Port Elizabeth[1] (or just PE if you want to sound South African) is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban, in the Eastern Cape, about 260 km from Knysna. Also known as the friendly city and the windy city, it tends to live up to both names.
A perfect complement to the Garden Route, the Friendly City is a major sea port and tourist destination set along the beautiful shores of Nelson Mandela Bay. The centre of the South African motor industry is spoiled by moderate and warm temperatures all year round with scattered rain throughout the year - climatic attributes which contribute to an outstanding quality of life. A popular and significant destination for water sports, Port Elizabeth also offers many historical attractions, such as the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, taking visitors along the footsteps of the 1820 settlers. British heritage is reflected in the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, and the Oldest Bowling Green in South Africa. Port Elizabeth’s greatest treasures, however, are malaria-free wildlife areas in its vicinity, and clean beaches washed by warm water.
Port Elizabeth was founded by British settlers in 1820 and was named after the wife of Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at that time. The city is located on the Algoa Bay and forms together with the neighboring towns of Uitenhage and Despatch the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
The tourist information centres are in the Donkin Reserve in the town center, at The Boardwalk (Marine Drive) and at the Airport Arrivals hall. See [2] for more information and all other tourism related products.
MetroRail [6] operates frequent commuter trains to Uitenhage and the surrounding suburbs during weekdays, with a reduced service over weekends.
The Apple Express [7] is a narrow-gauge (2 feet/610 mm) tourist train that operates from a separate station in Humewood Road near King's Beach. It departs regularly for Thornhill Village via the Van Staden's River bridge, the highest narrow-gauge rail bridge in the world.
There is a public bus transport system within the city. For the world cup 2010, the system has gone a major renovation with new buses and you wait no longer than 15 minutes to get a bus. Schedules can be obtained online on http://www.algoabus.co.za/port-elizabeth-bus-routes/route_list/schedule.aspx.
Maybe the buses do not cover the nooks and crannys of the city, but then why not hop on one of the many city tours available? In Port Elizabeth, using the Public transport has not been a problem - this is used commonly by tourits, students and locals. Yes in South Africa, like in many countries in Africa and other continents, tourists should remain alert, aware of their environment and use common sense.
The main form of transportation for most people is the (minibus) taxi. Toyota Hiaces or VW Caravelles or the like, modified to cram in as many seats as possible, will take you across town for approximately R7.00. Some of them are still more a road hazard than anything, but a recent clean-up in the taxi industry means that their standards are improving.
Each taxi operates on a laid-out route. They are more frequent during daytime than at night.
How to get on. Stand on the curve of a trafficked road. When a taxi approaches, it may flash its headlights to 'ask' if you want to go. Just stick your hand out.
How to get off. You might be able to tell the 'bouncer' your desired destination when you pay, but in any case just tell the driver "next stop", in a clear, firm voice, if you can make yourself heard above the music pounding from the sound system.
Note that this is not always a safe way to travel.
As of Feb 2009, taxi strikes have become common. Taxi drivers are protesting the new transportation plans and upgrades ahead of the 2010 world cup. In early February a PE taxi protest turned violent with taxi drivers stoning buses and possibly aiding in the derailment of a train outside PE.
Donkin Reserve. In memory of Rufane Donkin and his wife Elizabeth, after whom the city is named. The lighthouse built in 1861 is open to the public. PE tourism has their office hereedit
Townships: organized tours are offered by the Tourist information. There is a safety concern regarding township tours though.
