Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is one of Africa's tour departure hubs.
The Nelson Mandela Bay, which encompasses Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Uitenhage, Despatch, and Colchester, is famous for being a family-friendly vacation destination. Just 763 km / 474 miles east of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth marks the end of the Garden Route and is the gateway to the picturesque Eastern Cape Province. With 40 km / 24.8 miles of coastline, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) features numerous beaches, perfect for sun enthusiasts, and water sports aficionados alike.
Thanks to the warm Algoa Bay climate, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is an all-year-round safari destination. Sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, angling, kite-surfing, fly-fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are all on the cards, not to mention relaxing on golden sand beaches. However, it is the remarkable biodiversity within easy reach of the city that makes PE one of South Africa’s most visited cities outside of Cape Town.
The Eastern Cape boasts six of South Africa's eight terrestrial biomes, making it a biodiversity hotspot, and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is the only city within municipal boundaries where you can encounter the Big 7, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards, southern right whales, and great white sharks. Boat trips into Algoa Bay are a must to get close to whales, dolphins, seals, and even ragged tooth sharks, as well as the largest breeding colony of African Penguins. Under 50 km / 30 miles from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Addo Elephant Park offers one of the best malaria-free Big 5 safari destinations anywhere in Africa.
Beyond wildlife and nature, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has a rich architectural heritage that can be viewed through modern, Victorian, art nouveau, and an impressive collection of art deco buildings. For those who like their entertainment and mod cons, the city has shopping malls, casinos, entertainment complexes, restaurants, annual festivals, as well as culture with the Art Route 67. The city's townships, born out of South Africa’s apartheid laws, are rich in history and culture, and a township tour is an excellent way to delve into our recent history and explore the African concept of "Ubuntu".
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has enough going on to keep visitors busy for at least a few days, but what it is best known as, is a gateway to various scenic tourist routes; the Sunshine Coast, Frontier Country, Sundays River Valley, Garden Route, Karoo Heartland Routes, and Route 62, all contribute to make Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) one of the best road tripping destinations in South Africa.
- Visit Addo Elephant National Park for a malaria-free Big 5 safari
- Take a boat cruise in Algoa Bay to see great white sharks, humpback, southern right, and Bryde’s whales, dolphins, penguins, and more.
- Water sports. Algoa Bay offers everything from windsurfing and kite boarding to deep-sea fishing charters, canoeing, kayaking, and more.
- Sunset Cruises – sail among the dolphins and whales on one of the many sunset boat cruises in Algoa Bay
- Do Art Route 67, a heritage stroll through PE with 67 public artworks that celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela.
- Spoil yourself with a luxury safari at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
- Explore the Zuurberg Mountains section of Addo Elephant Park for some scenic hiking.
- Discover the Red Location Apartheid Museum challenges the traditional role of museums and has won a number of prestigious international architecture awards
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Located at the end of the famous Garden Route road trip, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a great destination to pause for a few days before embarking on an onward journey. PE’s top attraction has to be the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, but other attractions include experiencing Algoa Bay through a selection of water-based activities, the Donkin Trail, Art Route 67, and exploring a handful of small but excellent museums.
Malaria-free and home to the Big 7, Addo Elephant National Park is a unique and diverse wildlife sanctuary. Nestled in the Eastern Cape Province, within the Sunday River region, the well-developed infrastructure and excellent facilities, make Addo accessible, and easy to use. The park caters to just about every budget from budget to 5-star luxury experiences. Addo Elephant Park is a truly unique and worthwhile Big 5 safari destination.
Established in 1931 with the mission to safeguard the last 11 elephants in the region, the national park played a pivotal role in preventing the local extinction of the species. The elephant population in Addo is approaching 700 individuals and the park is hailed as an elephant conservation success story. Today, Addo Elephant National Park spans approximately 1,640 km² / 633 mi², while the Greater Addo - a series of conservation areas much like Greater Kruger that includes both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, has expanded over the years to cover an impressive 3,600 km² / 1,390 mi² area.
