Port Elizabeth - Discovering South Africa

Travelling to Port Elizabeth

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Port Elizabeth, a pretty good destination in South Africa (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Port Elizabeth and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Port Elizabeth, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through South Africa, here's everything to know about Port Elizabeth for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth, also known as "PE" or "the friendly city," is a coastal city located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is situated on the shores of Algoa Bay, and has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and diverse array of wildlife. It is also a popular destination for water sports, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The city is home to the Port Elizabeth International Airport, which provides convenient access for travelers from around the world. Additionally, Port Elizabeth is known for its rich cultural heritage, and is home to a number of museums, galleries, and historical sites.

What to visit in Port Elizabeth

There are numerous tourist attractions in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Here are some of the top attractions and information about them: 1. Bayworld: It is a unique combination of a Museum, Oceanarium, and a Snake Park spread over 9 hectares. It offers visitors a chance to explore the natural and cultural history of the Eastern Cape.
2. The Donkin Reserve: It is a public space and historical site where Sir Rufane Donkin, the founder of the city of Port Elizabeth, erected a stone pyramid in memory of his wife. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top of the pyramid.
3. The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World: This is a world-class casino, retail and entertainment complex located along the beachfront of Port Elizabeth. It features a cinema complex, numerous restaurants, and an amphitheater.
4. Kragga Kamma Game Park: This game park offers visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife species such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The park also has a cheetah breeding program and a bird sanctuary.
5. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum: This museum boasts a wide range of South African art and crafts spanning several centuries. The collection includes traditional beadwork, contemporary painting, and sculpture.
6. St Georges Park: It is a public park and sports complex located in the heart of Port Elizabeth. The park features various sporting facilities, including a cricket stadium and a bowling green.
7. The South End Museum: This museum documents the history of the forced removal of the South End community during apartheid. The exhibits include photographs, documents, and personal narratives of former residents.
8. Humewood Beach: This is a beautiful sandy beach with clear water and waves. It is a popular spot for surfing, sunbathing, and swimming.
Overall, Port Elizabeth is a city full of fascinating history, natural beauty, and exciting attractions.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in South Africa, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Port Elizabeth.

When to go on holiday to Port Elizabeth

The best time to visit Port Elizabeth is during the summer months from December to February, when the weather is dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. However, if you prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder season months of March to May and September to November can also be a good time to visit. During these months, the weather is still mild, and there are fewer tourists, which means lower prices and more availability for accommodations and activities. Winter months (June to August) are cooler and can be windy and rainy, but it's still possible to enjoy outdoor activities and wildlife viewing during this time.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is a city located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. There are a few ways to get there: 1. By Air: Port Elizabeth has its own international airport, which is located about a 15-minute drive from the city center. You can fly to Port Elizabeth from other South African cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, as well as from other international destinations.
2. By Car: You can drive to Port Elizabeth from other cities in South Africa, and there are also car rental options available at the airport and in the city center. If you're driving from Cape Town, the journey will take around 8 hours, while from Johannesburg it will take approximately 12 hours.
3. By Bus: There are also bus services available to Port Elizabeth from other South African cities such as Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. The main bus companies operating in South Africa are Intercape and Greyhound.
4. By Train: South Africa's long-distance train service, Shosholoza Meyl, also operates a service to Port Elizabeth, with connections available from other cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Port Elizabeth, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is a beautiful coastal city in South Africa, and the local cuisine is a blend of traditional African and Western flavors. Here are some of the typical foods of Port Elizabeth: 1. Braai - It is a popular barbecue dish in South Africa, and it usually consists of meat, such as chicken, beef, and lamb, grilled over an open flame.
2. Biltong – This is a famous dried meat that’s often made from beef or game meat. It's a popular snack in Port Elizabeth, and it can be seasoned with a variety of spices.
3. Boerewors - This is a type of sausage made from beef or lamb, mixed with spices, and then grilled. It’s a popular staple in South African cuisine and often enjoyed as part of a braai.
4. Potjiekos - This is a traditional stew made with a combination of meat, vegetables, and spices. The ingredients are cooked together in a cast-iron pot over low heat for several hours, resulting in a delicious and flavorful meal.
5. Bunny Chow - This is a popular street food in South Africa and is a type of sandwich made from a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. The dish originated in the Indian community in Durban but is now popular across the country.
6. Bobotie - This is a traditional South African dish that is made with spiced minced meat and topped with a mixture of egg and milk. It's usually served with yellow rice and is a must-try when visiting Port Elizabeth.
7. Milk Tart - This is a sweet dessert made from custard filling placed in a pastry crust. It's a classic South African dessert and is often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
8. Koeksisters - These are a type of donut that are typically braided and fried before being drenched in a sweet syrup. They're a delicious treat that's perfect for a sweet tooth craving.
You can find general info about typical foods in South Africa here.

