During my first tour through South Africa 11 years ago, I passed through the bustling port city of Port Elizabeth, located between East London and Mossel Bay on the country’s east coast (known as the Eastern Cape). Almost 1 million people live in this seaside city and enjoy a truly pleasant climate here on the Indian Ocean, with an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine per day.
Port Elizabeth is also affectionately called “PE” and awaits you with beautiful sandy beaches and a variety of water sports. If you’re planning a trip along the famous Garden Route, PE could be your starting or finishing point. Of course, it depends on how much time you have planned for your trip to South Africa.
Today we would like to introduce you to a few sights in Port Elizabeth and give you some travel tips. Enjoy browsing!
What else you should know
- Best time to travel to South Africa
- Currency in South Africa
- Entry & Visa
- Krüger National Park South Africa
- What else you should know
- Getting to Port Elizabeth
- Best time to visit Port Elizabeth
- Hotels in Port Elizabeth
- What you shouldn’t forget to pack
- Sights in Port Elizabeth
- The most beautiful beaches in Port Elizabeth
- Excursions & tours in Port Elizabeth
- Safety in PE
- Conclusion: Port Elizabeth
Getting to Port Elizabeth
By car
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is located on the coast between Jeffreys Bay and East London and is around 750 km from Cape Town. Getting there from Cape Town is fairly easy; you simply follow the N2 along the Garden Route until you reach Port Elizabeth at the end. On your way, you’ll pass numerous great sights and highlights, such as the De Hoop Nature Reserve, the Tsitsikamma National Park, or the lagoon town of Knysna. We highly recommend this route if you’re looking for a varied and wonderfully beautiful vacation.
If you’re coming from Durban, all you have to do is follow the N2, past Port Shepstone, Mthatha, and East London. We made a few stops along the coast, including the wild and romantic Coffee Bay. If you’re coming from the interior (e.g., Bloemfontein), follow the N6 to Grahamstown and then continue on the N2 to PE. The roads along the N2 are generally in very good condition, making it relatively easy to get from A to B.
By plane
You can, of course, also arrive by plane, flying directly from Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg to the “Friendly City.” Domestic flights are generally quite inexpensive in South Africa and can be booked from as little as €65 at Skyscanner.de*. It’s best to take a closer look at the connections offered by the airlines FlySafair, British Airways (operated by Kulula), and Airlink. We’ve flown within the country with Kulula, Airlink, and Mango and were satisfied with all of them.
By bus
With the major South African bus companies (Greyhound, Intercape, and Translux Intercity), you can travel regularly between PE and the larger cities, such as Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, or Bloemfontein. The backpacker bus “Baz Bus” also runs between Johannesburg and Cape Town, stopping in Port Elizabeth. Depending on your ticket, you can hop on and off as often as you like. More information on the website.
Best time to travel to Port Elizabeth
If you take a look at the online climate charts, you’ll see that Port Elizabeth has a fairly consistent climate. The warmest months are December, January, and February, with temperatures reaching up to 25°C. July, August, and September are the coldest months, with average temperatures of 19°C. Rainy days remain constant at 5 to 7 per month throughout the year.
And, as already mentioned in the introduction, Port Elizabeth offers around 7.7 hours of sunshine per day year-round – that’s certainly something to be proud of. Basically, all months are ideal for a trip; it all depends on your preferences. If you prefer warmer weather, travel is best between November and March. If you’d rather explore Port Elizabeth in milder temperatures, April to October are also ideal. More information here: Best Time to Travel South Africa.
Hotels in Port Elizabeth
If you’re not just passing through, you can of course also stay overnight in Port Elizabeth. I’ve picked out a few nice accommodations for you that we would definitely book ourselves. The location, reviews from previous guests, and amenities were particularly important to me. Do you know of any other cool accommodations we should definitely include here? Feel free to write it in the comments.
Book a room here*
This beautiful accommodation is located just 100 meters from the beach and awaits you with spacious rooms and a terrace, private bathroom, a garden, pools, and sun loungers for relaxing. In the morning, enjoy breakfast before you start your day exploring PE.
4.5 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor
Book a room here*
This 4-star hotel is located in the center of Port Elizabeth and awaits you with modern rooms with balconies, a large lobby, a bar, and a pool. The South End Museum is not far from the hotel, and the beach is also not far away. Previous guests particularly praise the location and the breakfast.