Addo Elephant National Park boasts diverse vegetation areas, including fynbos, Albany thicket, forest, Indian Ocean coastal belt, and Nama Karoo, which serve as the primary food source for its renowned elephant population and the big five. Kalahari black-maned lions, another re-introduced species, can often be spotted in the early morning, while black rhinos, though present, tend to stay hidden in thickets due to their shy nature. Fascinating antelope species like greater kudu, red hartebeest, and eland are frequently encountered, and the park's unique dung beetles play a vital role in nutrient recycling to stimulate vegetation growth. Addo Elephant National Park is the only place in the world where you can do a Big 7 safari which adds white sharks and whales that populate Algoa Bay, to the more traditional elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo.
The park experiences relatively evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, with peaks in February and March and from October and November. While temperatures can drop to freezing in mid-winter, the park's diverse altitudes, ranging from sea level to the Zuurberg Mountains, attract animals to waterholes year-round, with the driest winter months from June to September offering optimal wildlife viewing opportunities, albeit with chilly mornings requiring winter clothing during early morning open vehicle game drives.
Addo Elephant National Park contains 5 of South Africa’s 8 biomes, and its inclusion of marine protected areas makes it a truly unique, and worthwhile safari destination.
A word to the wise: Addo is massive and hugely popular with a minimum of 90% occupancy throughout the year. Book well in advance, and try to stay in accommodation that is near the main safari game viewing area in the Colchester section of the park. To explore more of the park, including Algoa Bay and the dune fields and coastal forest of the Woody Cape section, plan to spend a minimum of 3 days.
Algoa Bay is renowned for its remarkable marine biodiversity, with its unique half-heart-shaped bay providing ideal conditions for southern right whales to mate and calve during the winter months. It also serves as a nursery for humpback whale calves before their migration south. Throughout the year, various cetacean species inhabit the bay, including humpback and southern right whales from June to October, as well as Bryde's and Minke whales year-round, which are attracted by the abundant marine life like sardines and anchovies rounded up by dolphins and penguins. Algoa Bay is also home to the world's largest African penguin colony on St. Croix Island, and with over 20,000 residents, holds the title of the 'Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World'. Sightings of large pods of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and occasional sightings of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins with calves are common. Local tour operators collaborate with researchers and conservation initiatives to address and rectify conservation issues in the bay. You can explore Algoa Bay in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on a sustainable cruise led by knowledgeable guides and skippers. Various tour operators are available, and being out on the water in a relaxed environment is a great way to learn about conservation efforts, and have an unparalleled marine wildlife experience.
King's Beach in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a 1.6-kilometer stretch of golden sand that proudly displays a Blue Flag for its cleanliness. Running from the harbour to the historic beach-side neighbourhood of Humewood, King’s Beach offers fine sand, perfect for building sandcastles, and warm, inviting Indian Ocean waters. Swimmers, body-boarders, walkers, dogs, and surfers are all in their element with plenty of space for everyone. Amenities include a nursery pool for toddlers, mini-golf, changing facilities, and various options for refreshments. With consistently pleasant daily temperatures, King's Beach provides an ideal setting for enjoying Gqeberha's (Port Elizabeth's) sunny weather year-round.
Lifeguards are usually there in the summer months when the beach can be busy. In recent years the facilities have become a little run-down, but the beach still has a reputation for being safe.
Algoa Bay boasts a diverse array of water sports and experiences suitable for all interests. Activities range from boat launches, coastal and beach tours, charters, and cruises - including serene catamaran sunset tours, to exciting dive charters, PADI certification, and scuba instructor training opportunities for divers of all levels. Marine enthusiasts can partake in guided tours that provide insights into Algoa Bay's ecosystems. Additionally, the bay offers activities like flat water and wave windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, kiteboarding, fishing, sailing, riverboat cruises on the Sundays River, and more. Whether you prefer relaxation or excitement, chartered tours in Port Elizabeth's Bay ensure a blend of adventure, discovery, and leisure.
The Donkin Heritage Trail is a 5 km self-guided trail, in central Gqeberha's (Port Elizabeth's) old Hill Area, while Route 67 is a vital tourism initiative celebrating the city's heritage, culture, and arts, inviting you to stand beside a triumphant Mandela and wish Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and its people well. The Donkin Trail connects 51 historically significant architectural sites that include a group of double-story semi-detached houses featuring Victorian and Georgian architectural elements, 1820 settler treasures, an inner city nature reserve, and a lighthouse. The trail allows exploration of the city's 1820 Settler History and architectural treasures via a self-guided walking tour.
