Port Elizabeth
Discover Port Elizabeth
Gqeberha (formerly and commonly Port Elizabeth) (Xhosa: iBhayi, Afrikaans: Die Baai) (or just PE if you want to sound South African) is South Africa's fifth largest city. It is on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban, in the Eastern Cape, about 260 km from Knysna. It lives up to its reputation as the friendly city and the windy city. 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.
What to Experience in Port Elizabeth
Taste of Port Elizabeth...
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. Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth offers coffees on par with the best the world has to offer. It is a city with a handful of baristas that are competitive in their inclination to produce the perfect brew. Accommodation ranges from hostels to more luxury accommodation. Whatever you want, you can find without trouble. The Radisson Blu, Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, +27 41 509 5000, offers the best that Radisson Blu brand has to offer. Media reports state that Gqeberha has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The local council also warns tourists to take the types of precautions against muggings and other crimes, including ATM fraud, that are also recommended for all locations in South Africa. Signs in hotels and at the airport recommend against drinking the tap water. There are many local safari and nature parks within easy reach of Gqeberha:
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsShosholoza Meyl operates an overnight train from Johannesburg and Bloemfontein three times a week. You can also get to Cape Town, Kimberley, Pietermaritzburg and Durban (by changing trains in Bloemfontein), to East London (by changing trains in Noupoort, Colesburg or Bloemfontein), to Mthatha (by changing trains in Noupoort and Amabele) or to Grahamstown (by changing trains in Alicedale). MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains to Uitenhage and the surrounding suburbs during weekdays, with a reduced service over weekends. The Apple Express 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. Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth is easily accessible by motorways from Cape Town (790 km) via the Garden Route, Bloemfontein and East London (310 km). Of course, you can also drive from Johannesburg....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
All the national car rental agencies have offices in the city. There is a public bus transport system within the city. You wait no longer than 15 minutes to get a bus. Use the Algoa Journey Planner to find your bus. Maybe the buses do not cover the nooks and crannies of the city, but there are many city tours available. In Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, using the public transport has not been a problem; it is used commonly by tourists, students and locals. Remain alert, and be aware of your environment. 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 R10 (as of May 2020). Some of them are still more a road hazard than anything, but a 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. Getting on.
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from hostels to more luxury accommodation. Whatever you want, you can find without trouble. The Radisson Blu, Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, +27 41 509 5000, offers the best that Radisson Blu brand has to offer. Media reports state that Gqeberha has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The local council also warns tourists to take the types of precautions against muggings and other crimes, including ATM fraud, that are also recommended for all locations in South Africa. Signs in hotels and at the airport recommend against drinking the tap water. There are many local safari and nature parks within easy reach of Gqeberha:
Money & Budget
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. Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth offers coffees on par with the best the world has to offer. It is a city with a handful of baristas that are competitive in their inclination to produce the perfect brew. Accommodation ranges from hostels to more luxury accommodation. Whatever you want, you can find without trouble. The Radisson Blu, Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, +27 41 509 5000, offers the best that Radisson Blu brand has to offer. Media reports state that Gqeberha has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Media reports state that Gqeberha has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The local council also warns tourists to take the types of precautions against muggings and other crimes, including ATM fraud, that are also recommended for all locations in South Africa. Signs in hotels and at the airport recommend against drinking the tap water. There are many local safari and nature parks within easy reach of Gqeberha:
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Port Elizabeth
Moody Beach Photo
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime
Strong wind close to storm lying down to take the pictures with covers me in seconds by lot’s os sand
a person walking on a beach next to the ocean
white and black concrete lighthouse on brown sand under blue sky during daytime
a view of a bay with boats in the water
oystercatcher at the beach
selective focus photography of seagull on water during sunset
there are still beaches without plastic, often you find a sign that ask to pick up 5 plastic parts during a walk and people do
waves crashing on body of water
Moody Beach Photo
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime
Strong wind close to storm lying down to take the pictures with covers me in seconds by lot’s os sand