4 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor
Book a room here*
We found a great place to stay, namely the Singa Lodge, which is located in Summerstrand, just outside the center of Port Elizabeth. Look forward to a garden with a pool and fountain, and beautiful African-style suites with verandas and garden views. The open-plan bathroom is luxuriously appointed. Breakfast is served every morning, and the beach is just 100 meters away.
4 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor
Book a room here*
This chic and modern accommodation is also located in Summerstrand and awaits you with luxurious suites with private terraces, lounges, restaurants, a cinema, an outdoor lap pool, and a wellness area. While you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, this exceptional accommodation is still not too expensive.
4.5 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor
You shouldn’t forget some things at home for your trip to South Africa. Be sure to pack binoculars if you’re planning a trip to a national park or game reserve. This will allow you to observe the animals better from a distance. You should also definitely bring sunscreen* with you, as the sun can be very harsh on your skin.
If the mosquitoes are too persistent, be sure to bring insect repellent, such as Nobite* (contains 50% DEET). In South Africa, you may also need a suitable power adapter* (three-pin), which you can order in advance or buy locally at a supermarket.
We always carry microfiber towels* with us on our trips because they dry quickly, are lighter, and take up little space. Depending on the type of trip, we also like to take a waterproof bag/backpack* with us to store our belongings. This is especially recommended for boat tours, kayaking, or beach visits.
In most cases, we also download maps from Google Maps before a trip so we can navigate offline on site. Another thing we always have with us: a USB hub* to charge multiple devices (smartphone, camera batteries, fitness watch, etc.) simultaneously.
Port Elizabeth Sights
Now let’s get to the Port Elizabeth sights that you can see during your trip. We’ve marked all the important spots for you on the map below. As always, there’s much, much more, but this should be enough to get you started.
If you want to see the entire city, you should allow at least two days. This way, you can see the sights in the city center, go to the beach, enjoy a delicious meal, and even pause for a moment and enjoy yourself.
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1. Bayworld
The so-called “Bayworld” is located in Humewood and includes the Port Elizabeth Museum, the Oceanarium, the Snake Park, and No. 7 Castle Hill. It’s a museum, an aquarium, and an exhibition all in one. Former visitors say that the entire complex is unfortunately somewhat dated, and many features are no longer up to date.
I didn’t visit this complex myself at the time, as I’m generally not a fan of zoos and aquariums. In the museum, you can learn more about the history of the city and the people of South Africa. The dinosaur, marine, bird, and costume halls, as well as the curiosity corner, are certainly interesting.
- Address: 23 Beach Rd, Humewood in PE
- Admission: 30 Rand (1.50 €) for adults, 20 Rand (1 €) for children
- Opening hours: Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Donkin Reserve & Lighthouse
In the city center, you can visit the Donkin Reserve, which was once established by Governor Sir Rufane Donkin. On this square stand, among other things, a lighthouse, built in 1861, and a pyramid, erected in memory of the governor’s deceased wife.
His wife’s name was Elizabeth, and it was precisely for this reason that the town received its name. The inscription on the pyramid reads: “To the memory of one of the most perfect of human beings, who has given her name to the town below”. If you stroll a few meters further, you will pass the famous Victorian houses on Donkin Street, which were once inhabited by wealthy merchants.
- Address: Athol Fugard Terrace, Port Elizabeth Central
- The lighthouse houses the tourist information office, and the lighthouse can be climbed.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3. Port Elizabeth City Hall
Not far from the Donkin Memorial is the city’s beautiful City Hall. This building, dating from 1885, was built in the distinctive colonial style and stands in the beautiful Market Square. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged in a fire in 1997, which is why the City Hall had to be rebuilt.
A striking clock tower rises in the center of the building. Today, concerts and lectures are held in the City Hall. In addition, the local government is allowed to call the city’s landmark its “home.”
4. St. George’s Park & Conservatory
Southwest of the city center is St. George’s Park, the oldest park in Port Elizabeth. Here, in the 73-hectare park, you’ll find the Cricket Stadium, a children’s playground, pretty native trees and plants, and green areas for picnics. “Art in the Park” takes place here every last Sunday of the month (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Then you can expect a variety of stalls with handicrafts, handmade clothing, jewelry, toys, food, second-hand goods and much more. You can also look forward to live music.
5. Shark Rock Pier in Port Elizabeth
If you’re in PE, I recommend taking a walk along the long Shark Rock Pier. This 140-meter-long jetty offers spectacular views of Algoa Bay, the expansive coastline, and the city. In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find numerous restaurants, the boardwalk with shops, boutiques, a hotel, bars, and a casino. Around the pier, you can surf*, swim, sunbathe, or snorkel. You don’t have to pay an entrance fee to walk across the pier, so go for it!
