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PE Beaches

Port Elizabeth (or just PE if you want to sound South African) is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban, in the Eastern Cape, about 260 km from Knysna. Also known as the friendly city and the windy city, it tends to live up to both names.

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 is located on the Algoa Bay and forms together with the neighboring towns of Uitenhage and Despatch the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.

The tourist information centres are in the Donkin Reserve in the town center, at The Boardwalk (Marine Drive) and at the Airport Arrivals hall. See [1] for more information and all other tourism related products.

Get in

By plane

Port Elizabeth Airport ((PLZ  IATA)) is located approximately two miles south of the city's central business district. This has earned it the name "Ten minute airport" because it is said to be less than ten minutes' drive from most major areas of the city. out of the city and has regular flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South African airports. See also Discount airlines in Africa.

By train

The central train station is in the city centre near the harbour.

Shosholoza Meyl operates daily inter-city trains to Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. 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).

Premier Classe operates twice-weekly luxury trains to Cape Town via George and Oudtshoorn.

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

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 and from Port Elizabeth. The city is also on the Baz Bus route [2].

Minibus taxis from Port Elizabeth go from Norwich Minibus rank cnr or strand street and Flemming street. there are Minibus taxis going to Knysna and Cape town.

Get around

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. For the world cup 2010, the system has gone a major renovation with new buses and you wait no longer than 15 minutes to get a bus. Schedules can be obtained online on http://www.algoabus.co.za/port-elizabeth-bus-routes/route_list/schedule.aspx. Maybe the buses do not cover the nooks and crannys of the city, but then why not hop on one of the many city tours available? In Port Elizabeth, using the Public transport has not been a problem - this is used commonly by tourists, students and locals. Yes in South Africa, like in many countries in Africa and other continents, tourists should remain alert, aware of their environment and use common sense.

Metered Taxi

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 R7.00. Some of them are still more a road hazard than anything, but a recent 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.

How to get 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.

How to get off. You might be able to tell the 'bouncer' 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.

Note that this is not always a safe way to travel.

  • As of Feb 2009, taxi strikes have become common. Taxi drivers are protesting the new transportation plans and upgrades ahead of the 2010 world cup. In early February a PE taxi protest turned violent with taxi drivers stoning buses and possibly aiding in the derailment of a train outside PE.

See

Live entertainment at the Boardwalk
  • Donkin Reserve. In memory of Rufane Donkin and his wife Elizabeth, after whom the city is named. The lighthouse built in 1861 is open to the public. PE tourism has their office here 
  • Townships: organized tours are offered by the Tourist information. There is a safety concern regarding township tours though.
  • Alexandria Dune Fields. The largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere is located just outside PE at the villages of Colchester and Cannonville. 
  • Tour Nelson Mandela Bay City, Dickens Street, Central Port Elizabeth, ☏ +27 41 373-7758. See Town Hall, Feather Market Hall, the Old Post Office, Fort Frederick, Donkin Reserve, Settlers Park, and the Horse Memorial all in one fabulous tour. 
  • Wezandla African Arts and Crafts Gallery, 27 Baakens Str, ☏ +27 41 585-1185, fax: +27 41 585-1186. Browse African Art 

Museums, Galleries and Heritage

Dolphin Show at the Bayworld
SAAF Museum Oxford restoration project
  • Bayworld, Marine Drive, Humewood, ☏ +27 41 584-0650. Open 9AM to 4:30PM.. Has a museum, oceanarium and snake park. There are currently no dolphin performances. 
  • No 7 Castle Hill Museum, ☏ +27 41 582-2515. Open 10AM to 1PM and 2PM to 5PM, Tuesday to Friday. 2PM to 5PM on Mondays and 10AM to 1PM on Saturdays. Dating back to 1827, it is the oldest Settler cottage in PE. Entrance fee is R6. 
  • Red Location Museum, ☏ +27 41 408-8400, fax: +27 41 408-8401, . 10AM to 4PM Tues to Fri and 9AM to 3PM Sat and Sun. The museum which bridges the past with the future Adults:R12, Pensioners, Disabled and Unemployed: Free on Wed between 12PM and 4PM, Discount for students. 

Do

Hobie Beach

PE 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.

