Excellent surfing in Port Elizabeth
The large city of Port Elizabeth (see Port Elizabeth map below) is situated on South Africa's southeastern coastline. The "Friendly City" as it is known, overlooks Algoa Bay and together with Despatch and Uitenhage forms Nelson Mandela Bay.
Port Elizabeth is known for its sunshine and safe sandy beaches. For the tourist wanting a total South African experience, Port Elizabeth is the perfect complement to the Garden Route, Settler Hinterland, Sunshine Coast and Cape.
Located on the South Eastern coast of Africa, this major sea port and tourist destination is set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, and is fondly referred to as the Friendly Eco-City.
Nelson Mandela Bay is renowned for its brilliant year-round weather, many hours of sunshine, its beautiful beaches, and being the gateway to more than a million hectares of malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserves. Also, many tourist routes emanate from here including the Sunshine Coast, Frontier Country, the Kouga-Tsitsikamma-Garden Route and the Karoo Heartland Route.
Port Elizabeth map
The Port Elizabeth map displays the central business district of the town. As you can see the coastline is very close to the heart of the city and many attractions are located right on the beach.
Cheap Port Elizabeth accommodation available
Port Elizabeth accommodation
Port Elizabeth offers accommodation for every budget and many of the establishments are located close to the beach. The wide Port Elizabeth accommodation range caters for business travelers and tourists. There is an especially large number of Port Elizabeth B&B's available. And, as Port Elizabeth is not a major capital as Cape Town and Johannesburg, you can find really cheap Port Elizabeth accommodation. Here you find more information about Port Elizabeth accommodation, Port Elizabeth B&B's and cheap Port Elizabeth accommodation.
The city offers great family entertainment, and the kids will love the dolphin and seal presentations at the Oceanarium, as well as the sights at the Snake Park. Another popular PE attraction is the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World in Summerstrand.
PE is renowned for its cleanliness
The Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth
and Nelson Mandela Bay received the "Cleanest Metro in South Africa Award" a few years back. There are many unspoilt golden beaches along this 40 km stretch of the coastline.
The famous Apple Express is one of only two operational narrow-gauge steam trains in Southern Africa, and crosses the highest narrow-gauge bridge in the world at the Van Stadens River Bridge.
The city is the second largest city in terms of area and the fifth largest in terms of population in South Africa (1.1 million). The city is also an important centre for the South African motor industry.
Temperatures are moderate all year round with rain scattered throughout the year. The summers are warm with a very temperate humidity level.
Winters are mild and pleasant, and it is significant that water sports, even surfing, boardsailing and diving, are practised year-round. In all, the visitor soon discovers that the climate is one major contributor to the reputation of the area as offering an outstanding quality of life.
Historical attractions in Port Elizabeth
PE has many historical attractions, one the most interesting being the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, which allows the visitor to follow in the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers on their journey of discovery and settlement. This 5 km trail visits 47 historical sites and architectural delights in the Old Hill area of central PE.
Within the city there are some beautiful parks with well landscaped gardens, two of the larger ones are: St Georges Park, which covers 73 hectares and is home to the world famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, the oldest Bowling Green in South Africa, Prince Alfred's Guard Memorial and the 1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory.
The other Park being the 54 hectare Settler's Park in the city centre, which is a nature lover's paradise, as it boasts beautiful flora and fauna.
Overseas tourists will be happy to hear that even at the seaside you can enjoy the awe inspiring wildlife of Africa, as there are a number of wildlife reserves in the area around PE. Stay over in a Port Elizabeth B&B and then head for the bush.
Just 73 km from the city is the exclusive, private Shamwari Game Reserve which is home to the "Big Five" of Africa. Early morning and evening game drives are available. Then there is the Addo Elephant Park, dedicated to the preservation of the Eastern Cape Elephant and the Cape Buffalo.
There are other smaller reserves which are just as delightful and will prove a memorable African experience. The area is malaria free.
Fantastic beaches
One of PE's greatest treasures are the clean beaches and warm water, making it an ideal water sport centre. The combination of calm waters and fair breezes are perfect conditions for sailing, and the safe beaches allow for swimming, surfing, body boarding and any kind of water sport.
Scuba diving enthusiasts can choose form a number of great spots with lots to see, such as ship wrecks, coral reefs and beautifully coloured fish in the warm waters with up 30 metres visibility. There are one day courses available as well as boat charters and gear for hire.
Contact us for more information about Port Elizabeth accommodation, Port Elizabeth B&B's and cheap Port Elizabeth accommodation.
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