Alexandria Dune Fields. The largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere is located just outside PE at the villages of Colchester and Cannonville.edit
Tour Nelson Mandela Bay City, Dickens Street, Central Port Elizabeth, ☎ +27 (0)41 373-7758, [12]. See Town Hall, Feather Market Hall, the Old Post Office, Fort Frederick, Donkin Reserve, Settlers Park, and the Horse Memorial all in one fabulous tour.edit
South Africa Airforce Museum, ☎ +27 (0)41 505-1295 (fax: +27 (0)41 505-1403), [14]. Open 8AM to 3:30PM Mon to Fri and 10AM to 6PM on Sun. Entrance is free. edit
Bayworld, Marine Drive, Humewood, ☎ +27 (0)41 584-0650, [15]. Open 9AM to 4:30PM.. Has a museum, oceanarium and snake park. There are currently no dolphin performances.edit
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, 1 Park Drive, Central (St George's Park entrance), ☎ +27 (0)41 506-2000, [16]. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 2PM-5PM. A selection of South African art, especially from the Eastern Cape.edit
No 7 Castle Hill Museum, ☎ +27 (0)41 582-2515. Open 10AM to 1PM and 2PM to 5PM, Tuesday to Friday. 2PM to 5PM on Mondays and 10AM to 1PM on Saturdays. Dating back to 1827, it is the oldest Settler cottage in PE.Entrance fee is R6. edit
Red Location Museum, ☎ +27 (0)41 408-8400 (nhoza@mandelametro.gov.za, fax: +27 (0)41 408-8401), [17]. 10am to 4pm Tues to Fri and 9am to 3pm Sat and Sun. The museum which bridges the past with the futureAdults:R12, Pensioners, Disabled and Unemployed: Free on Wed between 12pm and 4pm, Discount for students. edit
PE is a wonderful jumping-off spot for game viewing. There are elephants and other birds and animals at Addo Elephant National Park and many privately owned game reserves in the area.
African Dawn (Wildlife Sanctuary), Thornhill, ☎ 042 2860 710, [18]. 9am-5pm. African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary offers a selection of birds and wildlife to view including Cheetahs, Servals and much more. Braai and picnic places available.edit
Beaches. Hobie, Humewood, Kings and Wells Estate Beach are the main swimming beaches. Humewood, Wells, Kings and Hobie have all been awarded Blue Flag status .edit
Algoa Bay Yacht Club, [19]. Have a meal and go sailingedit
Apple Express, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-2030, [20]. A 100 km narrow gauge classic steam trip with a stop on the Van Stadens River Bridge.R130 for adults and R60 for kids under 13. edit
Kragga Kamma Game Park, (Follow the M15 west from the city center for about 15 minutes), ☎ +27 (0)41 379-4195 (cantor@worldonline.co.za), [21]. Gates are open from 8AM to 5PM. You can either sleep in the camp or take self drives during the Day. White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra and others. Excellent value small park.R30 entrance fee. edit
Raggy Charters, ☎ +27 (0)41 378-2528 (raggycharter@mweb.co.za). Whale Watching, Penguin Island Cruises and Fishing Chartersedit
The Mountain Club of South Africa, ☎ +27 (0)41 365-5543 (mcsaeas@mcsa.org.za), [23]. Climbs, walks and a rock climbing school.edit
Voetsac Hiking Club, ☎ +27 (0)41 581-2109. There are a number of hiking trail, and walks in and around the city: Maitland Nature Reserve, Aloe Hiking Trail and more.edit
The Peoples Observatory, cnr Westview and Macfarlane, Newton Park, ☎ +27 (0)41 363-9040. Meetings every first and third Wednesday of the month at 8PM. View the southern skies.edit
Roseate Tern hiking trial, Next to Pine Lodge Resort off Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)41 585-9711. 9 km circular trail.edit
Sandboarding, ☎ +27 (0)41 586-2276 (theboardroom@axemail.co.za). The Maitland dune mountain is one of the largest in the country and perfect for sand boarding.edit
Surf. The Pipe at Pollok Beach is where you want to go for surfing.edit
Eastern Cape Wilderness Motorcycle Tour, (Central Port Elizabeth, Dickens Street), ☎ +27 (0)41 373-7785 (info@lathita.co.za), [24]. A motorcycle tour starting and ending in Port Elizabeth that takes you through the superb Eastern, Southern and Western Cape regions of South Africa.edit
Chelsea Mashie Golf Club (Chelsea Mashie Golf), ((Follow the M15 west from the city center for about 15 minutes) Next to 'Kragga Kamma Game Park'), ☎ +27 (0)82 774 7679, [25]. (33°58'41S,25°27'55E)edit
Sukume Museum & Xhosa Culture Centre, Human Dignity Centre (On the road leading from Walmer 10th Ave to Schoenmakerskop (Victoria Drive) Beyond and opposite the Walmer Country Club.), ☎ 0769786627/041-3662082. 9-15H00. The Walmer Township is one of the only areas in south Africa that avoided forced removals. The friendly community is poised to welcome you to their culture and to show you their history. Tours leave every hour on the hour Monday to Friday from the 14th June 2010. If you contact us before visiting, we will ensure a Xhosa Culture presentation. You will also be able to view a children's project and locals will be available to take you into the township to see shacks and local life first hand.R20 p.p. edit
