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.

Understand
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 sits on shore of the Algoa Bay and with the neighbouring towns of Kariega/Uitenhage and Despatch, it forms the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The Algoa Bay is reputed as the Bottlenose dolphin world capital, as pods of thousands of dolphins can be spotted at any given time in this bay. This is also a year-round whale watching destination.

The tourist information centres are in the Donkin Reserve in the town centre, at the Boardwalk (Marine Drive) and at the Airport Arrivals hall. These information centres are managed by the local tourism organisation, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, which also offers tourism passes that you can purchase online or at their tourism information centres. These tour passes give you access to free and discounted activities around Nelson Mandela Bay.

Port Elizabeth was renamed Gqeberha on 21 February 2021, a change that is opposed by many of its residents. Gqeberha is pronounced with a tongue click, i.e., "Click bear gha."

By train
Shosholoza 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.



By car
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.

By bus
All major South African coach companies offer regular schedules to Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth. The city is also on the Baz Bus route.

Minibus taxis from Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth go from Norwich Minibus rank cnr or Strand Street and Flemming Street. There are minibus taxis going to Knysna and Cape Town.

By car
All the national car rental agencies have offices in the city.



Public bus
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.

By taxi
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. 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.

Getting off. You might be able to tell the 'bouncer' (kondi)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.



See

 * Townships: organized tours are offered by the Tourist Information. There is a safety concern regarding township tours though.
 * Townships: organized tours are offered by the Tourist Information. There is a safety concern regarding township tours though.

Museums, galleries and heritage




Do

 * Cricket:
 * Gqeberha 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.

Scuba diving
There are a number of very good diving locations:
 * Bell Buoy - Depth 12m to 18m. Colorful soft coral and a rocky bottom.
 * Devil's Reef - Depth 7m with pinnacles up to 1m.
 * Evan's Peak - Depth 12m to 40m. Close to St. Croix island.
 * Haerlem Wreck - Depth 21m. Navy vessel sunk in 1987
 * Phillips Reef - Visibility up to 10m.
 * Riy Banks - Depth 18m to 40m. Coral and game fish.
 * Thunderbolt Reef - Depth 15m to 30m. Orange and lilac hard coral.

Buy



 * Curios can be bought along the beach. Haggle down the prices though.
 * African hides can be purchased by appointment from Ostrich Emporium SA +27 41 5812148.

Eat
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.



Coffee
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.


 * Vovo Telo Corner Raleigh and Irvine Street, Richmond Hill. Phone: +27 41 585-5606 Hours: M-F 7:15AM to 3PM. This artisan bakery is the pride of locals who flock to get their fix. The food is wholesome and moreish. The Vovo almond croissant (when you can get one) is a firm favourite and the breakfasts, especially the creamy scrambled eggs with smoked salmon or bacon on Ciabatta are cornerstone meals. Samora and Xolani will fix you a coffee that caters exactly to your taste. Enjoy the old part of PE and listen in on the locals doing their business and revelling in an atmosphere that is part African, part Europe.
 * Brioche 181 Main Rd Walmer. Phone +21 41 581-2136 Hours: M-Sa 7AM to 3:30PM. The coffee is sublime, the Brioche space beautiful. The cinnamon buns are memorable. The menu is simple and taste driven, and the whole shop is filled with the smell of artisan breads. You can come here to experience the coolness of an old South African 'stoep' on a warm day. Hospitable service, too.
 * Urban Express 25 6th Avenue, Walmer. Phone +21 41 581-3390 Hours: M-Sa 7AM-3PM. Owned by Donovan McLagan, voted South Africa's No. 1 coffee taster - this man knows coffee. Just one sip of the brew served in 175ml cups proves just that. He represented SA at the world Coffee Tasters Competition and came in at 5th place. Port Elizabeth is proud to be a part of the coffee legacy of the nation. Connected to the renowned Pastryworks, Urban delivers on coffee and delicious breads, sandwiches and pastries. The interior is industrial, the service friendly.

Sleep
Accommodation ranges from hostels to more luxury accommodation. Whatever you want, you can find without trouble.

Mid-range


The Radisson Blu, Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, +27 41 509 5000, offers the best that Radisson Blu brand has to offer.

Go next

 * Go to Jeffreys Bay for surfing.
 * Tour the Garden Route on your way to Cape Town.
 * Drive to the City of Saints (Grahamstown) and back through pineapple plantations and along the rugged coast.

Local parks
There are many local safari and nature parks within easy reach of Gqeberha:


 * Visit Addo Elephant National Park.
 * Visit Mountain Zebra National Park.
 * Visit Tsitsikamma National Park.
 * Visit Mountain Zebra National Park.
 * Visit Tsitsikamma National Park.
 * Visit Tsitsikamma National Park.