Port Elizabeth Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Port Elizabeth, South Africa with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Port Elizabeth

Located in the Sunshine Coast region of Eastern Cape in South Africa, Port Elizabeth is a city with rich cultural and historical heritage, stunning natural beauty, and plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Known as the “Friendly City,” Port Elizabeth is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Port Elizabeth

There’s plenty to see and do in Port Elizabeth, from exploring cultural and historical landmarks to enjoying outdoor adventures.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • South African Air Force Museum: This museum showcases the history of the South African Air Force and features various aircraft, including warplanes, helicopters, and missiles.
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum: Home to a vast collection of South African art, including contemporary and traditional works, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
  • Donkin Heritage Trail: A walking trail that takes visitors on a journey through Port Elizabeth’s history, showcasing significant landmarks and historical sites along the way.

Natural Attractions of Port Elizabeth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Addo Elephant National Park: A nature reserve that’s home to the Big Five animals and more than 600 elephants, Addo Elephant National Park is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers.
  • Kragga Kamma Game Park: Another popular nature reserve that’s home to wildlife, including zebra, giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes.
  • The Donkin Reserve: This beautiful reserve boasts panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a great spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth has plenty of beautiful hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Baakens Valley: A beautiful valley with a river running through it, Baakens Valley is popular for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve: This nature reserve has several biking and hiking trails, including a popular route that takes visitors through indigenous forests, sand dunes, and past the coastal wetlands.
  • Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve: With several hiking trails that take visitors through the lush greenery, this reserve is an excellent spot for hiking and enjoying the stunning scenery.

Best Things to Do in Port Elizabeth: Activities and Tours

Port Elizabeth has no shortage of things to do, from adrenaline-fueled adventures to more relaxed activities. Some of the best things to do in Port Elizabeth include:

  • Shark cage diving: For thrill-seekers, shark cage diving is a must-do activity. Get up close and personal with Great White Sharks while safely inside a cage.
  • Sandboarding on the dunes: The highest dune field in Africa is located in Port Elizabeth, providing visitors with thrilling sandboarding experiences.
  • Beach activities: Port Elizabeth’s beaches offer a wide range of activities, including swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and kiteboarding.

Week-Long Itinerary for Port Elizabeth

Day 1: Explore the city center and visit historical landmarks, including the Donkin Heritage Trail. Day 2: Go on a game drive at Addo Elephant National Park. Day 3: Visit the South African Air Force Museum and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. Day 4: Go on a shark cage diving adventure. Day 5: Spend the day exploring the stunning beaches and enjoying water activities. Day 6: Hike or bike the scenic trails at Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve. Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing day at Kragga Kamma Game Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth offers a diverse culinary culture that draws influences from various ethnic groups. A few must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bunny Chow: A dish originating from the Indian community in South Africa, Bunny Chow is a spicy curry served in a hollowed-out bread roll.
  • Boerewors: A traditional South African sausage, Boerewors is typically grilled and served with pap (a maize porridge) and chakalaka (a vegetable relish).
  • Bobotie: A popular South African dish made with spiced minced meat and topped with a creamy baked egg custard.

Local Beverages

  • Rooibos Tea: A popular herbal tea that’s believed to have numerous health benefits.
  • South African Wine: With several wine-producing regions near Port Elizabeth, visitors can try a range of delicious wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Pinotage.

Where to Stay in Port Elizabeth: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Port Elizabeth offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. A few popular options include:

  • Radisson Blu: A luxurious hotel located in the city center, offering spectacular views of the harbor.
  • Jikeleza Lodge: A budget-friendly hostel located in a quiet area of the city, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast: A guesthouse located close to the beach, offering spacious rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

What to Buy in Port Elizabeth: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take a piece of Port Elizabeth home with them by purchasing some of the city’s locally-made products, including:

  • Xhosa beadwork: Colorful beadwork is a traditional art of the Xhosa people, and visitors can purchase a range of beaded jewelry and household items.
  • Ostrich eggs: Ostrich eggs are locally painted and sold as souvenirs, often with traditional South African patterns and designs.
  • Mohair products: Mohair is a luxury textile produced in the nearby town of Uitenhage, and visitors can purchase a range of mohair products, including blankets, scarves, and sweaters.

Local Culture and Customs of Port Elizabeth

South Africa is a country with diverse cultures and traditions, and it’s important to respect local customs when traveling to Port Elizabeth. Some of the local customs include:

  • Greeting: South Africans greet each other with a handshake or hug, and it’s essential to greet elders first.
  • Tipping: It’s customary to tip in restaurants, bars, and for other services, such as hairdressers and taxi drivers. The standard tip is around 10% of the total bill.
  • Respect: South Africans highly value respect, and it’s important to avoid any disrespectful behavior, including making derogatory remarks about any racial group or culture.

Best Time to Visit Port Elizabeth

The best time to visit Port Elizabeth is between September and April when the weather is warm and sunny. During these months, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and spend time on the beaches. Avoid visiting during June and August, as it can be chilly, and there’s often heavy rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Port Elizabeth

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try local dishes and beverages.
  • Explore the city’s cultural and historical landmarks.
  • Take advantage of the city’s outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Engage in any disrespectful behavior towards locals, including making derogatory remarks about any racial group or culture.
  • Venture into unsafe areas of the city after dark.
  • Ignore safety precautions at nature reserves and on outdoor adventures.

Safety and Health

Safety in Port Elizabeth

While Port Elizabeth is significantly safer than other South African cities, visitors should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Some safety tips include:

  • Avoid displaying valuables in public.
  • Only use ATMs in well-lit, crowded areas.
  • Don’t walk alone after dark, and avoid unlit areas.

Health in Port Elizabeth

Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions to avoid contracting malaria and other illnesses, including:

  • Take anti-malaria medication if traveling to the malaria-affected areas.
  • Drink bottled water to avoid contracting waterborne diseases.
  • Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.

Getting to Port Elizabeth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Port Elizabeth

The Port Elizabeth International Airport is the main airport serving the city, with several flights connecting to major South African cities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.

Bus Stations Near Port Elizabeth

Major South African bus companies, including Intercape and Greyhound, operate services to and from Port Elizabeth.

Other Options

There’s also the option to travel by car, either by renting a car or using a taxi service.

How to Get Around in Port Elizabeth

The best way to get around Port Elizabeth is by car, either by renting a car or using a taxi service. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is also available but can be unreliable.

Where to Go Next from Port Elizabeth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions worth exploring from Port Elizabeth, including:

  • Garden Route: A scenic drive with plenty of stops along the way, including the world-famous Knysna Heads and Tsitsikamma National Park.
  • Jeffrey’s Bay: A popular beach town with gorgeous beaches, charming shops, and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • St. Francis Bay: A beautiful coastal town with picturesque canals, stunning beaches, and excellent surfing opportunities.

Conclusion

As you can see, Port Elizabeth is a diverse and exciting destination with something for everyone. We hope this travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this beautiful city. Whether you’re exploring the city’s cultural and historical landmarks or enjoying outdoor adventures, Port Elizabeth is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

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