Pumba Private Game Reserve, ☎ +27466032000, [26]. Day guests can experience the Day Safaris, which are conducted all year round. Each package is tailored to the needs and wants of the individual group, but individual safari times will depend on the season. Visitors can look forward to seeing cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, hippos, lions, buffaloes, White Lions, leopards and a host of other exciting animals.edit
Soith End Museum, Cnr.Humewood & Walmer Blvd (South End), ☎ 041-5823325, [27]. 09.00 -16.00. The South End Museum offers glimpses of the lost past.From its walk-on map,to historical photographsand displays of the life and times of the people of South End,the Museum provides a living memorial to the victims forcibly removed by the infamous Group Areas Act.donation. edit
Ocean Divers International, 10 Albert Road, Walmer, ☎ +27 (0)41 581-5121 (elzabe@odipe.co.za), [28]. One of the oldest dive schools in South Africa. PADI courses, own training center with indoor pool.edit
The Boardwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)41 507-777 (boardwalk@sunint.co.za). Offers several shops. fast-food restaurants and a casinoedit
Greenacres Shopping Centre. An excellent place to spend a Saturday at around noon. There are many, many shops and plenty of restaurants. There is a lively vibe over the weekend, and the mall can be reached easily. It is also commonly refered to as "The Bridge", because it is joined to the mall of that name.edit
Walmer Park Shopping Centre. A nice place to eat at, and there are a few nice shops.edit
Brooke's Pavilion has excellent views over the beaches and ocean. Any one of the restaurants there are a good idea for breakfast with a view.
Blue Waters Cafe, [30]. Well priced and has an excellent view of the ocean.edit
Fishmonger, The Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-6895. Indulge yourself in succulent prawns, calamari, fish & chips and curries.edit
Leonardo's, The Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-1302 (fax: +27 (0)41 583-1304). Fantastic pizza, and has a very pleasant atmosphere.edit
Ocean Grill, Mercado Centre, Corner of Admiralty and Strandfontein Roads, Summerstrand. Seafood restaurant with classy and elegant decor ; serves good sushi and other seafood meals.edit
Old Austria. Is just off Cape Road and is one of the classier restaurants in Port Elizabeth.edit
The Oyster Catcher, ☎ +27 (0)41 582-1867 (fax: +27 (0)41 582-1869). Located in the harbour. The seafood is particularly tasty. Very popular - if you want to get a table you must make a reservation.edit
Tiffany's, Brookes Hill, Beach Road, Humewood, ☎ +27 (0)41 584-0696. Tea, coffee, light meals and fantastic pastries and cakes in a great location looking out over the sea.edit
Ginger Restaurant, Marine Drive, ☎ +27415831229, [31]. The atmosphere is friendly, airy and chic and the food a combination of the finest, fresh ingredients with an Eastern Cape influence.edit
Fushin Sushi & Eastern Cuisine, Shop 5, Stanley on Bain, Stanley Street, Richmond Hill, [32]. Port Elizabeth's most exclusive sushi restaurant, this place is trendy, intimate and friendly. Located in the upmarket, historic area of Richmond Hill and very centrally located.edit
Primi Coastal, Marine Drive, Humewood, [33]. A very trendy pizza restaurant ideally located on the beachfront.edit
Barney's Tavarn, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-4500. Lively pub. It overlooks Algoa Bay and is situated a stone's throw away from the water's edge. The pub has a great balcony, with good draughts and food. A local favorite, many Johannesburg travellers' first stop is at this watering hole to catch up with friends. Live music is available most weekend nights.edit
Ekhaya Pub, ☎ +27 (0)41 586-1156. For African Jazzedit
Ibhayi Brewery Tours, 47 Kohler Street, ☎ +27 (0)41 404-3527 (jenni.dewet@za.sabmiller.com). Tour the beer brewery and have a couple of pints at the Bay and Barrel afterwards.edit
News Cafe. Located at the Boardwalk and is always lively and full. They serve good food, and it is a nice place to catch a drink.edit
Blackbeards Tavern, Within The Chapman Hotel, [34]. Does a splendid Seafood Extravaganza.edit
Tapas Part of Brookes pavilions. Live music over weekends. Good place to get loaded on beers. Get there early if you want to sit down.
