All About Africa; Port Elizabeth, South Africa

by | Oct 23, 2017 | Travel

Also known as the ‘friendly city’, Port Elizabeth (PE for short) stretches along Algoa Bay and is located in the Eastern Cape province. With its location in the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth boasts of having 300 out of 365 days a year of sunshine – more than any other province in South Africa. So no matter what day of the year you choose to go you will not be disappointed! 

Where to stay;

The Boardwalk Hotel, Convention Centre & Spa

Radisson Blu 

 

What to do;

  • Donkin Heritage Trail – If you want to get to know Port Elizabeth on personal level, take on the five-kilometre trail that follows in the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers. It links no less than 47 national monuments and historical sites in central Port Elizabeth and is named after the acting governor of the Cape Colony at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin.
  • Addo Elephant park – Escape to the bush and spend hours scouring the pristine Eastern Cape landscape for wildlife at Addo Elephant Park, home to over 550 elephant. It is the third largest national park in South Africa.
  • The Valley Market – On the first Saturday of every month head to the Valley Market for spicy paella, gourmet boerie rolls, crisp pizza bases, freshly baked artisan bread and smoothies. The Valley Market is open from 8am to 2pm. Entrance is R10 per person, kids under 12 enter for free. All proceeds go back to the community.
  • Nelson Mandela Stadium – Watch the Kaizer Chiefs take on Ajax Cape Town this Saturday in this 46,000 seater, five-tier stadium.
  • Conquer the sand dunes – If you’re looking for a dash of adrenaline then try your hand (foot?) at sandboarding at Maitland Sand Dunes. The dunes are easily accessible and provide hours of fun.
  • Tour the Volkswagen Auto Pavilion – Car lovers will be in heaven on a pre-booked tour at the Volkswagen Factory in Uitenhage. You’ll encounter the oldest kombi in South Africa – Tours cost R10 per adults, R5 for children under 16, R5 for pensioners and include a free tour of the Autopavillion, which is the only automobile discovery centre on the continent and only the fifth worldwide.