This coastal city in South Africa's Eastern Cape has long beaches, a busy harbor, and a walkable center. Visitors can enjoy surfing, whale watching, and exploring historic buildings.
Port Elizabeth, recently renamed Gqeberha, is a major seaport city on South Africa's southeastern coast along Algoa Bay. Swim at Kings Beach, watch dolphins from a boat tour in Algoa Bay, encounter elephants at Addo Elephant National Park, or explore the Campanile bell tower in the city center.
Beaches and coastal activities
Port Elizabeth's 40-kilometer coastline includes several beaches for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Kings Beach and Hobie Beach have earned Blue Flag status for their high environmental and safety standards. Algoa Bay's warm waters make swimming comfortable most of the year. Take a boat tour to see bottlenose dolphins, which live in the bay in large numbers. From July to December, you might spot southern right whales migrating along the coast.
Wildlife viewing
Addo Elephant National Park, 72 kilometers north of the city, is home to over 600 African elephants, as well as lions, buffalo, and black rhinos. You can drive through the park yourself or join a guided safari. Closer to the city, Kragga Kamma Game Park has white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras in a more compact area. At the South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre, you can see rescued African penguins and learn about conservation efforts.
Getting around
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport connects Port Elizabeth to major South African cities. Within the city, minibus taxis are the main form of public transport, with cheap rides around town. If you plan to visit nearby game reserves or explore the surrounding region, consider renting a car. You can walk around the city center and beachfront areas, including attractions like the Boardwalk Casino complex.
Food and drink
Port Elizabeth's restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, with an emphasis on seafood and local flavors. At Blue Waters Café, you'll eat fresh fish while looking out over the ocean. Fushin Sushi & Eastern Cuisine creates sushi rolls using South African ingredients. For locally brewed beer, visit Bridge Street Brewery, located in a restored 19th-century wool warehouse.
Historical sites
The Donkin Reserve in the city center contains several historical monuments. You can climb the Campanile bell tower, built in 1923 to commemorate the arrival of British settlers. Next to it stands a stone pyramid monument dedicated to Elizabeth Donkin, after whom the city was originally named. Fort Frederick, dating from 1799, was the first permanent British structure in the area and overlooks the harbor.