Rasoi, 79 Heugh Road, Walmer, ☎ +27-41-581-0333. This is an excellent place for Indian food. The ambiance is nice, and the staff is extremely friendly. It is a great idea to catch a dinner at Rasoi when in PE.edit
BuZZ Bar, Humerail, [35]. Located next to the Paxton Hotel, BuZZ is a very popular night spot for PE's young people. Playing urban dance music and boasting a very trendy atmosphere, BuZZ is a favourite in Port Elizabeth.edit
Cubana - Port Elizabeth, Marine Drive, Humewood, ☎ +27 41 582 5258, [36]. Port Elizabeth's most exclusive nightspot - definitely not to be missed!edit
Kings Beach Backpackers, 41 Windermere Road, Humewood, ☎ +27 (0)41 585-8113 (kingsb@agnet.co.za, fax: +27 (0)41 585-1693), [37]. Cool little backpackers with friendly staff. Check out the kitchen you have to add your name and comment to the millions added over the years by previous backpackers. The staff can arrange safari trips to Addo and Schotia Safari Parks for around R1000 (be warned that this is R200 more expensive than doing it yourself, but this does include travel to and from the parks, which are approx 30 miles away. From R60 pppn. edit
Lungile Backpackers, 12 La Roche Drive, Humewood, ☎ +27 (0)41 585-2042 (lungile@netactive.co.za, fax: +27 (0)41 585-2083). Offers private single/ double rooms as well as dorms and has a pool.edit
Port Elizabeth Backpackers, 7 Prospect Hill, Central, ☎ +27 (0)41 586-0697 (pebakpak@global.co.za), [38]. Doubles R220, singles R150 and dorms R80pn. edit
Algoa Guest House, 87 Brighton Drive, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-3511, [39]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. We are located in the beautiful upmarket seaside suburb of Summerstrand - only 200 metres from the beach and in close proximity to the airport, university, golf course, restaurants and casino. Tourists and business people alike enjoy a relaxing stay at Algoa Guest House. All suites are private and comfortable with a mini kitchenette and their own entrances and patios. Suites are serviced daily and have free internet access, TV’s and DVD facilities. from R320 per person sharing. edit
The Admiralty Beach House, 9 Admiralty Way, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-1271 (admiralty@intekom.co.za, fax: +27 (0)41 583-3720), [40]. Located 100m from Summerstrands Beach, near Marine Drive. It features a wonderful garden and some rooms have sea-view. ADSL is available in all roomsFrom R340. edit
Alcyone Accommodation, 29 Admiralty Way, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)84 693-1483, [41]. Offers you self-catering accommodation in private en-suite units that sleep 2max, family unit sleeping 4-5, and a 1 bedroom appartment with views sleeping max 3; 500m from the beach, close to the Humewood Golf course and Hobbie Beach; self-contained, fully equipped and with complimentary Wi-FiFrom R400. edit
At Sta-Plus Guest House, 11A 10th Avenue, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-34112 (cornelia@atstaplus.com), [42]. Large sheltered swimming pool, BBQ facilities, off-street parking, laundry service. 150m from Pollock Beach, 5 min from golf course, university, or boardwalk casino.edit
Beachwalk B&B, 1 Second Ave, Summerstrand, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-3594 (info@beachwalk.co.za), [43]. 60m from the beach and 400m from the Boardwalk. 4 starFrom R250 pp sharing. edit
