Bayworld
Port Elizabeth's most popular attraction consists of a complex
on the beachfront that includes the Oceanarium, a museum, and a
snake park. The Bayworld Oceanarium features an aquarium tank where
visitors can watch a vast array of marine life through glass
portholes as they glide by. This includes sharks, turtles, and
rays. The penguins and seals are particularly entertaining while
the snake park contains an impressive variety of indigenous
reptiles in natural-looking enclosures. The PE Museum focuses on
cultural and natural history with a wide variety of exhibits, from
models of sailing ships and period costumes to giant replicas of
dinosaurs that roamed the area in prehistoric times. It is the
third-oldest museum in the country. Port Elizabeth has a lovely
beachfront area, which is the main draw for visitors. But the city
is generally just a stop-over point for tourists on their way to
one of the nearby game reserves. If tourists are travelling through
Port Elizabeth with kids and have a bit of time to spare, visiting
Bayworld is a great option.
Address:
Beach Road, Humewood
Penguins
Aconcagua
Market Square
Port Elizabeth's architectural heritage can be traced by taking
a walk around the city's central Market Square, which features
several historic buildings. The centrepiece of the square is the
aesthetically pleasing City Hall, dating from 1858 and topped with
an attractive clock tower. Also in the square is a replica of the
Diaz Cross that commemorates the first European to set foot in
Algoa Bay in 1488, when Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz
stopped over on his way east. Alongside the city hall is the
Prester John Memorial, which is dedicated to the Portuguese
explorers who landed in South Africa. On the northwest flank of the
square is the city's public library. Built in 1835, it was
originally used as a courthouse. The beautiful building is regarded
as an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture and is
interesting in that its façade was manufactured in England and
shipped to Port Elizabeth to be recreated piece by piece. In front
of the library stands a marble statue of Queen Victoria, which was
unveiled in 1903.
Slightly downhill from the square, at the entrance to the
harbour, stands the Campanile, containing one of the biggest
carillons of bells (23) in the country. Visitors can climb 204
steps to enjoy the view from the top of this monument, which
commemorates the landing of the 1820 settlers.
Market Square, Port Elizabeth
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St George's Park
St George's Park has been a recreational centre for the city of
Port Elizabeth for more than 150 years, boasting well-landscaped
gardens covering 73 hectares. On site is the world famous Port
Elizabeth Cricket Club, the second oldest cricket club in South
Africa and the scene of many an exciting test match series, and the
oldest bowling green in the country, established in 1884. The
historic sporting venue was also the site of South Africa's first
rugby test match. The love of cricket was brought to Port Elizabeth
by British settlers and local myths tell of one of the settlers
wading through the waters of Algoa Bay towards his new homeland
with his cricket bat held safely above his head to keep it dry. The
park also features the 1882 Edwardian Pearson Conservatory: a
national monument filled with orchids, water lilies, and other
exotic plants. Apart from being good for strolls and picnics, to
say nothing of sporting events, the park hosts a vibrant arts and
crafts fair every second Sunday of the month.
The other major park in Port Elizabeth is Settler's Park. It's
set in the Baakens River valley, which boasts indigenous flora and
fauna and offers a delightful stroll along the riverbank.
Edward Pearson Conservatory, St George's Park,
PE
Port Elizabeth enjoys a moderate, oceanic climate, and is known
to have the most sunshine and fewest rainy days among South
Africa's seaside cities. However, it is also sometimes known as
'the windy city', as the weather is not always idyllic.
Winters include mild, cool months, while summers are warm,
remaining less hot than the northern parts of the east coast. In
summer, between December and February, the average temperatures
range between 64°F (18°C) and 77°F (25°C), and in winter, between
June and August, they range between 48°F (9°C) and 68°F (20°C).
December and January are the most popular months for a holiday
in Port Elizabeth, when the city comes alive with all sorts of
fun-in-the-sun activities. The best time to travel to Port
Elizabeth, however, is just before or after the height of this
season, when beaches are less crowded and the weather is just as
good. Winters in Port Elizabeth are very mild and those from
northern climes will still find it warm enough to enjoy the sun.
Winter is also a good time for game viewing in the many reserves
near Port Elizabeth.
Port Elizabeth International Airport
Location: The airport is situated about two miles (3km) south of
Port Elizabeth.
Time: GMT +2
Getting to the city:
There is no public transport from the airport into Port
Elizabeth. Minibuses may be available. However, most travellers
find them uncomfortable and overcrowded with luggage. Visitors not
hiring a car will find taxis the most convenient mode of transport.
Uber is also an option.
Car Rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and
Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport. Pretty much anywhere in the
city is within a 10-minute drive. It is best to insist that the
driver uses the meter, but an additional airport pick-up fee may be
charged. One should also consider private services such as Taxify
and Uber.