Art Route 67 comprises 67 public art pieces, each symbolizing a year of Nelson Mandela's dedicated struggle against apartheid in South Africa. This immersive experience blends visual arts, urban design, and heritage to foster unity in a once-divided community and showcase the post-apartheid era's creative spirit. The journey begins at the historic Donkin Reserve, adjacent to the old lighthouse housing Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism. Here, you're surrounded by Victorian churches, restored terraced cottages on Donkin Street, and a stone pyramid erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his wife. The pyramid's base features a massive mosaic representing various aspects of the Eastern Cape's heritage, from indigenous peoples and settlers to modern sports figures and iconic landscapes. Starting at the Campanile, a prominent clock and bell tower, and passing through Vuyisile Mini Market Square, St Mary's Terrace, and Donkin Reserve, the route even showcases the continent's largest flag, with informative boards providing context for each artwork along the way.
Situated within the Saint George's Park grounds, the PE Metropolitan Art Museum is dedicated to showcasing the art of South Africa's Eastern Cape. Its gallery features three main rooms, and the collection is regularly rotated to ensure the maximum display of its comprehensive artworks. Visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits, from temporary displays encompassing sculpture and quilting to a captivating collection of beadworks crafted by the Southern Nguni people. Alongside works by colonial artists like Thomas Baines and Frederick Timpson I'Ons, the museum also houses a selection of contemporary pieces, providing a rich and varied art experience.
Cape Recife, Gqeberha's (Port Elizabeth's) southeasternmost point, is home to the Cape Recife Lighthouse. Built in 1849 to guide ships around Thunderbolt reef, this 24-meter-tall lighthouse, marked by distinctive black and white stripes, stands within a nature reserve. Visitors can explore paths that wind through semi-tropical vegetation and rocky outcrops, leading to rock pools teeming with diverse marine life.
The South End Museum in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a rare attraction that addresses the apartheid era directly. The museum focuses on the history of the South End neighbourhood, which was once a thriving multiracial community celebrated for its cosmopolitan ambience, quality schools, and successful local businesses. However, this vibrant history came to an abrupt end between 1965 and 1975 when non-white residents were forcibly relocated. The South End Museum tells this poignant story through a combination of exhibits, historic photographs, and an interactive map that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the area's past.
The Campanile in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), a stand-alone clock and bell tower, bears a passing resemblance to its famous counterpart in Venice's Saint Mark's Square, Italy. Rising 50 meters and built predominantly from red brick, it was constructed between 1920 and 1922 to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of the first settlers in what would become Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The tower’s original 204 steps which lead to the observation room at the top, is now complimented by an elevator that provides easier access. The Campanile houses one of South Africa's largest carillons, comprising 23 bells played like a piano.
At the centre of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) stands the Horse Memorial, an approximately life-sized sculpture created by English sculptor Joseph Whitehead in 1905. This poignant monument depicts a British soldier kneeling before a horse, offering it a bucket of water. It was erected to honour the approximately 300,000 horses brought to South Africa during the Anglo-Boer Wars of 1899-1902, many of which arrived at Port Elizabeth's shores. Funded by public contributions, the memorial's construction cost £800 at the time, equivalent to around £120,000 ($150,000) today, and it was transported all the way from London, where the bronze sculpture was cast.
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Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), enjoys a strategic location near the eastern end of the Garden Route road trip and a cluster of malaria-free wildlife reserves, most notably Addo Elephant National Park. These reserves, flanking the N2 highway and other routes between Addo and Grahamstown, offer diverse wildlife experiences, stunning landscapes, upscale lodges, and conservation initiatives. Additional reserves are situated around the Kariega and Bushman's Rivers inland of Kenton-on-Sea, offering river cruises and canoeing among their outdoor activities. Most of these reserves near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) are home to the Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Conveniently located near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), they offer high-quality, malaria-free safaris that are great for the whole family.