  • Sakhume Museum & Xhosa Culture Centre, Human Dignity Centre (On the road leading from Walmer 10th Ave to Schoenmakerskop (Victoria Drive) Beyond and opposite the Walmer Country Club.), ☏ +27 76 978-6627, +27 14 366-2082. 9-15H00. The Walmer Township is one of the only areas in south Africa that avoided forced removals. The friendly community is poised to welcome you to their culture and to show you their history. Tours leave every hour on the hour Monday to Friday from the 14th June 2010. If you contact us before visiting, we will ensure a Xhosa Culture presentation. You will also be able to view a children's project and locals will be available to take you into the township to see shacks and local life first hand. R20 p.p. 
  • Pumba Private Game Reserve, ☏ +27 46 603-2000. Day guests can experience the Day Safaris, which are conducted all year round. Each package is tailored to the needs and wants of the individual group, but individual safari times will depend on the season. Visitors can look forward to seeing cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, hippos, lions, buffaloes, White Lions, leopards and a host of other exciting animals. 
  • Soith End Museum, Cnr.Humewood & Walmer Blvd (South End), ☏ +27 41 582-3325. 09.00 -16.00. The South End Museum offers glimpses of the lost past.From its walk-on map,to historical photographsand displays of the life and times of the people of South End,the Museum provides a living memorial to the victims forcibly removed by the infamous Group Areas Act. donation. 

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.

Dive operators

Buy

African Curios for sale
  • 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.
  • Siyalcha Dolls, ☏ +27 41 454-3465. Traditional Xhoza dolls 

Shopping Malls

  • The Boardwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☏ +27 41 507-777, . Offers several shops. fast-food restaurants and a casino 
  • Greenacres Shopping Centre. An excellent place to spend a Saturday at around noon. There are many, many shops and plenty of restaurants. There is a lively vibe over the weekend, and the mall can be reached easily. It is also commonly referred to as "The Bridge", because it is joined to the mall of that name. 
  • Walmer Park Shopping Centre. A nice place to eat at, and there are a few nice shops. 

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.

  • Blue Waters Cafe. Well priced and has an excellent view of the ocean. 
  • Fishmonger, The Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☏ +27 41 583-6895. Indulge yourself in succulent prawns, calamari, fish & chips and curries. 
  • Leonardo's, The Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☏ +27 41 583-1302, fax: +27 41 583-1304. Fantastic pizza, and has a very pleasant atmosphere. 
  • Ocean Grill, Mercado Centre, Corner of Admiralty and Strandfontein Roads, Summerstrand. Seafood restaurant with classy and elegant decor ; serves good sushi and other seafood meals. 
  • Old Austria. Is just off Cape Road and is one of the classier restaurants in Port Elizabeth. 
  • The Oyster Catcher, ☏ +27 41 582-1867, fax: +27 41 582-1869. Located in the harbour. The seafood is particularly tasty. Very popular - if you want to get a table you must make a reservation. 
  • Tiffany's, Brookes Hill, Beach Road, Humewood, ☏ +27 41 584-0696. Tea, coffee, light meals and fantastic pastries and cakes in a great location looking out over the sea. 
  • Ginger Restaurant, Marine Dr, ☏ +27415831229. The atmosphere is friendly, airy and chic and the food a combination of the finest, fresh ingredients with an Eastern Cape influence. 
  • Fushin Sushi & Eastern Cuisine, Shop 5, Stanley on Bain, Stanley Street, Richmond Hill. Port Elizabeth's most exclusive sushi restaurant, this place is trendy, intimate and friendly. Located in the upmarket, historic area of Richmond Hill and very centrally located. 
  • Primi Coastal, Marine Drive, Humewood. A very trendy pizza restaurant ideally located on the beachfront. 

Drink

  • Barney's Tavarn, At the Boardwalk, ☏ +27 41 583-4500. Lively pub. It overlooks Algoa Bay and is situated a stone's throw away from the water's edge. The pub has a great balcony, with good draughts and food. A local favorite, many Johannesburg travellers' first stop is at this watering hole to catch up with friends. Live music is available most weekend nights. 
  • Ekhaya Pub, ☏ +27 41 586-1156. For African Jazz 
  • Ibhayi Brewery Tours, 47 Kohler St, ☏ +27 41 404-3527, . Tour the beer brewery and have a couple of pints at the Bay and Barrel afterwards. 
  • News Cafe. Located at the Boardwalk and is always lively and full. They serve good food, and it is a nice place to catch a drink. 
  • Blackbeards Tavern, Within The Chapman Hotel. Does a splendid Seafood Extravaganza. 
  • Rasoi, 79 Heugh Road, Walmer, ☏ +27 41-581-0333. This is an excellent place for Indian food. The ambiance is nice, and the staff is extremely friendly. It is a great idea to catch a dinner at Rasoi when in PE. 
  • Cubana - Port Elizabeth, Marine Drive, Humewood, ☏ +27 41 582 5258. Port Elizabeth's most exclusive nightspot - definitely not to be missed! 

