. The museum also focuses on the region’s local history and maritime history. The biggest attractions of the museum are skeletons a Southern Right Whale and an Algoasaurus.

The oceanarium is also one of the best attractions in PE for families. It is home to African penguins, crocodiles, snakes, seals, turtles, and a variety of fishes. The feeding sessions for seals and penguins are especially popular. You will need 3 to 4 hours to explore the Oceanarium and the museum.

7. South End Museum

This museum focuses on the tragic period of the Apartheid era. It retells the story of the forced removal of residents from the South End suburb during the time. It is one of the top places of interest in Port Elizabeth to understand the regional history and culture. Alongside historical overview, the museum also focuses on personal stories of tragedy as well as triumphs. You will need about an hour or so to tour this museum.

8. Sardinia Bay

This bay is known for its clear waters, sand dunes, and rich marine life. It is popular for a lot of cool things to do in Port Elizabeth including scuba diving, snorkelling, coastline hikes, horse riding, kayaking, and boat cruises.

With scuba diving and snorkelling you will get to see the colourful world under the ocean surface. You will see a variety of fishes, dolphins, seals, turtles, and more.

The bay is the starting point for the Sacramento trail. This trail takes you on a tour of the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. You will come across some of the most beautiful places to visit in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Alongside natural beauty, the trail also has several historical sites.

Sardinia Bay is also home to some of the best beaches in PE. It also has some very nice picnic spots where you can enjoy an outing with an ocean view. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the Sardinia Bay.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Marine Walk at Sardinia Bay .

9. Opera House (Mandela Bay Theatre Complex)

This old cabaret-style theatre hails from the Victorian period. It has seen many historical events, performances, and artists. It opened in 1892 and is admired for its regal design.

The Opera House also has many urban legends of mysterious stories and ghosts. However, you should check this place out not for the hauntings but for the experience. The theatre still hosts some of the most important cultural events in the city. You should reserve an evening to enjoy a show at this historic venue when you visit Port Elizabeth.

10. Boardwalk Summerstrand

This venue is great for shopping, entertainment, dining, and a lot of fun things to do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The complex is built around man-made lakes and gives you a seaside vibe.

The Boardwalk area has a shopping complex, casino, restaurants, shops, amphitheatre, movie theatres, amusement arcade, gaming zones, musical events, comedy shows, and more. In the evening you can enjoy an amazing light and fountain show.

The lakes have 100 jets that shoot water up to 60 meters high in a choreographed symphony with colourful lights adding to the magic. This is one of the most fun places to go in Port Elizabeth to enjoy an evening.

11. Cape Recife Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is perfect if you want to enjoy beach time but with less crowd. The reserve has a beautiful beach with both sandy and rocky patches to explore. The rocky terrains also form tidal pools where you can see vibrant marine life.

It is also popular for coastal hiking trails and an old lighthouse. This was built in 1851 and you can climb to the top to get a scenic view of the reserve. You can take the Roseate Tern trail to explore the reserve and encounter a variety of birds. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore this trail.

I suggest you should book your Tour to Cape Recife Nature Reserve in advance.

12. Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve

This nature reserve is home to hundreds of species of wildflowers brought from different parts of the world. The reserve has hiking trails that you can follow to discover all sorts of flowers of different colours and shapes.

It is also home to several small animals and birds which you would encounter on the trail. Besides hiking, you can also enjoy other fun activities to do in Port Elizabeth. This reserve also has trails for cycling, mountain biking, and offroading. You will need 3 to 4 hours to explore this nature reserve.

13. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

This museum houses a great collection of historic South African Art. The majority of the exhibits were created between 1700 and 1900. You will works of both British and African artists as well as the influence of these styles on one another. It is one of the most insightful PE tourist attractions.

The museum also has ancient Indian miniatures and Chinese textile art among its exhibits. This gives you a glimpse of the trading between Asia and Africa in different periods. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

14. Shamwari Private Game Reserve

If you want to see all the Big Five of Africa in one trip, you should head to Shamwari. You will see Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffaloes. Alongside you will also see Giraffes, Zerba, Hyenas, Gazelles, Hunting Dogs, Crocodiles, and more. The reserve is rich in wildlife.

It is a vast reserve with several luxury lodges, camping sites, and educational centres. You can enjoy wildlife tours that are both exploratory, adventurous, and educational. It is one of the best things to do in Gqeberha.

You can also see the animals up close at the rehabilitation and conservation centres of the reserve. You will need at least a day to explore part of the reserve. People also make multi-day trips to this reserve to explore it thoroughly when they visit Gqeberha.

15. South African Air Force Museum

This museum showcases the history of the Air Force of South Africa. It is specifically popular because of the massive aircraft displayed. You will get to see fighter planes, cargo planes, bombers, helicopters, and more. The museum is also home to the oldest surviving fighter jet in the country.

Some of the popular aircraft of the museum include Aerospatiale Alouette, Atlas Impala, Mirage F1, Havilland Vampire, Supermarine Spitfire, Westland Wasp, and Airspeed Oxford. The exhibits also include aircraft parts, memorabilia, uniforms, weapons, model planes, photographs and stories from the Air Force. It is one of the most interesting places in Port Elizabeth. You will need about an hour or so from Gqeberha travel to tour this museum.

16. Island Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is not actually on an island. It is spread over 480 hectares and is home to the Alexandria coastal forest. The reserve is best known for the Bushbuck Hiking Trail. The trail stretches for more than 16 km and is rich in wildlife.

You will come across a variety of birds as well as some animals such as vervet monkeys, bushbucks, antelope, bushpigs, and so on. It is one of the most famous places in Port Elizabeth for hiking and wildlife spotting. You will need 3 to 4 hours to explore the nature reserve.

17. Red Location Museum

This museum is built in one of the oldest townships in South Africa. It is called the red location because the rusting of the iron barrack buildings brings out the red colour on the exterior.

The museum focuses on the struggle for freedom. It also gives you a complete overview of the region’s and people’s history and culture. It is one of the best places to visit in Gqeberha to understand the place. A tour of this museum gives you a better perspective on the rest of the tour. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

18. Maitland Sand Dunes

The massive brown sand dunes meeting the wild blue ocean is one of the most beautiful places to see in Port Elizabeth. While the dunes are a marvellous site, they are more popular for sandboarding.

It is loads of fun. You can get on a board and slide down huge sand dunes. It is one of the top things to do in Gqeberha for thrill seekers. You will need about 2 hours to explore the place.