Just 80km / 50 miles from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Shamwari is one of the most renowned private game reserves in the Eastern Cape. It is a Big 5 game reserve that boasts 70 km² / 27 mi² of pristine bush, 5 of South Africa’s eight biomes, and its very own wildlife rehabilitation centre and the Big Cat Sanctuaries that is open to visitors. Shamwari offers both regular safari experiences as well as a walking safari option to the Explorer Camp set amongst intriguing granite formations. Shamwari Safaris is about spoiling yourself in any one of the six luxury lodges.
Amakhala, isiXhosa for Aloe, encompasses 75 km² of bushveld and savannah. Just 75 km / 46 miles from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Amakhala has diverse wildlife from the Big 5 to bat-eared foxes, hyenas, and abundant antelope. Amakhala’s conservation goal is to reintroduce animals to their natural habitats, and their foundation oversees projects that enrich local communities such as craft centres, volunteering, and ranger training. Accommodation on the reserve is in a selection of lodges, and visitors have the option for day visits, overnight stays, and horseback safaris.
Just inland from the stunning beach getaway that is Kenton-on-sea, Kariega Game Reserve is an 11,500-hectare private reserve that encompasses both the Bushman’s and the Kariega Rivers. The reserve boasts hippos, zebra, and giraffes as well as the Big 5, elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo. River cruises and canoe trips are special game viewing opportunities, while bush walks and game drives are a more traditional safari option. Kariega has five superb lodges and staying at this family owned and run game reserve is a special experience.
Kwantu Private Game Reserve is 95 km / 59 miles from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), in the heart of Frontier Country. The area was originally cultivated by the 1820 settlers, but today spans 60 km² / 23 mi² of bush, complete with the renowned Big 5. There are morning and afternoon game drives for day visitors as well as overnight stays in their luxury lodges. The Kwantu Private Game Reserve boasts a small village with an Anglican church, tennis courts, and a cricket club that dates back to the 1890s.
Lalibela is another luxury private reserve with unique open grassland. The reserve has one of the highest densities of free-roaming lions among the safari parks near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Covering 10,500 hectares, Lalibela is a Big 5 paradise ideal for plains game and big cats. Antelope include impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok, and eland, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lynx. Lalibela has five unique luxury lodges.
Pumba Private Game Reserve is one of the most exclusive private game reserves in the Eastern Cape. The reserve is famous for its rare white lions, a thriving leopard population, as well as rhinos, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, and hyenas, and over 300 recorded bird species. 110 km / 68 miles from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Pumba has two luxury lodges, a lake, day safaris, wilderness walking trails, night drives, and an in-house spa.
The Eastern Cape's oldest private wildlife reserve Schotia boasts one of Africa's highest animal densities and is famous for its lions. Just 60 km / 37 miles from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Schotia provides excellent day trips from the city that combine visits with nearby Addo or Algoa Bay sea safaris and offers a range of accommodations from lodges to a tented camp.
Getting to Sibuya means a check-in at Kenton-on-Sea, and a 45-minute boat ride up the Kariega River to reach the reserve. Off-grid eco camps, camping, and a luxury lodge surrounded by walking trails, and indigenous bush, make for a truly magical adventure. The reserve is home to the Big 5 as well as water-loving wildlife like hippos, elephants, and otters, as well as over 400 bird species.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is an excellent all-year-round destination. The summer months from October to March is Gqeberha's (Port Elizabeth’s) high season and it can get crowded at the best attractions, especially during the school holidays over December. From May to September the mornings and evenings can get chilly but days are mild and sunny, making for excellent game viewing in places like Addo Elephant National Park. For the most pleasant weather, consider visiting anywhere from September to April when nights and mornings are warmer.
Wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park remains favourable throughout the year. The park's arid to semi-arid climate attracts animals to waterholes at all times, with the highest concentrations of wildlife around watering holes from June to September during the dry winter months. Early mornings can be chilly so be prepared especially on early morning game drives.