Facilities:
Facilities include several shops as well as a restaurant, cafés,
and conference facilities. An ATM is available for cash
withdrawal.
Parking
Short and long-term parking is available within easy walking
distance from the terminal. The drop-and-go and pick-up zones
directly outside the terminal are free for a limited time.
Grahamstown National Arts Festival
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is one of the most
important cultural events on the South African calendar. It's also
Africa's biggest annual celebration of the arts, attracting more
than 50,000 people. Many art forms are represented in over 500
shows, from street theatre, exhibitions, dance and comedy to opera,
drama, and ballet. Attendees can spend time in lectures and
workshops too, meaning there's something to delight everybody.
The vibrant little university town comes alive with parties,
live music and big social events. Restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs
do a booming trade. The sprawling craft markets are another big
attraction. Visitors will find an official festival market on the
Great Field of Rhodes University, and numerous unofficial markets
throughout the town's streets and thoroughfares.
Visitors are advised to book accommodation for the festival as
early as possible, as Grahamstown is small and good accommodation
tends to fill up fast. The destination is indeed an interesting
stop at any time of year, though the National Arts Festival
showcases it in the best possible light.
Venue:
Various throughout Grahamstown
![Grahamstown, South Africa]()
Grahamstown, South Africa
Tim Giddings
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Hiring a car is considered the best way to get around in Port
Elizabeth. The road system is good and traffic is light. Port
Elizabeth is sometimes referred to as the '15-minute city' due to
the ease of getting around. Municipal buses offer limited service
around the city from the Market Square Bus Station.
Many locals get around in minibus taxis. However, these can be
cramped and have high accident rates. Metered taxis are also
available, but they are not frequently found on the street and must
be booked by phone. Private transport services such as Uber also
operate in the city.
Though Port Elizabeth is the Eastern Cape's primary travel hub,
its popularity with travellers is based on its proximity to some
amazing national parks and historic sites, rather than to the charm
of the place itself. Port Elizabeth is a little grubby and
industrial but it does have a friendly, welcoming character and a
lovely coastline.
The numerous worthwhile excursions out of the city far
overshadow anything the urban area has to offer, and places like
Grahamstown, Nieu-Bethesda, and Jeffrey's Bay are big drawcards
nearby. Port Elizabeth is also close to some world-class game
reserves. However, the city itself does have some fun attractions,
particularly for those travelling with children.
On a hill above the centre of the city stands a stone pyramid
with an adjacent lighthouse. This open public space was proclaimed
in perpetuity by Sir Rufane Donkin, acting British Governor of the
Cape, when the 1820 Settlers arrived in Algoa Bay.
Donkin named the new settlement after his wife, Elizabeth, who
had died in India two years previously, and erected the pyramid to
her memory. The lighthouse was built in 1861, and today houses the
city's Tourist Information Centre.
Maps are available from the centre describing a three-mile (5km)
discovery trail through the hill area and central city, taking in
47 historic sites and architectural delights. This is the perfect
place to start a spot of sightseeing in Port Elizabeth.
Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant Park is the most popular game reserve in the Port
Elizabeth area, and is a 45-minute drive from the city. The park is
situated in the ruggedly beautiful Eastern Cape region, and offers
an authentic safari experience. Addo was founded in 1931 to save
the area's remaining 11 indigenous elephants, and has been a
remarkable success since then. It is now the third largest game
reserve in South Africa, and one of the most popular with tourists
and locals. The elephants are drawn to watering holes at certain
times and sightings are virtually guaranteed all year round. There
are other animals in the park too, including lion, leopard, black
rhino, buffalo, zebra, warthog, hyena, and several types of buck.
Guided game drives are available or visitors can do a self-drive
tour using the map issued at the entrance. The roads are in good
condition.
A variety of accommodation is available and there is a
restaurant and picnic site. Horse riding and walking safaris are
also available. Addo is a great destination year-round but the best
months for game viewing are April and May, when it is dry and
warm.
![An Elephant in Addo Elephant National
Park]()
An Elephant in Addo Elephant National
Park
Gouldingken
Shamwari Game Reserve
The multi-award winning private game reserve of Shamwari lies
less than an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth. It is responsible
for re-introducing numerous species into the Eastern Cape plains,
including all of the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and
buffalo). The reserve offers phenomenal luxury accommodation, but
also hosts visitors on day trips from the city. Day tours include a
visit to an art and culture village to sample Xhosa culture and
traditionally brewed beer, and a trip to one of the Born Free
centres for abused animals. There are two Born Free Big Cat
Sanctuaries in Shamwari, where visitors can learn about how
wildlife is abused in captivity and can see some of the rescued
animals. The Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre opened in 2012, and
is available to educate guests about the terrible epidemic of rhino
poaching in South Africa. At the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation
Centre, guests can usually meet whatever animals are currently
being cared for.