19. Seaview Predator Park

Spread over 120 hectares, this wildlife park houses some of the most ferocious species of predators on the planet. This includes lions, tigers, and leopards. The park is also home to genetically exotic animals.

You will see white lions, golden Bengal tigers, white tigers, and black leopards. The park is one of the top Port Elizabeth attractions to easily spot these majestic animals. It takes about 2 hours to tour the park.

20. Holmeleigh Farmyard

This playful farmyard allows people to interact with a variety of farm animals. It is a great place to visit in Gqeberha for families with children. Children can pet bunnies, cows, goats, peacocks, ponies, ducks, and more. You can also participate in various farm activities such as feeding animals, milking cows, riding tractors, and so on. People can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the place.

21. Fort Frederick

This 200-year-old fort was built to defend against French forces. You can tour the fort to see how the defensive structure was set up and how it played a role in various wars and invasions.

While much of the fort is destroyed, many of the parts are still very well preserved. You can see powder magazines, blockhouses, muzzleloader guns, and gunpowder storage. You will need about an hour to tour this fort.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Port Elizabeth, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of attractions and activities you can enjoy in the city and around it.

Things to do in port elizabeth, south africa, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in port elizabeth, south africa.

• Yellow Frame Donkin Reserve
• South End Museum
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
• South African Air Force Museum
• Red Location Museum
• Fort Frederick
• The Campanile
• Horse Memorial
• Cape Recife Lighthouse
• Prince Alfred Guard
• Monument to Prester John
• Port Elizabeth Museum
• Chelsea Sculpture Garden
• Drotsdy Museum
• GFI Art Gallery
• Port Elizabeth City Hall
• Bird Island Light House
• Anglo-Boer War Memorial
• Bird Street Gallery
• Seal Point Lighthouse
• Old Railway Station Museum
• Jefferys Bay Shell Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Kragga Kamma Game Park
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Sardina Bay
• Cape Recife Nature Reserve
• Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve
• Shamwari Private Game Reserve
• Island Nature Reserve
• Maitland Sand Dunes
• Lower Guinea
• Settlers Park Nature Reserve
• Molly’s Corner
• Humewood Six Pillars
• Newton Park Nature Reserve
• Baaken’s Valley
• Groendal Nature Reserve
• Nelson Mandela University Nature Reserve
• Kabouga Gate
• Jan se Gat Waterfall
• Cape Mosaics
• Nyosi Wildlife Reserve
• North End Lake
• African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kwantu Private Game Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Bayworld Oceanarium
• Summerstrand Boardwalk
• Seaview Predator Park
• Holmeleigh Farmyard
• Happy Valley
• St. George’s Park Conservatory
• Victoria Park
• Jack’s Picnic Site
• Dodd’s Farm
• Wacky Woods
• Auto Pavilion

Shopping in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Wezandla African Craft Traders
• Baywest Mall
• Walmer Park Shopping Centre
• Greenacres Shopping Centre
• Pier 14 Shopping Centre
• Sunridge Village Shopping Centre
• Metlife Mall
• Cleary Park

Beaches & Islands in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Algoa Beach
• Wells Estate Beach
• Humewood Beach
• Kings Beach
• Hobie Beach
• Pollock Beach
• Sardinia Beach
• New Brighton Beach
• Bluewater Beach
• Summerstrand Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Sandboarding
• Wildlife Safari
• Mountain Biking
• Boat Cruise
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkelling
• Water Sports

Sightseeing in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Opera House
• Govan Mbeki Ave
• Shark Rock Pier
• Harbour Board Building

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

• Backstreet Grill
• Something Good Roadhouse
• This is Eat
• Sticky Fingers Woodfire Kitchen
• Savages Fine Food
• Black Impala
• Izakaya Arata
• Royal Delhi
• Charlies Pizza & Pasta
• Vovo Telo Bakery
• Ginger The Restaurant
• Crossways Country Kitchen
• Elephant Walk
• Villa Borghese
• Tabu Grill Bar
• The Hussar Grill
• Gypsy Shawrmas and Fish
• The Coachman

Where to Stay in Port Elizabeth?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Port Elizabeth. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Port Elizabeth.

Luxurious Hotels

• Thunzi Bush Lodge
• Ocean Bay Guest House
• Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel
• The Boardwalk Hotel
• Southern Sun The Marine
• The Beach Hotel
• Harmony Luxury Tents & Safari
• Admiralty Beach Guest House

Mid-Range Hotels

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth
• Forest Hall Guest House
• Island Way Villa – Luxury Accommodation
• Charihandra Game Lodge
• Garden Court Kings Beach
• Lemon Tree Lane
• Amery House
• Paxton Luxury Apartments
• Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast
• King George’s Guest House

Budget Hotels

• Paxton Hotel
• Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha
• Treetops Guesthouse
• Singa Lodge
• Lodge on Main Guest House and Conference Centre
• Carslogie House
• Cape Flame Guest House
• Le Blue Guest House
• Anchorage Guesthouse

Custom Tours Package in Port Elizabeth

How to reach port elizabeth, south africa.

The city is served by the Dawn Dawid Stuurman International Airport. This airport receives direct flights to reach Port Elizabeth from Cape Town , Durban , and Johannesburg . You can get connecting flights to visit Gqeberha via Cape Town and Durban. You can get cabs and busses from the airport to reach the city.

You can get direct trains to travel to Port Elizabeth from Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. For other major cities in South Africa, you will need to get a connecting train from either of these destinations. The bus network is quite widespread. You can get direct buses from several towns and cities in South Africa.

If you are planning to travel to Gqeberha by road, you should head for routes 2, R75, or R335. These three routes intersect in the city.

Despite being a port city, there are no direct passenger water routes to reach Port Elizabeth.

