7 Tourist Attractions in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth, affectionately known as “PE” by locals, is South Africa’s third largest port and home to some of the country’s cleanest city beaches. Water sports are popular on the Eastern Cape’s more than 40 kilometres of coastline, which is lapped by the clear waters of Algoa Bay. Activities range from surfing, sailing, swimming, and fishing to windsurfing, kiteboarding, and scuba diving.

Those who prefer to stay dry can take a harbour cruise, where they may see whales such as humpbacks, Southern right whales, and Bryde’s whales depending on the season.

But Port Elizabeth is more than just the sea. Route 67, the city’s art and heritage trail, celebrates the fascinating and sometimes turbulent history of this friendly colonial city in the city’s historic core. In addition, private game reserves and the popular Addo Elephant National Park in the surrounding area entice wildlife enthusiasts with low-cost DIY and guided safaris. Discover more places to visit in this seaside city with our list of the top Port Elizabeth attractions.

Tourist Attractions in Port Elizabeth

1. Beaches

Port Elizabeth has some of South Africa’s cleanest and safest city beaches. The coast of Algoa Bay is rimmed by more than 40 kilometres of sun-kissed sand. Wells Estate Beach, which has a paddling pool and water slides, Humewood Beach, which is well-shaded, and popular Kings Beach, which has kiosks, restaurants, a skate park, and other entertainment facilities nearby, are the best choices for a swim. All of these beaches have been awarded the coveted international Blue Flag status for outstanding water quality, safety, and environmental management.

Hobie Beach, located near the Boardwalk entertainment complex, has sheltered rock pools and is ideal for swimming and windsurfing. Pollock Beach is a popular surfing spot, and Sardinia Bay, located in a marine reserve, is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, though fishing is prohibited. Anglers with a keen eye should visit the northern beaches of New Brighton Beach and Bluewater Bay.  If you want to explore these places or do any fun activities you can book a South Africa trip or stay in a South Africa safari lodge. Live your best life today.

2. National Park of the Addo Elephants

Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa’s third largest national park, is located 72 kilometres north of Port Elizabeth and provides nature lovers with a taste of a true African safari. The park spans more than 444,000 acres, stretching from the Karoo in the north to the coast via the Zuurberg range. Offshore islands also support important breeding populations of Cape gannets and African penguins.

In 1931, the park was established to save the last eleven South African bush elephants from extinction. Today, the park is home to over 600 of these majestic beasts, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, lions, leopards, zebras, spotted hyenas, numerous antelope, and over 185 bird species.

Night game drives, horseback riding, and hiking trails are among the other activities available here. Travelers can choose from cottages and chalets to a camp site to suit their budget, all with access to a restaurant and shop. Day visitors are welcome, and they can either explore the park on their own or join a guided tour.

3. The Promenade

The Boardwalk is a slickly packaged leisure resort and convention centre on an artificial lake in Summerstrand, a 12-minute walk from the beach. Both tourists and locals will find plenty to do here. Explore the boutiques and specialty stores, dine at the restaurants and cafes, and relax at the entertainment venues, which include a five-screen cinema, an amphitheatre hosting live shows, an amusement arcade, bowling alley, and adventure golf. There are two pools in the fitness centre, and if you want to relax, there is a full-service spa.

The complex comes alive at night with a musical fountain show. More than 100 individual jets shoot water up to 60 metres into the air, lit up by colourful lights, while a water screen displays multimedia presentations. Adults and children of all ages will find something to see and do here, and it’s an excellent alternative to the beach on rainy days.

4. Kragga Kamma Game Reserve

Kragga Kamma Game Park, located less than 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth, welcomes day visitors for self-guided or guided safaris. The park is less expensive than other options for game viewing, and it has an impressive array of wildlife for its size, including white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and monkeys. The cheetahs in their own enclosure with a catwalk above for better viewing are a fan favourite. All of the other animals are free to roam.

Visitors can easily tour the park in two to three hours, making this a great option for those who don’t have time for a longer safari at a national park. The park’s trails are suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles, but the park also offers guided tours in open Land Rovers.

Holmeleigh Farmyard, about a 10-minute drive from Kragga Kamma Game Park, is another critter-filled family attraction. Kwantu Private Game Reserve, about 85 kilometres from Port Elizabeth, and Shamwari Game Reserve, 75 kilometres south of town, offer more expensive and luxurious safari experiences with a variety of plush accommodations.

5. Route 67

Route 67, located in the city’s historical district, is an art and heritage trail that features 67 artworks created by Eastern Cape artists, one for each year Mandela dedicated to public life. The trail weaves together the city’s British and African histories, telling the story of the events leading up to the 1994 elections.

Begin at the Donkin Reserve at the lighthouse to follow the trail downhill. Visitors can stroll around at their leisure, admiring the colorful mosaics, murals, sculptures, and engraved poetry. There are several historical sites and art galleries along the way. Take note of the 67 steps leading up to Africa’s second-largest flag. Look for the metal cutout of Nelson Mandela, fist-pumping, leading a line of South African voters to the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.

The trail concludes at the Campanile, a 52-meter-tall tower with a carillon of 23 bells built in 1923 to honor the first settlers.

6. The Donkin Reservation

The Donkin Reserve, located in the city’s historic core, is a small park founded in 1820 by Port Elizabeth’s founder, Sir Rufane Donkin. The poignant pyramid-shaped memorial to Sir Donkin’s wife, Elizabeth, inscribed with the words “To the memory of one of the most perfect of human beings who has given her name to the town below,” is a highlight of the park.

The tourism office is located near the nearby lighthouse, which was built in 1861. Visitors can get a map for the five-kilometer-long Donkin Heritage Trail, which connects 47 historical sites from City Hall to St. George’s Park and includes the Campanile, which was built in memory of the settlers who arrived here in 1820 and offers a panoramic view of the city.

A street beneath the freeway leads from the Campanile to Market Square, the city’s historic centre. Leave valuables at home and check with locals before walking the trail, as some areas can be dangerous. Route 67, the city’s popular art and heritage trail, begins at the Donkin Reserve.

7. Southern African Foundation for Coastal Bird Conservation

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds welcomes visitors to the Cape Recife Nature Reserve to see its rescued marine life and learn about these fascinating creatures. The centre focuses on marine birds, specifically African penguins from nearby St. Croix Island, which is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of African penguins.

Many of the staff are knowledgeable volunteers who share their enthusiasm for their work by leading visitors on informative tours of the bird hospital and educating them on the center’s rehabilitation efforts as well as the dangers that these creatures face in the wild. During feeding time, around 2:30pm, visitors can pull up a seat in the coffee shop and watch these charismatic creatures gobbling their meals and cavorting around the pool.

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