Those lucky enough to stay in one of the luxury game lodges can
enjoy game drives, game walks, spa treatments and gorgeous
restaurants. Groups of between six and 10 people will be assigned a
personal game ranger by the lodges and daily programmes will be
designed to suit guests.
![Blue Wildebeest]()
Blue Wildebeest
Muhammad Mahdi Karim
Grahamstown
The historic settler town of Grahamstown lies 78 miles (125km)
northeast of Port Elizabeth. Many visitors become acquainted with
its 1820 Settlers' National Monument. Sitting atop Gunfire Hill,
the arts and theatre complex is home to the town's internationally
recognised Arts Festival. Grahamstown was founded in 1812 as a
garrison to drive the Xhosa people eastwards across the Fish River
frontier, giving rise to a century of frontier war. The town has
retained an English colonial flavour, and is home to the renowned
Rhodes University and some top private boarding schools. Visitors
will find several museums, including the JLB Smith Institute of
Ichthyology, where two stuffed specimens of the coelacanth are on
display. The town also boasts the only Victorian camera obscura in
the southern hemisphere. Grahamstown is a quaint and picturesque
town with a rich history and a famously active student population,
making it a wonderful travel base in the ruggedly beautiful
'frontier country' of the Eastern Cape.
The Arts Festival is the highlight of Grahamstown annual
calendar, when the little town comes alive with the best theatre,
music, and dance that South Africa has to offer. Sprawling craft
markets take over the streets and fields as well.
![Grahamstown, South Africa]()
Grahamstown, South Africa
Tim Giddings
Jeffrey's Bay
Known colloquially as J-Bay, the surfing paradise of Jeffrey's
Bay is a short drive west of Port Elizabeth. This determinedly
laid-back seaside town is most famous for Supertubes, one of the
best right-hand point breaks in the world. Many consider it South
Africa's perfect wave. The town lives and breathes surfing and has
several glorious surf spots that are gentler and more accommodating
than the celebrated Supertubes. The waters of J-Bay are also
frequented by dolphins, seals, and whales, and surfers are often
lucky enough to mingle with these sea creatures. J-Bay has many
surf stores, including factory outlets selling cheap, branded
clothes, and surf gear. The long stretches of picturesque sandy
beach surrounding the town and are renowned for their shells and
bright orange aloes. Rivers and nature reserves border the town on
both sides. The region has a wide range of accommodation, including
luxury game farms just out of town and cheap backpackers for budget
travellers. The town itself is not particularly attractive but the
natural setting more than compensates.
Although J-Bay is a famously friendly place, surfers should note
that localism can be a problem in the water. Visitors should be
friendly and respectful with local surfers, and should abide by
proper surfing etiquette.
![Jeffrey's Bay]()
Jeffrey's Bay
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Nieu-Bethesda
Tourists looking to take an adventure to a legitimately weird
and wonderful South African town should head to the interior of the
Eastern Cape and check out Nieu-Bethesda. Located about 32 miles
(50km) from Graaff Reinet in the Karoo Heartland, Nieu-Bethesda is
a tiny, sleepy place that seems to exist in blissful ignorance of
modern life. Devoid of banks, paved roads, and even streetlights,
Nieu-Bethesda nonetheless still boasts several excellent and
one-of-a-kind tourist attractions. The pick of these is the Owl
House: a bizarre and unsettling sculpture garden created by
reclusive artist Helen Martins. She was a frustrated visionary who
suffered under the apartheid system and who took her own life in
1976. The Owl House is cluttered with cement and wire sculptures of
a religious nature, painstakingly decorated with crushed glass, and
gives a fascinating insight into a tortured and singular artistic
personality. Other sights in Nieu-Bethesda include a great
archaeological museum and tour, where visitors are shown fossils
that date back 160 million years. Present too is the Kompasberg,
the Eastern Cape's highest peak and a wonderful place to hike on
agathosma-scented slopes.
Finally, all visitors to Nieu-Bethesda are strongly encouraged
to have lunch at the Two Goats Deli, a family-run establishment
that specialises in home-made goat's cheese and home-brewed
beer.
![Nieu-Bethesda, South Africa]()
Nieu-Bethesda, South Africa
Morné van Rooyen
Penguins
Aconcagua
Market Square, Port Elizabeth
Leo za1
Edward Pearson Conservatory, St George's Park,
PE
Grahamstown, South Africa
Tim Giddings
An Elephant in Addo Elephant National
Park
Gouldingken
Blue Wildebeest
Muhammad Mahdi Karim
Jeffrey's Bay
arclients
Nieu-Bethesda, South Africa
Morné van Rooyen