Image Reference

• Kragga Kamma Game Park – NJR ZA / Wikimedia Commons
• Donkin Reserve – Leo za1 / Wikimedia Commons
• Addo Elephant National Park – Mindz / PixaBay
• Route 67 – Suzi-k / Wikimedia Commons
• Best Beaches in Port Elizabeth – flowcomm / Flickr
• Bayworld Oceanarium – NJR ZA / Wikimedia Commons
• South End Museum – Suzi-k / Wikimedia Commons
• Sardina Bay – flowcomm / Flickr
• Opera House (Mandela Bay Theatre Complex) – Janek Szymanowski / Wikimedia Commons
• Boardwalk Summerstrand – flowcomm / Flickr
• Cape Recife Nature Reserve – Wallpaper Flare
• Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve – Rute Martins of Leoa’s Photography / Wikimedia Commons
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum – Leo za1 / Wikimedia Commons
• Shamwari Private Game Reserve – Steffie0609 / Wikimedia Commons
• South African Air Force Museum – Bob Adams / Flickr
• Island Nature Reserve –
• Red Location Museum – Joziboy / Wikimedia Commons
• Maitland Sand Dunes – Susanne Stöckli / PixaBay
• Seaview Predator Park – NJR ZA / Wikimedia Commons
• Holmeleigh Farmyard –
• Fort Frederick – Lugerda / Wikimedia Commons
• 17 Astonishing Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Acapulco
• 16 Cool Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Saaremaa, Estonia

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

You May Also Like

Must Visit Tourist Attractions, Beaches and Things to Do in Cape Town

Cool 25 Attractions to See and Things to Do in Durban, South Africa

12+ City Sightseeing and Fun Things to Do in Johannesburg

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Getty Images/Gallo Images

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth (PE for short) fringes Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast, and offers many good bathing beaches, great surf spots and excellent water sports. Marine life in the bay is also sensational, with plenty of dolphins and whales that can be spotted throughout the year. The city centre, once a place to avoid, has started to smarten up thanks to a few urban regeneration projects, and it boasts numerous heritage buildings that are well worth a gander.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Donkin Reserve

This pleasant hilltop park is a good place to get your bearings, particularly if you climb to the top of the lighthouse. The pyramid is a memorial to…

South End Museum

Multimedia exhibits relate the history of South End, a vibrant multicultural district destroyed by apartheid bulldozers during forced removals between…

Kings Beach

Sandy central beach, popular for sunbathing and swimming in the shallows. Take extreme care when swimming; the current is very strong.

Most of the world's remaining 25,000 breeding pairs of endangered African penguins are found around Algoa Bay; they are threatened by currents pushing…

This bell tower, visible from the city centre, was erected to commemorate the landing of the 1820 British settlers. Unfortunately, it’s near the entrance…

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

The museum housed in two handsome buildings at the entrance to St George’s Park has a small gallery of paintings and sculpture by contemporary South…

No. 7 Castle Hill

This museum-house, occupying a picturesque cottage dating from 1827, evokes a settler family's life during the mid-Victorian period.

Hobie Beach

The beach of choice for windsurfers, sailors and kite-surfers, and sunbathers will also love it.

Plan with a local

Experience the real South Africa

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Port Elizabeth

Jan 6, 2016 • 6 min read

Sipping a chilled glass of chenin blanc at a whitewashed winery backed by rolling mountains – it’s a quintessential South African travel experience. But…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Port Elizabeth

Planning a Trip to Port Elizabeth

Send a general inquiry by clicking the below

• Travel Guide
• Places to Visit
• Best Time to Visit
• Things To Do
• How to Reach

Near By Places

• Tour Packages
• Request a Call back

Port Elizabeth Travel Guide

The Eastern Cape of South Africa owns the picturesque city of Port Elizabeth also known as the Nelson Mandela Bay. Port Elizabeth lies down near the Indian Ocean that covers a part of Cape Town and Durban, in the Eastern Cape. The shattered rainfall in the city contributes to great tourism in Port Elisabeth and outstanding serene in and around the city. With the sandy beaches and scenic beauty, the tour of Port Elizabeth is the finest destination to cover for the complete South Africa excursion. Safari, beach tour and sightseeing are some of the things one can enjoy while travelling around the Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth even offers a tour of the historical spots of the city with a glimpse of culture and tradition being followed there. There are some eco-parks and bio-reserve that serves as the key to tourism at Port Elizabeth South Africa. The Shamwari, Amakhala, Lalibela and Kwandwe are some of the famous game reserves at Port Elizabeth that you must explore during your tour to South Africa. With the diverse vegetation, the city of Port Elizabeth Represents South Africa with the hiking trails, the historic heritage, and the array of wildlife.

Places To visit In Port Elizabeth

Donkin Reserve

Alexandria Dune Fields

Wezandla African Arts and Crafts Gallery

South Africa Air force Museum

Cape Recife Nature Reserve

Kragga Kamma Game Park

Van Stadens Nature Reserve

Hobie Beach

Best time to visit port elizabeth.

The tour to Port Elizabeth somewhere depends on the season you are visiting the city. This destination of South Africa experiences climatic changes that can make your South Africa journey best and worth depending in the season you are visiting.

March to May

The humid and moderate temperature lowers the rate of tourism at Port Elizabeth during this season. If you are planning for a budget tour with fewer crowds, then this can be the ideal time to visit Port Elizabeth .

June to August

The precipitation and high temperature of South Africa lower the tourism at Port Elizabeth. The heat does not favour sightseeing and activities during the Port Elizabeth tour. Although the accommodation rates are low for the time, this is not the best time to plan the trip.

September to November

The spring serves the favourable time with humidity, wind and precipitation. The destination is crowded increasing the tourism rates and can be considered an ideal time for your Port Elizabeth tour .

December to February

This is the perfect time to explore Port Elizabeth as the weather is warm and enjoyable. The little rain with soothing weather makes sightseeing and entertainment more enjoyable. This is the busiest season of tourism at Port Elizabeth .

Things To Do In Port Elizabeth

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

Diving at Postman Reef

Diving at Postman reef with the diverse aquatic creature like sea fans, sea corals and the beautiful yellow-billed rock is the best thing you can experience at Port Elizabeth tour at South Africa. The ridge is the home to some of the amazing marine life that will leave you amazed.

Tour to the wildlife

Don’t miss out the wildlife safari tour at Port Elizabeth in the Addo Elephant Park that has an abundance of elephants exceeding over 550 in number. Gradually the wildlife and biodiversity at Addo Elephant Park is increasing with more number of flora and fauna.

Port Elizabeth beach tour

The Kings Beach, Hobie Beach and Humewood Beach are the three beaches at Port Elizabeth known for the sandy shores that are awarded blue beach status for their cleanliness. The warm and soothing water of the Indian Ocean makes water activities at these beaches more pleasurable. It is one of the best things to do in Port Elizabeth.

Visiting the Island reserve

Housing more than 50 bird species, the Island Nature Reserve offers a tour to explore the amazing hiking trails and the indigenous forest. You can hike along the famous 16 km long Bushbuck hiking trail and enjoy the picnic during the Port Elizabeth Tour.