6. Exploring Route 67
If you’re in the mood for a very special exhibition, you should definitely visit or walk along “Route 67. This is a collection of 67 different works of art dedicated to the life of Nelson Mandela, which can be found in various corners of the city. Here, history and culture meet art and design. In the following brochure, you will find all 67 stops with further information: Route 67 brochure.
7. The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is a promenade located in Summerstrand, not far from Kings Beach. Here you’ll find countless restaurants and bars, shops and boutiques, the Boardwalk Casino, a 5-star hotel, and a variety of attractions for children, such as carousels, go-karts, a games center, and several water activities. There are also cinemas on site for a relaxing movie night. The water laser show, which is accompanied by music and takes place every evening at 7 p.m., is particularly popular.
8. Churches in the City
Like any other city, you’ll find a few pretty churches in Port Elizabeth. These include “The Hill Church Central” and “Holy Trinity Church.” Both churches are only 350 meters apart and can therefore be visited in one go.
9. Opera House in Port Elizabeth
Did you know that Port Elizabeth is home to the oldest theater in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere? The Opera House opened in 1892 and is the only Victorian theater remaining on the continent. The building houses two theaters: the main stage for ballet, operas, and musicals, and “The Barn” with new programs.
If you’re interested in visiting, it’s best to check the options on site. Unfortunately, the current website of the Opera House isn’t working (phone number: +27 41 586 2256).
10. Happy Valley Park
Between Bayworld and Shark Rock Pier is the small, idyllic Happy Valley Park, which is especially popular with families with children. Here you’ll find gardens, giant palm trees, water lily ponds, and quiet green spaces for relaxing and picnicking.
11. Penguin Rescue Station
You can visit the famous and adorable penguins at Boulders Beach not only in Cape Town, but also in Cape Town. At the ANCCOB Center, you can take part in informative tours and learn more about penguins and conservation.
Tours start every hour at 9:00 a.m., with the last tour leaving at 3:00 p.m. The penguins are also fed daily between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. and between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
The organization is responsible for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, abandoned, and oiled seabirds. Each year, they care for around 2,500 seabirds, including 1,500 penguins, cormorants, terns, albatrosses, gannets, oystercatchers, gulls, pelicans, and other seabird species.
- Address: Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Marine Drive (to the homepage)
- Admission: The tour costs 75 ZAR (3.67 €), for children 30 ZAR (1.47 €)
- Tour times: Daily between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, last tour starts at 3:30 PM
12. Fort Frederick in Port Elizabeth
South of the Donkin Reserve is Fort Frederick, which was built in 1779 for defense and served as protection against a possible landing of French troops in the harbor. This stone fort can be visited free of charge around the clock. The fort also offers a beautiful view of Algoa Bay.
On the north side lies the grave of Captain Francis Evatt, who was the commander of the fort between 1817 and 1847. At first glance, the old walls may seem inconspicuous, but if you delve a little into the history, this fort takes on a whole new meaning. But the view of the bay alone is worthwhile.
13. South African Airforce Museum
Are you interested in aviation, aircraft, and history? Then head to the South African Air Force Museum, located on the south side of the airport. Here you can see airplanes, helicopters, a supersonic jet fighter, Harvard trainers, and one of South Africa’s oldest surviving jet fighters.
Of course, the exhibits in the restored World War II hangar are also accompanied by interesting information and pictures. But that’s not all! There’s even a flight simulator for the SAAF Buccaneer 415 on site.
- Address: Forest Hill Dr, Port Elizabeth
- Admission: voluntary donation
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 8am-3pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
The most beautiful beaches in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) lies directly on the Indian Ocean, and therefore, of course, a few beautiful beaches await you here, lined up in Algoa Bay. Directly next to Shark Rock Pier is the spacious and very clean Humswood Beach, which is South Africa’s oldest Blue Flag beach.
Here, between Kings Beach and Hobie Beach, you can safely swim, snorkel, fish, relax in rock pools, and try out water sports. The 1.6-kilometer-long Kings Beach is a bit busier, as it is one of the most popular beaches in Port Elizabeth. A kiosk, restaurants, mini-golf, go-karts, changing rooms, and other recreational options await you here.
Another popular beach for swimming and sunbathing is Hobie Beach, which is located near the Shark Rock Pier and the Boardwalk. The beach also features sheltered rock pools, dining options, restroom facilities, and playgrounds.