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Situated in the Eastern Cape province, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) lies on the western edge of Algoa Bay, on South Africa's southeastern coast. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is positioned 770 km / 478 mi to the east of Cape Town and over 1,082 km / 672 mi south of Johannesburg. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) sits on the edge of the Indian Ocean and is close to the end of the famous Garden Route.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has an oceanic/subtropical climate, nestled between the Mediterranean winter rainfall area of the Western Cape and the summer rainfall areas in the east of South Africa. The city enjoys consistently moderate temperatures year-round, with minimal extremes in heat or cold. Summers are pleasantly warm with moderate humidity levels, while winters remain mild and enjoyable. The region's climate allows for year-round water sports, including surfing, board sailing, and diving, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Gqeberha's (Port Elizabeth's) climate significantly contributes to its reputation for being an excellent year-round destination for travellers.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is conveniently served by the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport International Airport, formerly known as H.F. Verwoerd Airport then Port Elizabeth Airport, which is just 3 km / 2 miles south of the city's central business district. The airport primarily operates domestic flights connecting Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to major South African cities like Johannesburg (1 hour 45 minutes), Cape Town (1 hour 20 minutes), and Durban (1 hour 30 minutes).
For international travellers, reaching Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) often involves flying to another major South African city and then taking a domestic flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Renting a car in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is straightforward, although individuals with driver's licenses in languages other than English will need an official translation. Additionally, it's essential to remember that South Africans drive on the left side of the road.
Many visitors to South Africa fly into Cape Town, travel to PE on the N2 highway, via the excellent Garden Route, visit Addo Elephant Park, and then fly on to Johannesburg and head to the Kruger National Park. It is also straightforward to do this itinerary in reverse or reroute via Durban to include Swaziland and Isimangaliso.
In this sense, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is an excellent travel hub, well-served by domestic flights, car rental companies, and good roads.
In Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), renting a car is the recommended way to navigate the city. The road network is well-maintained, and traffic congestion is generally minimal, earning the city the nickname of the '10-minute city' due to its easy navigability. Having your own transport gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding nature reserves like Addo, as well as visit some spectacular beaches that dot the eastern Cape coastline.
If you are not comfortable driving, then Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has a number of e-hailing services; the most well-known is Uber, but you could also try Bolt and DiDi. All three offer airport transfers.
Municipal buses are available but offer limited coverage within the city, primarily departing from the Market Square Bus Station.
Many locals use minibus taxis for transportation, but these can be cramped and have a higher accident rate.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has plenty of accommodation on offer. From inner city apartments to suburban B&Bs, and luxury beachfront hotels, finding accommodation in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is easy. While the city itself has lots to offer, consider overnighting in one of the many safari destinations like Addo Elephant National Park for a truly African experience.
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There are various things that will affect the price of a holiday to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Below is a list of tour packages offered by African Budget Safaris. These range from full-day safaris to Addo, to guided or self-drive road trips along the Garden Route. You can browse tours that include Port Elizabeth here. While accurate at the time of publishing, rates do fluctuate with the Rand Dollar exchange and you should chat with one of our experienced travel consultants for up-to-date prices and information.
If you would like to look at the cost of a South African safari, then you can read our blog How Much Does a South African Safari Cost here.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is generally considered one of the safer cities in South Africa; however, it's essential to be aware that the overall crime rate remains relatively high. Some areas are safer than others, and while New Brighton and Bethelsdorp should be avoided, the tourist destinations of Summerstrand, Millpark, and Walmer are all relatively safe.
When visiting South Africa it is advisable to be up to date with routine vaccinations including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, tetanus, and diphtheria. There are a number of pre-travel vaccinations that are optional like hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, and rabies.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is malaria-free and therefore you do not need to worry about malaria prophylactics, and it is safe to travel with children. This makes Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and the Eastern Cape one of the best malaria-free safari destinations in Africa.
This vaccination advice is meant as a general guide and you should always check in with your local travel clinic a few months before your departure.
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South Africa is southern Africa’s leading economy and uses the South African Rand as the main currency. The exchange rate is VERY favourable especially for US$ and GB£, making South Africa an excellent value for money destination. Cash is readily available in cities, most small towns (especially in the western Cape), and big petrol stations along major routes like the Garden Route.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a modern city and cash is readily available from ATMs.
Waitrons in restaurants in South Africa are not paid very well and they depend on tips for the bulk of their earnings. When eating out at restaurants, like the rest of South Africa, the baseline tip is 10%, but excellent service should be rewarded.