Sandboarding at Maitland Sand Dunes

Sandboarding at the Maitland is known to be the top most attraction in Port Elizabeth for an adrenaline rush. Enjoy the trek to climb up the dunes and later sliding down exploring the picturesque beauty and the stunning landscape.

A Tour to SAMREC

The South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre rescue and preserve the marine creatures in their natural habitat. A tour to SAMREC is the most recommended trip at Port Elizabeth that will let you explore the endemic species of African penguins.

Hiking through the Bushbuck walking Trail

Hike through the Bushbuck walking trail for an exciting hiking tour at Port Elizabeth. The Bushbuck walking trail consists of a number of loops that are interlinking together an offering you a variety of trails to choose from.

Diving in the Bell Buoy Reef

Don’t miss out on the amazing scuba diving at the Bell Buoy Reef which is the most amazing and adventurous activity to try at Port Elizabeth. Swim along the sea squirts, sponges, sea fans, coral and the rocky base for an unforgettable experience. This is one of the most popular thing to do in Port Elizabeth.

Shop at Bay

Pick up the wooden carvings of African animals, beaded jeweler and decors that all can be purchased at a budget price. The Bay beach shopping will definitely make your trip to Port Elizabeth more exciting and colorful.

The Valley Market for delicious dishes

If you are a foodie than the Valley market is something that you must never miss during your visit to Port Elizabeth. You can grab some a gourmet burger, spicy seafood paella, dim sum, and much more for the authentic taste.

Port Elizabeth Popular Packages

Unlimited Choices. Trusted Agents. Best Prices. Happy Memories.

10 Days Garden Route Adventure Tour

Duration: 9N / 10D

Cape Town (1N) - Hermanus (1N) - Mossel Bay (3N) - Oudtshoorn - Tsitsikamma National Park (2N) - Addo Elephant National Park (1N) - Port Elizabeth (1N)

How to Reach Port Elizabeth

The Nelson Mandela Bay can be reached by the three different modes, air water and land. The City of Port Elizabeth is connected to the major cities of South Africa with a better network of land, air and water routes.

Via flight- The Port Elizabeth Airport is connected with the city of Cape Town , Johannesburg , Durban and cities of South Africa. These cities allow international travellers to reach Port Elizabeth by boarding a connecting flight from the respective city.  

Via land- The Port Elizabeth of South Africa can be reached by land through a drive from Cape Town or Durban. Falling in the N2 national highway the city can be explored with a day trip to the Garden Route.

The harbour- There are cruises arranged from the city of Cape Town and Durban to reach Port Elizabeth. The harbour of Algoa Bay and Coega are connecting the city with the rest of South Africa. 

Johannesburg

Country : South Africa

Johannesburg city of South Africa is a hub for culture, food and art. With its art galleries, museum, food trails and vibrant cafes, Johannesburg is evolving as a diverse city that caters every need of tourist. One can even discover a vast option for Read More

Pilanesberg National Park

Mabula Private Game Reserve

© 2017 - All Rights with www.africaincoming.com

Happy to help!

Our travel consultants will get in touch with you over a call and answer all of your queries

More comfortable chatting?

Customize Your Trip Please fill out the form below-1

• South Africa
• 9 Reasons Why You Should...

9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Port Elizabeth

First time visitors to Port Elizabeth are often surprised at what can be enjoyed and experienced in this little nook of Algoa Bay, and taking a bit of time to uncover its secrets most often leads to unexpected and highly rewarding adventures. Whether you are chilling on the beach, exploring rich cultural history, or burning off some energy in one of the surrounding nature reserves , Port Elizabeth will mesmerize you with its charming surrounds.

The vibe of the tribe.

Port Elizabeth locals are laid-back and easy-going, with an unrushed air that belies their city surrounds. They live on the Sunshine Coast, next to the ocean, and rarely have to drive more than 15 minutes to get to their next destination, so it’s no wonder that Port Elizabeth is nicknamed The Friendly City. The residents are affable and have a sunny approach to life that generally extends to everyone they bump into, so expect smiles, lingering chats and genuine connections with the people you meet.

Sand, sun and sexy tans

One of the most appealing aspects of Port Elizabeth is its moderate climate, turning warm summers into mild winters that then lead to crisp and fresh springs. With so much great weather it’s understandable why the beachfront is a popular hangout. The city has numerous beautiful beaches that are safe for swimming and other water sports, while the soft, white sand offers comfortable spots to throw down a beach towel and catch a tan. The beachfront promenade is peppered with sidewalk cafés and restaurants, so when the heat gets too much, simply slip on a sarong and go grab something cold – or better yet, take a dip in the ocean.

1. Some of the easiest game viewing around

War memorials

Back in the early days of South Africa many a battle was fought between the British and the Boers, and Port Elizabeth is littered with war memorials that honour those who perished in their fight for freedom. Probably the most poignant is the Horse Memorial that was built to commemorate the thousands of horses that died during the Anglo-Boer War. Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial bows to volunteer infantry soldiers who lost their lives and is also a central ornamental feature in St Georges Park.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, Central, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, +27 41 582 2575

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,395 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Old architecture

Port Elizabeth sprang into existence in the 1820s, when the first British settlers arrived to lay claim to Algoa Bay. The successful port brought great prosperity to the town which is reflected in a number of beautiful old buildings that still grace the city today. The old post office building is typical of late-Victorian style architecture, while the magnificent Feather Market Centre features enormous, wrought iron windows and was originally built to store ostrich feathers. No 7 Castle Hill stands as the oldest building in Port Elizabeth and is an excellent example of an early settler house.

Stanley Street

Hip and happening Stanley Street is a place to chill while you catch a bite to eat and mingle with the locals, offering all varieties of cuisine, from pastries and breads to sushi, pizza, seafood and sandwiches. It is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, where the tables dotted along the pavements are always occupied by happy diners, infusing the area with laughter and talk. At night the trees glow with the twinkle of fairy lights and the streets come alive with late night revellers.

Stanley Street, Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth

Guides & Tips

The best private trips to book for a special occasion.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in east london, south africa, for every traveller.

The Best Places to Travel for Adventure

The Best Private Trips You Can Book With Your Friends

The Most Amazing Kayaking Experiences With Culture Trip

The Best Private Trips to Book for Birthdays

The Ultimate South Africa Safari Holiday

The Best Hotels in Nelspruit for Every Traveller

Top Small-Group Tours for Solo Travellers

The Most Luxurious Hotels in the World You Can Stay at With Culture Trip

The Best Luxury Trips to Take This Year

Unforgettable Trips for Exploring National Parks

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,395 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

• Post ID: 1530166
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Places To Visit In Port Elizabeth

Top hotel collections.

