Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth

The largest city in the Eastern Cape and one of South Africa's best-kept secrets, Port Elizabeth has an endless coast of fabulous beaches and the city's architecture reflects its colonial past. Port Elizabeth is a great base for day trips to Addo Elephant National Park, Port Alfred, Jeffrey's Bay or Grahamstown. Within the city limits are lovely walks, mountain-bike trails, good surfing and sailing, great diving as well as excellent golf courses.

Attractions

Port Elizabeth's sights are split between the areas of the old port, the sea front and the beaches. The main attractions lie inland, including the game reserves. The Addo Elephant National Park is the most famous and popular destination for visitors to Port Elizabeth.

Activities

Port Elizabeth Museum Complex The complex includes the Museum, the Oceanarium with trained dolphins, seals and penguins, a Snake Park and Tropical House. The museum's exhibits relate to the history of the town from the early settlement in 1820. A maritime hall is dedicated to shipwrecks and their treasures. The Tropical House is popular for its brightly colored birds. The Campanile - This tower rises above the port area. It was built in 1920 as a monument to honor the early settlers. Beaches - Port Elizabeth's beaches are west of town along Marine Drive. The most popular and sheltered are King's Beach and Humewood Beach.

Shopping

A variety of shops in the town center sell local crafts and jewelry.

Food

Seafood and Cape dishes may be a good choice if you feel like eating ashore. Restaurants from the historical area in the city center to the outlying suburbs offer a wide range of cuisine to satisfy any palate.

Currency

The local currency used in Johannesburg is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

Click to view sailings.