Is Port Elizabeth an expensive destination for tourists?

Port Elizabeth is generally considered an affordable destination for tourists when compared to other major South African cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg. However, prices may vary depending on the type of accommodation, dining preferences, and activities you choose. As with any destination, it's always a good idea to do some research and budget accordingly before your trip. That being said, Port Elizabeth has a wide range of options to fit every budget, from affordable backpacker hostels to luxury hotels and resorts.

Where to find accomodation in Port Elizabeth

There are several areas in Port Elizabeth that are great for finding accommodation for visitors. Some of the popular areas include: 1. Summerstrand: This is a popular neighborhood as it has many hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs. It is also close to popular attractions like the beach and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.
2. Humewood: This neighborhood is located near the beachfront and has many guesthouses and B&Bs to choose from. It is also close to restaurants, shops, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
3. Walmer: This neighborhood is located inland and has a range of accommodation options from hotels to guesthouses and self-catering apartments. It is also close to shopping centers and the airport.
4. Central: This neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and has budget-friendly hotels and hostels. It is also close to many restaurants, shops, and historical sites such as the Donkin Reserve.
These are just a few areas to consider when looking for accommodation in Port Elizabeth, but there are many other great neighborhoods as well.
You can check hotel prices at Port Elizabeth here:
Booking.com

Is Port Elizabeth a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Port Elizabeth is considered safe for tourists. However, like any tourist destination, it's always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in secluded areas. Some parts of the city may be more prone to crime than others, so it's a good idea to research your accommodation options and plan your itinerary in advance. It's also advisable to follow common sense safety practices such as not displaying expensive items in public and avoiding walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in South Africa here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Port Elizabeth.

What type of travelers will enjoy Port Elizabeth the most?

Port Elizabeth is a diverse city and offers something for all types of travelers. Couples looking for a romantic getaway can enjoy long strolls on the various pristine beaches, visit the Donkin Reserve, or take a sunset cruise around the harbor. Young people looking for fun will find plenty of nightlife options, beach activities such as popular surfing spots and water sports. Families, especially those with children, can enjoy adventure activities like sandboarding in the nearby dunes or a visit to the many family-friendly attractions like Bayworld Oceanarium and Snake Park, Kragga Kamma Game Park, or African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary.
So to answer your question, all types of travelers can enjoy their stay in Port Elizabeth, as it offers a little bit of everything to satisfy everyone's interests.

How to get around Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is a fairly compact city, so getting around by car, bus, or taxi is fairly easy. A car rental is a great option for exploring the city and surrounding areas, but it is also quite possible to get around by taxi, bus, or on foot. The local taxi service is called Uber and there are also private car hire and shuttle services available. The city also has a good public bus system that connects different neighbourhoods and tourist attractions.

What to see around Port Elizabeth

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Port Elizabeth: 1) Addo Elephant National Park 2) Kragga Kamma Game Park 3) Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve 4) Seaview Predator Park 5) Jeffreys Bay 6) Tsitsikamma National Park 7) Shamwari Game Reserve 8) The Maitland Nature Reserve 9) Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium 10) The Donkin Reserve and Heritage Trail. These are just a few options but there are many other great places to visit near Port Elizabeth as well!
For every travel information about South Africa you can click here.

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