Guest Houses

• Filter (24)
• Forest Reserve (3)
• Wildlife Sanctuary (2)

1. Algoa Beach

36 km from city center 1 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

With its perfect combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes, Algoa Beach is one of the best sailing venues in the world and a Mecca for all beach and water sport enthusiasts. Fishing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing are also popular here.

2. Donkin Reserve

39 km from city center 2 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

One of Port Elizabeth's most popular historical attractions is the Donkin Reserve, which tells a fascinating narrative of the discovery and growth of the Loving City. It hosts the Pyramid and Lighthouse, features seats, palm-lined walks, and a Stone Pyramid Monument with a moving inscription built by Sir Rufane Donkin in honour of his late wife Elizabeth, after whom the city was named.

3. Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex

43 km from city center 3 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

When you head into town take a walk through the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex, where shops, restaurants, an amphitheatre and casino will keep you entertained for hours on end.

4. Addo Elephant Park

58 km from city center 4 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

This is the one place you must visit if you are an animal lover. Escape to the bush and spend hours scouring the pristine Eastern Cape landscape for wildlife at Addo Elephant Park, home to over 550 elephants. A two hours jeep ride is sufficient for going around the expanse of the Park.

Port Elizabeth Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Garden Route Package with Addo Elephant National Park

Discover beautiful garden route tour, garden route tour package, 9 days in south africa: scenic south africa vacation package, wonders of south africa tour package, 5-day garden route & addo adventure group tour, 5. sardinia bay beach.

33 km from city center 5 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Sardinia Bay Beach is a secluded and spectacular beach located between Schoenmakerskop and Seaview. Also, fondly known as Sards by the locals, it is situated on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth. The beach itself is beautiful with the clear waters on one side and the large sand dunes on the other. With a long coastline, it is one of the best walking beaches in Africa.

6. Kragga Kamma Game Park

28 km from city center 6 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The Kragga Kamma Game Park is a sprawling natural reserve where Africa’s varied wildlife can be spotted. It is a 500-acre area of coastal forests and savannas. The animals live here in their natural habitat and have no restriction on movement. Visitors can explore the park in their own vehicles or sign up for guided tours.

Top Hotels In Port Elizabeth

₽ 3,661 onwards

₽ 2,343 onwards

₽ 3,475 onwards

₹ 1,040 onwards

₽ 2,196 onwards

7. Route 67

39 km from city center 7 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Route 67 forms part the greater Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Journey which includes a number of Art Galleries and different locations such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum, the newly renovated Athenaeum Building, the Red Location Museum, Uitenhage Market Square and the artEC Art Gallery to name a few.

8. Cape Recife

39 km from city center 8 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The Cape Recife is one of the best nature reserves in Africa to spot bird and marine life. Located on the tip of the Algoa Bay, this breathtaking reserve is spread over an area of 366 hectares. The perfect way to explore the reserve is to walk along the circular Roseate Tern Trail.

9. Bayworld

42 km from city center 9 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Bayworld is a museum, Oceanarium and snake park located in No. 7 Castle Hill in Port Elizabeth. The Cultural and Natural History Museum is the third oldest in the country. The Oceanarium displays Algoa Bay's rich and diverse marine life in South Asia, and the snake park has an extensive collection of reptiles. The No. 7 Castle Hill building itself is a national monument and major landmark in Port Elizabeth.

10. Shamwari Private Game Reserve

81 km from city center 10 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located in Eastern Cape, along N2, between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. Declared a Protected Environment, it is home to rich wildlife, including the iconic Big Five. With seven luxury lodges, an explorer camp, and two education and rehabilitation centers, it is also a perfect vacation destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

11. South African Air Force Museum

40 km from city center 11 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The South African Air Force Museum or SAAF Museum has three branches in different locations. The Port Elizabeth South African Air Force Museum is located at Forest Hill Drive, Southdene, on the southern side of the city’s airport. It is home to exhibits that are related to history and memorabilia of the South African Air Force.

12. Red Location Museum

35 km from city center 12 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

A symbol of the South African freedom and its struggles, the Red Location Museum provides a rich history about its people. Red Location is one of the oldest townships of Nelson Mandela Bay, named for the corrugated iron barrack buildings which have rusted to a deep red.

13. Maitland Sand Dunes

23 km from city center 13 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Maitland Beach is a huge beach in the outskirts of the Port Elizabeth metro with spectacular sand dunes, popular with sand boarders, and miles of sandy beach stretching away towards Jeffreys Bay. In the other direction the beach becomes rockier and is favoured by anglers and divers.

14. South End Museum

40 km from city center 14 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The South End Museum is no ordinary museum. It stands for the diversity of the people of the South End suburb in Port Elizabeth. Located on the corner of Humewood Road and Walmer Boulevard in South End, this museum displays photographs of and life of the people of the area before the 1970 Apartheid government.

15. Island Nature Reserve

22 km from city center 15 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The Island Nature Reserve is a 480-hectare reserve forest home to the Alexandria coastal forest, other indigenous trees, animals, and bird species. There are several trails that cut across the reserve and are the best ways to explore the flora, fauna, and natural landscapes of the reserve.

16. Kwantu Private Game Reserve

95 km from city center 16 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Kwantu Private Game Reserve is a luxurious Eastern Cape game lodge on Daniel Street in Sidbury. It is famous for having all the Big Five game animals in Africa, including lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, African bush elephants, and African buffalo. Bird watching is also popular with over 250 bird species.

17. Seaview Predator Park

25 km from city center 17 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The Seaview Lion Park is a 120-hectare wildlife park and sanctuary with a stunning view, located on Lower Seaview Road in Port Elizabeth. It is home to some of the largest predators on the continent. The highlights are the big cats, including white and tawny lions, Siberian tigers, Golden Bengal tigers and White Bengal tigers.

18. Holmeleigh Farmyard

26 km from city center 18 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Holmeleigh Farmyard is an animal touch farm for children in Kragga Kamma in Port Elizabeth. Kids can feed farm animals, pet bunnies, milk cows, interact with peacocks, ride ponies and take tractor rides.

19. The Campanile

39 km from city center 19 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The Campanile is a historical landmark and a memorial built to commemorate the landing of the settlers in 1820. It is situated outside the Strand Street railway station in Port Elizabeth. It is a 50-metre tall architectural wonder that offers a stunning view of the surrounding city and harbour.