One of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in Port Elizabeth is definitely Sardinia Bay Beach, located 15 km south of the city center. Look forward to beautiful dunes, where you can also try sandboarding. In summer, water temperatures in Port Elizabeth reach 20 to 23°C. In general, the waters around South Africa are somewhat cooler than in Asia or the Caribbean.
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Excursions & Tours in Port Elizabeth
There’s also plenty to experience around Port Elizabeth. Whether surfing, safaris, diving, snorkeling, or sandboarding – a variety of options await you. If you’re traveling with your own rental car, you can easily and flexibly drive to the following spots.
1. Safari in Addo Elephant Park
One of the most popular destinations is certainly the Addo Elephant Park, and we visited it a few years ago. We drove right through the park in our car and discovered beautiful animals such as elephants, buffalo, zebras, kudus, antelopes, and many more. From Port Elizabeth, it’s only 42 kilometers to the gate in the south of the park.
Be sure to plan a full day and enjoy a guided tour or a self-drive safari. You can book tours directly from PE: Safari in Addo with a traditional braai lunch*. If you’d like to venture out on your own, please read our separate post about our tour of: The Addo Elephant Park in South Africa.
2. The Dunes near Colchester & Sunday River
Not far from the southern end of the Addo Elephant Park is the small town of Colchester. If you fancy a round of sandboarding, you shouldn’t miss an adventure in the massive white sand dunes. Sundays River Adventure offers numerous activities in the dunes and on the Sunday River.
2 hours of sandboarding start at R350 per person, and boat tours start at R250. You can also book various tours through GetYourGuide: sandboarding with a short boat ride* or a river cruise on the Sundays River*. You can book an adventurous zipline tour* with Manawa.
3. Trip to Jeffreys Bay
One of the most popular surfing spots in South Africa is Jeffreys Bay, which is just under an hour’s drive from PE. In Jeffreys Bay, surfers from all over the world converge, especially in June and August, to surf the 800-meter-long “Super Tubes.”
These waves can reach up to 3 meters high. Crazy, right? We really enjoyed our time there and would come back. The beach is expansive, and the town itself is relaxed and cozy. Read more here: Our tips for Jeffreys Bay. You can also sandboard nearby on meter-high sand dunes—it’s a lot of fun! Click here for the tour to the dunes*.
4. Safari in the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve
Just 16 kilometers west of PE: lies the small Kragga Kamma Game Reserve. In this reserve, white rhinos, cheetahs, buffalo, nyalas, giraffes, zebras, and many more live unhindered in natural surroundings. During a safari here, you can experience great moments and take home beautiful photos.
The park also offers great accommodations, such as charming chalets, cabins, and lodges. You can either take a guided tour or explore the park on your own with your rental car. Book a combo day tour here*.
5. The Legendary Sardine Run
Have you ever heard of the famous Sardine Run in South Africa? It’s a truly impressive experience that can only be found in South Africa. I’ll try to explain it briefly: In winter, two ocean currents collide: the warm Agulhas Current and the cold Benguela Current.
This creates a kind of cold water strip that stretches almost 1,000 kilometers to the coast of Durban, followed by many millions of sardines. They swim together in the current to protect themselves from predators (dolphins, seals, whales, sharks, and orcas). The sardines spawn in the warm waters before swimming back across the Agulhas Current.
There are several operators offering various tours for experiencing this natural spectacle up close. For divers and snorkelers, this experience is probably one of the greatest adventures of their lives.
There is no exact time for this spectacle. It depends on many factors, such as wind and weather. However, the best time is between mid-June and mid-July. Be sure to watch a few videos of this spectacle on YouTube.
- www.shark.co.za
- www.visiteasterncape.co.za
- www.zulu.org.za
Safety in PE
Due to current events: Please avoid the area around Alfred Terrace, where the pretty, colorful houses are located. Organized gangs often gather here, posing as law enforcement officers and forcing tourists with rental cars to follow them. They want to take you to an ATM where you can then withdraw money using your credit card. A family recently had over €3,000 stolen this way.
Conclusion: Port Elizabeth
We only recommend Port Elizabeth for a short stopover. If you don’t visit this city, we don’t think you’re really missing out. We sincerely hope that our tips for Port Elizabeth have been helpful. If you have any questions about a specific topic, please feel free to send us a message or leave a comment. Feel free to browse the numerous other South Africa posts here on our blog.