Coffee

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: Monday to Friday from 07h15 to 15h00. 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: Mon to Sat 7h00 to 15h30 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: Mon to Sat 7h00 to 15h00. 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 Compettition 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

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget Under R500
Mid-range R500 to R1000
Splurge Over R1000

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

Budget

  • Kings Beach Backpackers, 41 Windermere Road, Humewood, ☏ +27 41 585-8113, fax: +27 41 585-1693, . Cool little backpackers with friendly staff. The staff can arrange safari trips to Addo and Schotia Safari Parks for around R1000 (be warned that this is R200 more expensive than doing it yourself, but this does include travel to and from the parks, which are approx 30 miles away. Dorm R140 pp. 
  • Lungile Backpackers, 12 La Roche Drive, Humewood, ☏ +27 41 585-2042, fax: +27 41 585-2083, . Offers private single/ double rooms as well as dorms and has a pool. Dorm R140. 

Mid-range

  • Algoa Guest House, 87 Brighton Drive, Summerstrand, ☏ +27 41 583-3511. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. We are located in the beautiful upmarket seaside suburb of Summerstrand - only 200 metres from the beach and in close proximity to the airport, university, golf course, restaurants and casino. Tourists and business people alike enjoy a relaxing stay at Algoa Guest House. All suites are private and comfortable with a mini kitchenette and their own entrances and patios. Suites are serviced daily and have free internet access, TV’s and DVD facilities. from R320 per person sharing. 
  • Alcyone Accommodation, 29 Admiralty Way, Summerstrand, ☏ +27 84 693-1483. Offers you self-catering accommodation in private en-suite units that sleep 2max, family unit sleeping 4-5, and a 1 bedroom apartment with views sleeping max 3; 500m from the beach, close to the Humewood Golf course and Hobbie Beach; self-contained, fully equipped and with complimentary Wi-Fi From R400. 
  • 1 Bishops Inn, 14 Killarney Rd, ☏ +27 41 585-6828, fax: +27 41 585-6850, . Check-in: 2:30PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Bishops Inn offers superior rooms and 1&2-Bedroom self-catering suites opposite Kings Beach. All rooms have Wi-Fi access. From R540 to R1200 per unit per night. 
  • Conifer Beach House, 39 Windermere Road, Humewood, ☏ +27 41 585-5959, . 4 Star accommodation. Saltwater swimming pool, 2 minutes walk from Kings Beach, off-street parking, laundry service, WiFi. Close to golf course, university and boardwalk casino. 
  • Edward Protea Hotel, Belmont Terrace, ☏ +27 41 586-2056, fax: +27 41 586-4925. Located on the northern end of the Donkin Reserve. May have seen better times but still offers Edwardian style and wonderful views over the Donkin Reserve to the Ocean. 
  • Holiday Inn, La Roche Drive, Humewood. Close to King's Beach. The hotel is a short walk away from Bayworld Aquarium. 

The Radisson Blu, Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, 041 509 5000, Opened in 2009 and offers the best that Radisson Blu brand has to offer.

Cope

Consulates

  • Belgian, 16C Lower Valley Road, Baakens Valley, ☏ +27 41 582-2275. 9AM to 12PM, Monday to Friday. 
  • British, 5th Floor, First Bowring House, 66 Ring Road, Greenacres, ☏ +27 41 363-8840, fax: +27 41 363-8842. Open 9AM to 12:30PM, Monday to Friday. 
  • Danish, 3 Fearick Street, Sidwell, ☏ +27 41 453-2696. 8AM to 5PM, Monday to Thursday and 8AM to 12PM on Friday. 
  • French, 3 Digby Road, Framesby, ☏ +27 41 360-2730. 8AM to 4:30PM, Monday to Friday. 
  • 1 German, 1 Circular Drive / The Fig Tree, ☏ +27 41 397-4721, fax: +27 41 397-4730. Open 8:30AM to 12:30PM, Monday to Friday. 
  • Italian, 16 Dyason Street, Mount Croix, ☏ +27 41 373-6443. 10:30AM to 12:30PM, Monday and Wednesday and 8:30AM to 10:30PM, Tuesday and Friday. 

Go next

Local parks

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

  • Visit Addo Elephant National Park.
  • Kariega Game Reserve (90 minutes outside PE), ☏ +27 46 636-7904. 
  • Shamwari Game Reserve (45 minutes outside PE), ☏ +27 42 203-1111, fax: +27 42 235-1224. 
  • Pumba Private Game Reserve (60 minutes outside PE (transfers available)), ☏ +27 46 603-2000, fax: +27 46 603-2001, . Discover wildest Africa in true luxury at the Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. This Eastern Cape safari lodge has achieved a 5-star rating for its unrivalled beauty, world-class service and the abundance of wild animals on its doorstep. In addition to the famous Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants), guests of the game reserve have the rare opportunity of seeing the magnificent White Lion, stalking prey and lazing under the trees in its natural environment. 
  • Visit Mountain Zebra National Park.
  • Visit Tsitsikamma National Park.


This city travel guide to Port Elizabeth is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.


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