20. Fort Frederick

39 km from city center 20 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Fort Frederick is a 200-year-old stone fort located in Belmont Terrace in Port Elizabeth. It was built in 1799 by the British to defend Cape Colony against the French and offers a stunning view of Algoa Bay. What remains today is a gunpowder storage magazine, blockhouse and a selection of muzzleloader guns.

21. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

38 km from city center 21 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum is known for its extensive collection of historical South African art. It is located at the entrance to St. George’s Park in Park Drive, Port Elizabeth. The Art Museum’s collection consists primarily of Eastern Cape and South African art and features many international pieces, including Indian miniatures and Chinese textiles.

22. Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve

13 km from city center 22 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

One of the oldest natural reserves of South Africa, the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve is located 40km west of Port Elizabeth. The 500-hectare floral paradise is best known for its varied and unique plants. There are several trails and gravel roads within the reserve making it suitable for hiking, mountain biking, cycling, and driving.

23. Baywest Mall

25 km from city center 23 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

The Baywest Mall on 100 Baywest Boulevard in Port Elizabeth is a one-stop destination for shopping, fashion, entertainment, and food. Aprt from 180 stores, it has an ice skating rink, which is the only one in Eastern Cape.

24. St. George's Park

38 km from city center 24 out of 24 Places To Visit in Port Elizabeth

Make your way to the St George's Park which is the oldest park in Port Elizabeth and home to the St George's Cricket Oval.

Places To Visit In Nearby Places

FAQs on Port Elizabeth

What are the top hotels in port elizabeth, what are the top sightseeing places in port elizabeth, how can i commute within port elizabeth, browse package collections, nearby destinations for packages.

Kwantu Private Game Reserve

Johannesburg

Plettenberg Bay

Similar Places

Filter ( 0 selected)

Get the best offers on travel packages.

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

• Travel Website
• Travel trade website
• Business events website
• Corporate & media website
• Welcome to South Africa
• What you need to know
• Things to do
• Places to go
• Get in touch

Choose your country and language:

• South Africa

Asia Pacific

• South Korea
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

By creating an account, I agree to the Terms of service and Privacy policy

Sun-soaked coasts | Active adventure | Bustling city life

See port elizabeth, unplugged – calabash tours.

C C alabash Tours will expose you to the real Port Elizabeth. You’ll see the historic city itself, the townships and the memorials. You’ll meet real people and experience the convivial atmosphere of shebeens in the evening. Port Elizabeth’s struggle against apartheid has left it with a fascinating past and present.  

People sometimes ask Paul and Thandi Miedema , who founded Calabash Tours in Port Elizabeth, whether township tours aren't perhaps a little voyeuristic. Paul's response is heartfelt.  

'Township people are delighted to see visitors. They feel happy their histories and lives are now receiving attention, and also that these previously overlooked areas are now seen as tourism attractions in their own right.'  

But he also points out that Calabash Tours doesn't do conventional 'township tours'. Calabash offers a 'real city tour'. It takes in most parts of Port Elizabeth, showing the context and history of all its people. It just so happens that 75% of the city is populated by Xhosa people.  

You will see heart-wrenching poverty, but also hear inspirational stories and be exposed to areas being populated by a growing middle class and the elite. You’ll visit schools, you’ll see barbers, seamstresses and wire artists at work, you’ll experience real African hospitality, and you’ll interact with locals.  

Nelson Sebezela and Mongezi Lumka , locals themselves, are seasoned guides and have been working with Paul almost since he started the business back in 1997.  

Paul loves exposing people to 'his' Port Elizabeth. 'There is such energy and spirit in the townships,' he says. 'It really can be life changing, and I want to share what I've experienced myself.'  

Calabash Tours is one of South Africa's leading responsible tourism operators and has won many awards, in addition to being certified by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa.  

Part of the fee paid by visitors goes towards the Calabash Trust, which in turn goes to supporting feeding schemes, food gardens and other upliftment projects in the Port Elizabeth area. Calabash Tours also operates one of the country’s most highly regarded responsible voluntourism initiatives.  

In the spirit of exposing visitors to local people in relaxed situations, another of Calabash's exciting tours is the Shebeen Tour. Here, with music and a convivial atmosphere, you can meet and mingle with friendly locals over a cider or beer.  

The magic of a Calabash Tour is that you see South African life as it is – not packaged or contrived. You'll learn about the historical context, but also see how ordinary – and extraordinary – people live now. It's an insight into Port Elizabeth in under 4 hours.  

And once you've seen this fascinating coastal city with new eyes – its beaches, monuments, heritage and a cross-section of its people – you can head on to the nearby Addo Elephant National Park or head west, down the Garden Route.  

T T ravel tips & planning  info  

Who to contact 

Calabash Tours 

  

Tel: +27 (0)41 585 6162 
  

Cell: +27 (0)8 2 390 6340 
  

Email:  bernice @calabashtours.co.za  

How to get here 

Calabash Tours will pick you up from your hotel or guest house in Port Elizabeth or they can do transfers from the airport.  

Best time to visit 

Port Elizabeth is a year-round destination. It's especially pleasant in the summer months (December to March).  

Things to do 

Port Elizabeth is perfectly situated for anyone heading to the Addo Elephant National Park , Cape Town via the Garden Route, or the Wild Coast.  

Get around 

You will be transported in Calabash Tours’ spacious vehicles and accompanied by a guide at all times.  

What will it cost? 

A morning tour (Real City Tour) around the township costs approx. R 650 per person. The Shebeen Tour in the afternoon into the evening costs approx. R 750 , including a hearty meal. Drinks are for your account.  

Length of stay 

Both tours offered by Calabash typically take about 4 hours, with the Real City Tour in the morning and the Shebeen Tour starting in the early afternoon, going into the evening.  

What to pack 

Dress comfortably and bring along your camera. You’ll definitely want to capture these memories.  

Where to stay 

Port Elizabeth has plenty of hotels, guest houses and backpacker establishments. If in doubt, Calabash could recommend something in your price range.  