Bishops Inn, 14 Killarney Road, ☎ +27 (0)41 585-6828 (info@bishopsinn.co.za, fax: +27 (0)41 585-6850), [44]. checkin: 2:30PM; checkout: 10:30AM. Bishops Inn offers superior rooms and 1&2-Bedroom self-catering suites opposite Kings Beach. All rooms have Wi-Fi access.From R540 to R1200 per unit per night. (33°58'29.81S,25°38'26.95E)edit
Conifer Beach House, 39 Windermere Road, Humewood, ☎ +27(0)41 585-5959 (conifer@isat.co.za), [45]. 4 Star accommodation. Saltwater swimming pool, 2 minutes walk from Kings Beach, off-street parking, laundry service, WiFi. Close to golf course, university and boardwalk casino.edit
Edward Protea Hotel, Belmont Terrace, ☎ +27 (0)41 586-2056 (fax: +27 (0)41 586-4925). Located on the northern end of the Donkin Reserve. May have seen better times but still offers Edwardian style and wonderful views over the Donkin Reserve to the Ocean.edit
Holiday Inn, La Roche Drive, Humewood. Close to King's Beach. The hotel is a short walk away from Bayworld Aquarium.edit
Homeleigh Halt Guest House, 253 Main Road, Walmer, ☎ +27 (0)83 414-3301 (feets@homeleighhalt.co.za), [46]. From R290pps incl. breakfast. edit
Kragga Kamma Game Park, (Follow the M15 west from the city center for about 15 minutes), ☎ +27 (0)41 379-4195 (cantor@worldonline.co.za), [48]. Luxury tents, thatched chalets, log cabins and thatched lodges. Book for two nights or more and get a free game driveFrom R150 to R300 per person per night. edit
Pine Lodge Resort, Marine Drive, Cape Recife, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-4004 (enquiries@pinelodge.co.za), [49]. 3 star log cabins in the Cape Recife Nature ReserveFrom R300 to R1000 per unit per night. edit
Sir Roys at the Sea, Cnr Perrot and Newcon roads, Humerail, ☎ +27 (0)41 582-2377 (roy@sirroys.co.za), [51]. From R350 pp sharing. edit
Treetops Guest House, 44 Albert road, Walmer, ☎ +27 (0)41 581-0147 (info@treetopsguesthouse.co.za, fax: +27 (0)41 581-5525). Free transfers to and from the airportedit
The Beach Hotel, Marine Drive, ☎ +27 (0)41 583-2161 (resbeach@pehotels.co.za, fax: +27 (0)41 583-6220), [52]. The four star hotel offers homely comfort in its 58 spacious, en-suite bedrooms with all modern amenities, a stunning pool deck and three superb restaurants.edit
Hacklewood Hill Country House, Prospect Road, Walmer, ☎ +27 (0)41 581-1300 (hacklewood@pehotels.co.za), [53]. Unsurpassed luxury five star hotel in the classic country house tradition. Imagine a bygone era of colonial charm, good conversation and the fine dining.edit
The Radisson Blu, Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, 041 509 5000, Opened in 2009 and offers the best that Radisson Blu brand has to offer.
Pumba Private Game Reserve, (60 minutes outside PE (transfers available)), ☎ (0)46 603-2000 (respumba@pehotels.co.za, fax: (0)46 603-2001), [54]. Discover wildest Africa in true luxury at the Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. This Eastern Cape safari lodge has achieved a 5-star rating for its unrivalled beauty, world-class service and the abundance of wild animals on its doorstep. In addition to the famous Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants), guests of the game reserve have the rare opportunity of seeing the magnificent White Lion, stalking prey and lazing under the trees in its natural environment.edit
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