Carry some low denominations for toll roads, as well as a good stash of R5 and R2 coins for car parking guards and petrol attendants, the good ones will not only pump your fuel, but also check your oil and water, and wash your windshield.
Generally speaking the people in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) are friendly. South Africa is a multi-cultural country and tolerance is enshrined in the constitution. Like everywhere, good humour and a smile go a long way. Before taking pictures of people, it is a common courtesy to get permission first, but generally, this should not be an issue in South Africa. South Africans love to chat and curiosity and openness will reap rewards.
Many travellers drive from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on the famous Garden Route. While travelling between cities, the roads like the N1 and N2 are excellent. Traffic police often do roadside checks so make sure you have a valid driving license and that the car is licensed too. Stick to the speed limit as police often set up speed cameras, and wait for double lanes to overtake trucks. When driving in cities like Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), watch out for minibus taxis that are erratic and have their own set of rules. Deep breaths will help you stay calm and safe.
Crime is always more of a problem in more populated areas. By being street-smart and following a few simple rules, there is no reason to let crime ruin your safari. Chat with locals to get a sense of the situation in your area and listen to advice from staff at your chosen accommodation. Much of South Africa’s crime occurs in specific areas and will not affect your South African holiday experience. If you are unfortunate enough to be a victim of crime, stay calm, hand over your belongings, and report the incident to the police as quickly as possible. Here are a few rules for avoiding crime in South Africa.
Mild weather and lots of sun mean cool and casual clothing is the norm. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important, and comfortable clothes for driving if you are planning to drive the Garden Route and beyond. Unless you are an avid hiker and planning to do some multi-day hikes, a good pair of sneakers or running shoes will do the trick. I like to have a pair of slip-slops that are cool comfortable, and easy to take off on the beach. Don’t forget your swimsuit! If you plan to eat out at fancy restaurants, smart casual will be more than adequate as South Africa is a very relaxed place. If you are doing a self-drive safari to Addo Elephant Park, make sure you are comfortable. For guided game drives and safari walks, avoid bright clothing, white or black. Neutral khakis and earthy tones are the least conspicuous and travel the best. Finally, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has some excellent malls and shops and if you do forget anything, you can always buy it here.
Always travel with patience, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn.
In addition to electronic copies of your passport, and other travel documents like itineraries and booking receipts, it is good practice to keep a photocopy in your suitcase in case of an emergency.
Cash is readily available in cities and small towns as well as petrol stations. It is a good idea to have a substantial collection of R2 and R5 coins that you can use for tips for car parking guards, and petrol attendants.
Do not drink water directly from rivers and streams to avoid waterborne diseases.
Though bottled water is readily available throughout the city, travelling with your own water bottle that you can top up at hotels will not only limit your use of single-use plastic bottles but save you a lot of money too.
Travel with a portable power bank, and back up your photos whenever possible to avoid the loss of any cherished memories.
Be careful, but do not be afraid. Connecting with humans from other cultures is one of the most rewarding things about travel.
Always get travel insurance, and stay hydrated.
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The Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) area boasts significant archaeological sites, including Albany, Wilton, and Howieson's Poort caves, which have lent their names to various archaeological cultures. Notably, the Howieson's Poort site dates back to between 62 and 65,000 years, and offers insights into early human behaviour, revealing ancient evidence of bow-and-arrow hunting and shell-bead jewellery. The San people settled in the Agoa Bay area about 10,000 years ago and later merged with the Xhosa agriculturalist populations. European exploration began with Bartholomeu Dias in 1488 and Vasco da Gama in 1497, who marked the area as a landing place with fresh water. During British rule, Fort Frederick was constructed, and in 1820, British settlers arrived, founding the seaport town of Port Elizabeth. The city played a vital role during the Second Boer War, serving as a transit point for British forces. The Coega Industrial Development Zone has boosted investment in the Nelson Mandela Bay region, attracting over R140 billion and creating over 45,000 jobs. In 2001, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality was established, encompassing Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Uitenhage, Despatch, and surrounding areas, with a population of approximately 1.3 million. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) was one of South Africa’s 2010 World Cup host cities
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Wherever your dream safari destination is, talk to one of our expert travel consultants to start planning your African safari today.
Use the Google map to explore Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).