Related links  

• Calabash Tours  
• Eastern C a pe Parks & Tourism  

South Africa on social media

The BMW International Open has made us excited for the BMW Golf Cup World Final to be hosted in SA. We caught up wi… https://t.co/XiU3waBo1T

Always a pleasure partnering with local businesses to promote SA on the global stage. Warren Weitsz, Co-Founder of… https://t.co/YRxoX6Jdtx

To say the players are bringing their A-game is an under statement! Round 2 has given us many unforgettable moments… https://t.co/4bBdAuXMUL

"...Patrons have been keen and interested in engaging on where the best fairways in SA are. Paired with some of our… https://t.co/tIoXM2uUrh

Our stand at the BMW International Open has been drawing a lot of attention – and rightfully so! “We are proud and… https://t.co/ulYSTje4CB

Clear skies, rolling greens, supportive crowds – the conditions couldn’t be better for a day at Golfclub München Ei… https://t.co/3TMmUxsN0m

What happens when an amateur and pro hit the fairway together? Find out in the Pro-Am Tournament, where 3 amateurs… https://t.co/hkvHUw0H0E

Ready to get into the swing of things? The Pro-Am Tournament of the 2023 BMW International Open starts today in Mün… https://t.co/WqLU7FshdH

South Africa has many exquisite golf courses. As we gear up for The BMW International Open in Germany, we hope to s… https://t.co/vTFwgOa78W

South African Tourism will be showcasing our beautiful country's offerings in Germany! We have so much to offer glo… https://t.co/O1m4yVy491

#DidYouKnow South Africa has produced some of the top golfers in the world. As we gear up for the BMW International… https://t.co/E1GsW6z1Fy

#DidYouKnow ? #VisitSouthAfrica ❤️🇿🇦 https://t.co/Y4zWjb8xIz

RT @Roberto_EUBXL: Amazing #YouthDay2023 long weekend in @MidlandsMeander ! Another 💎 of multifaceted #SouthAfrica : touches of 🇬🇧 🇧🇪 🇱🇺 co…

What does golf, South Africa, BMW and Germany have in common? The 34th staging of the BMW International Open in Ger… https://t.co/YdvuWOjs8O

Golf was first played in South Africa in 1885, in Cape Town. Now we are taking our love of golf to the world, as we… https://t.co/dXc5uIyGxI

RT @PublicSectorMan: Today marks 47 years since the youth uprising of 16 June 1976. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the commemor…

We look forward to showcasing South Africa’s abundant tourism offerings to a global audience while reminding them a… https://t.co/yVz97hDGaa

A dynamic collaboration between SA Tourism and the iconic BMW Group is set to supercharge the country’s efforts tow… https://t.co/JhLDwHlLix

50 days until the kick-off – or shall we say the tip-off – of the Vitality #NWC2023 in SA! Excitement levels are at… https://t.co/Ni2fHwh2NJ

#VisitSouthAfrica ❤️🇿🇦 https://t.co/ApcA6wNNop

• Useful links
• Travel partners
• Business events
• Travel trade
• Accommodation
• Useful contacts
• Visa & entry info
• Digital Assets Library
• Image Library

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 7 Arcadian Places To Visit In Port Elizabeth For The Wanderlust Souls!

10 Apr 2023

Wildly beautiful, placed perfectly amongst serene beaches and much famed as the Friendly city, Port Elizabeth reflects the culture and struggles of South Africa. On one side there are remarkable beaches and on the other are the ancient forts and museums that depict the glorious history of South Africa. For traveler’s thinking about exploring this wild and untamed city a handy places to visit in Port Elizabeth guide is quite helpful so that you get drenched in the wildness of South Africa.

7 Places To Visit In Port Elizabeth!

Whether it’s the serene beaches or the famous game parks, there are many places to visit in Port Elizabeth. Don’t wait anymore and Keep scrolling down!

• The Donkin Reserve
• Fort Frederick
• Addo Elephant National Park
• South African Marine Rehabilitation And Education Centre
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
• Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

1. The Donkin Reserve

Image Source

The Donkin Reserve was established in the memory of a wife by a loving husband who also named the city ‘Port Elizabeth’ after her. Sir Rufane Donkin built a pyramid shaped memorial which is one of the most important in the places to visit in Port Elizabeth list. Donkin Reserve is looked after by South Africa tourism as it’s an integral tourist spot. Donkin Reserve is a part of Donkin Heritage Trail which is a home to 51 eminent historical places in Port Elizabeth and a must to add in every traveler’s list.

Location: Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth, 6001, South Africa Timings: 24*7 Reviews

Must Read: 10 Best Things To Do In Africa For The Traveler Who Wants It All

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

Port Elizabeth is a place where life is all about beaches and splendid views. If you are thinking to visit one of the most popular Port Elizabeth sightseeing spot , then get ready to bask in the sun on the turquoise beaches of the windy city. Pick any one of the beaches, take out your swimsuits and have a blast on your trip.

Famous Beaches: Wells Estate Beach, Humewood Beach, Kings Beach Reviews

Suggested Read: 10 Riveting Things To Do In Port Elizabeth, A Treasure Trove Of Delight!

3. Fort Frederick

Fork Frederick was artistically built in 1799 and named after Frederick, the Duke of York. A magnificent stone fort guarding the Algoa Bay is an integral part of Victorian era architecture. Among the various places to visit in Port Elizabeth , Fort Frederick is a delight for ancient fort and cannon admirers.

Location: Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool, MD 21711, USA Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: Free Reviews

Suggested Read: South Africa Honeymoon Guide: For An Absolutely Romantic And Adventure-Fueled Affair!

4. Addo Elephant National Park

Confused about what to see in Port Elizabeth ? Get ready to witness nature’s great masterpiece an elephant. A place which started for providing a home to last 11 elephants in 1931 is a blooming sanctuary today where you can play along with 600 friendly elephants . Popular as the third largest national park of South Africa , Addo Elephant National Park definitely deserves a spot on your list if you have always been in awe of the adorable elephants.

Location: R335 Paterson Road, South Africa Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: INR 1366 Reviews

Suggested Read: 10 Adventure Places In South Africa To Satiate Your Thrill-Loving Soul

5. South African Marine Rehabilitation And Education Centre

Get ready to experience the marvellous marine life conserved by South African Marine Rehabilitation And Education Centre in Port Elizabeth .Being one of the best places to visit in Port Elizabeth , this centre provides you the chance to connect with the marine creatures like the endangered African Penguin and other seabirds. Plan your next electrifying trip feeding the Penguins and clicking the much needed selfies of our time.

Location: Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM Website | Reviews

6. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

Originally named as King George VI Art Gallery this museum was renamed in 2002 as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum considering the great work Nelson Mandela did for the rights of the people of South Africa. Located in St. George’s Park, Port Elizabeth this grand museum is a must visit among the Port Elizabeth tourist attractions . Do visit this stunning art gallery and along with it you can also explore St. Gregory park.

