The Friendly City - Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth, situated in the Eastern Cape is South Africa’s fifth largest city and one of the leading ports. The city is vibrant and easy-going and national and international known as the “The Friendly City”. 

 The city was named in 1820 by the acting British Governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Donkin, after his wife Elizabeth who died in 1818 in India. In 1820, the settlement was a small cluster of houses on the coast, protected by Fort Frederick on top of a nearby hill. Since then the city has grown to a city with a population of more than 700 000. 

The good-natured environment, the warm atmosphere of its lazy beaches and its warm, temperate climate all work together to make Port Elizabeth an engaging tourist destination. 

Port Elizabeth is ideally situated as base for coastal day drives to beautiful places such as Bluewater Bay, Schoenmakerskop, Seaview, and Van Staden’s River Mouth or inland to Groendal Wilderness Area, Addo Elephant National Park or Uitenhage Nature Reserve.

There is no shortage of things to do in and around Port Elizabeth. There is an abundance of historical sites, museums and monuments dating back to the 15th century; you can visit the Oceanarium; climb the Campanile; or snorkel and scuba in excellent diving spots. 

There are also other sea-related sports - boating, yachting, wind-surfing and angling. There are also interesting hiking trails through historic parks and nature reserves. 

Holiday accommodation is top-notch - from self-catering establishments to luxurious hotels and lodges, at prices to suit everybody.

Do not forget the many shopping malls and several fine restaurants. And, naturally the city has a good selection of wide, gently sloping beaches that are safe for swimming.

Come experience the friendliness of the Friendly City!

By Danie De Villiers - Freelance Writer

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

The Nelson Mandela Metro (including Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch) is the gateway to the Eastern Cape Region, its well-equipped airport and harbour linking South Africa with other national and international destinations.

Known as the "Friendly City", Port Elizabeth is located on the south-eastern coast, 763 km east of Cape Town. A superb value-for-money holiday base, Port Elizabeth offers a diverse selection of attractions as a family-fun holiday destination including scenic nature trails, historic heritage, magnificent wildlife, cultural experiences and countless water sport activities. Algoa Bay's 40 km of breathtaking coastline boasts a perfect combination of warm water, protected beaches and is complemented by Port Elizabeth's wonderful climate, which has been rated as having the fourth best weather of any coastal city in the world. The area also supports the most diverse array of vegetation types in South Africa as five of the country's seven terrestrial biogeographic areas are represented in the Eastern Cape.

The Bay, which is a favoured draw-card for beach and watersport enthusiasts is fast becoming known as South Africa's watersport capital and offers activity throughout the year, especially wind-surfing and fishing. In fact, Algoa Bay is regarded as one of the best sailing venues in the world, while scuba diving is of world class quality with beautiful reefs, shipwrecks, fish and colourful coral species.

Jenny Love

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Bayworld – Port Elizabeth

One of the top attractions in Port elizabeth, Bayworld is a unique combination of an Oceanarium and Snake Park as well as a natural and cultural history Museum. Situated in the heart of the Port Elizabeth beachfront, it delivers a feast of education and entertainment to thousands of visitors each year.

Bayworld’s two dolphins, Dumisa and Domino, have been relocated to Hong Kong but Bayworld is determined to delight its guests with many other attractions. The main activities at the Bayworld Complex are research and education aimed at stimulating a greater awareness of the need for conservation of South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage. Research and education programmes focus on marine life, reptiles, maritime and local history. Worth a visit!

Recommended accommodation

Jan's Self-catering

Situated within walking distance to all the main beaches and some of the best pubs and restaurants in town. This Executive Hide Away offers the ultimate in luxury and comfort, with all furnishings hand-picked for the concerned traveller and tourist alike. All units are tastefully decorated with modern commodities, like Satellite TV, microwave oven, air-conditioning etc. making this the ideal stopover.

Port Elizabeth is seen as either the beginning or the end of the world-renowned Garden Route and from here you can explore to your heart’s content. If you have stayed over once, you will just come back time after time to indulge the friendly city, from this perfect location.

Located within 10 minutes’ drive from the Airport and about 25 minutes’ drive from the new gate at the Addo Elephant National Park, where the big five still roam free and from the balcony you will see the whales and dolphins playing in the big wide ocean. Day trips or airport transfers can be arranged with prior arrangement, to any of the many tourist attractions around. Those that prefer not to cook can just take a lazy stroll down the road to enjoy dinner or breakfast on the beach, where you will be spoiled for choice, with all the restaurants. If you prefer to stay in, no need to bring anything with you (except for food and drinks), as all luxuries of home are supplied, like toaster, cutlery, linen, towels etc.

Those who just want to soak up the sun can relax next to our sparkling swimming pool, protected from the elements like wind etc. with braai/barbeque facilities. All units with private and separate entrances, insuring your privacy and comforts, with safe off street parking.

Engela