Location: Port Elizabeth Central, Port Elizabeth, 6001, South Africa Website | Reviews

Suggested Read: 6 South Africa Travel Tips That Are A Must For Every Traveler

7. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Placed at the heart of the city, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is popular for hosting grand rugby unions and football matches. Renowned among football enthusiasts, this museum should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Port Elizabeth to have an amusing trip.

Location: North End, Port Elizabeth, 6001, South Africa Timings: 10 AM to 6:30 PM Website | Reviews

Further Read: 10 Places To Visit In Cape Town For A Happening Vacation

Already thinking about visiting Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium? Don’t wait and Book your next trip to Port Elizabeth with TravelTriangle and explore the Friendly city of South Africa.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Port Elizabeth

What is there to do in Port Elizabeth?

There are a lot of fun things to do in Port Elizabeth in South Africa. Here are a few of them: – Explore the Valley Market – Walk around the Stanley Street – Witness the Wreck of Sacramnanto – Cheer at the Nelson Mandela stadium – Horse ride in the Sardina Bay

What is Port Elizabeth famous for?

Port Elizabeth is known as the ‘Friendliest City’ in South Africa. The port city is famous for having some of the best beaches in the country that offers a lot of outdoor activities. It also has a lot of wildlife attractions that makes it a popular tourist spot in Eastern Cape, Sunshine coast.

Is Port Elizabeth safe for tourists?

Absolutely, Port Elizabeth prides itself on being declared as the safest tourist place in all of South Africa.

What can couples do in Port Elizabeth?

Here are some of the most romantic things to do in Port Elizabeth for couples: – Take a stroll across the Blue Flag beaches – Visit the Bayworld Oceanarium – Watch the sunset at Sardinia Bay – Have fun at the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex

Why is Port Elizabeth known as the windy city?

Situated on the 16 km long Algoa Bay, the city experiences a lot of sea side breeze which is why Port Elizabeth is often referred to as the windy city.

Why is it called Port Elizabeth?

Port Elizabeth was founded by Sir Rufane Shaw Donkin, the acting governor of the Cape Colony in 1820. He named the sea port city after his late wife, Elizabeth.

Does it snow in Port Elizabeth?

It doesn’t snow in port Africa, however the winters are very cold in the city that is often accompanied with heavy rainfall.

What Ocean is Port Elizabeth on?

Port Elizabeth is situated on the coastline of the Indian Ocean.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Plan your trip today!

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

Recent Posts

Discover The Coastal Beauty Of Swargadwar Sea Beach In 2024

Exciting Wildlife Monitoring At Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary To Embark In 2024

Unwind At The Suraj Kund Park In Meerut In 2024 For A Joyful Day

A Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage Site Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple In Varanasi In 2024

Discovering The Spiritual Splendour Of Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir In 2024

A Symbol Of Enlightenment At Statue of Standing Buddha To Witness In 2024

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2024 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• South Africa »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Explore the world with tourHQ

• Destinations
• I am a Guide
• I am a Traveller
• Online Experiences
• Currency (USD)

Port Elizabeth

Beachfront promenades and yacht jetties soak up the year-round sun in Port Elizabeth, while windsurfers and beach lovers get tourHQ guides to reveal the best sand stretches that ring the coast of the Eastern Cape.

Search Cities in South africa

Port Elizabeth Tour Guides

George Meyer

My passion for the tourism industry started more than 15 years ago when I arranged a highly ...

Radheeka Reyatt

"Goeie Dag! " (Afrikaans for Good Day) I'm a Licenced Tourist Guide for the Western ...

Gavin Grierson

I have been in the Tourism Industry for over 20 years and absolutely love what I do!  Having ...

Michel Mutambayi

Allow me to share the beauty of the Western Cape and surrounding areas with you, taking you across ...

Amelia Bayman

I grew up during Apartheid and experienced the new democracy. I believe in telling the full picture ...

Paula Gentry

I have been involved in the tourism industry for 25 years, from accommodation, public relations, ...

Brent Coetzee

Diverse and Exciting! A tour guide since 1998, from general country-loving tours to ...

Luke Beckmann

Brought up on a farm outside East London I've had the fundamentals of nature installed in me. With ...

Rushdi Nordien

Hello! I'm Rushdi, a 5th generation South African born and raised on the foothills of Table ...

André Gildenhuys

I am a national guide with an in-depth knowledge of the wine of South Africa. I am always eager to ...

Harry Cooper

Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime. Being a Capetonian born and bred, growing up in a family ...

Howard Butcher

I am a passionate South African Tour Guide, FGASA registered Nature Site Guide and experienced Bush ...

Suki Abrahams

I'm a Freelance Adventure Tour Guide/Driver/Cook specializing in overland tours ...

Jeremy Knowles

Former high school History and English teacher - 12 years of that was quite enough! In school ...

 I studied @ Livingstone Tourism Academy in 2007 and I Qualified there too.I have been working ...

I am an outgoing fun loving lady that loves the outdoors and to show case my beautiful country. I ...

Perched out in the cold waters of the South African cape, the ‘windy city’ of Port Elizabeth forms the buzzing heart of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro area. Visitors here enjoy a year-round climate of temperate highs and lots of sunshine, making the city’s long beach fronts and world-famous surf spots some of the most coveted in all of South Africa, while an array of charter boat companies and yacht clubs have helped establish it as a favourite among travelling sailors looking to explore the famous maritime waters.  But, while most of the action here is centred on the seaside, where it’s possible to windsurf, scuba dive and simply kickback and relax in the sun, there is still aplenty to do in this Friendly city. Walk the Historic Donkin Heritage trail along the footsteps of the 1820 settlers, drop by for a spot of cricket at St George's Oval or try your hand at sand boarding at the Maitland Sand Dunes, while the ubiquitous wildlife-spotting opportunities available around town beckon for a visit. For these, head to one of the many game parks that lie just outside of the centre, or enquire at one of the Port Elizabeth tour guide operators, offering excursions to the north of the city.

Tell us your destination, date, and group size.

Our team of travel experts and guides will design a tailored itinerary just for you., enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of..

Say Goodbye to Travel Stress

Choose Currency Close modal

• USD US, dollar
• GBP British Pounds

Cookie icon We use cookies!

We, and third parties, use cookies for technical and analytical purposes, for marketing purposes and for integration with social media. For more information, refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Consent.

By clicking on 'I agree', you consent to the use of these cookies.