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Port Elizabeth

Introduction

Claiming to have the best climate and more sunshine than any other coastal resort in the country, Port Elizabeth is a popular holiday destination, and renowned for its beautiful coastline and long sandy beaches.

Port Elizabeth Beach Known more fondly as just PE, Port Elizabeth is a small, lively city and major seaport, and the warmth of the people have earned it the well-deserved reputation as 'The Friendly City'.

With plenty to do and see, it is an ideal place to base yourself for a few days to thoroughly explore the region.

Click here to book your accommodation in Port Elizabeth, or ask us to plan an itinerary for you including Port Elizabeth as part of your trip to South Africa.

The Boardwalk

The 'Boardwalk' is an experience in its own right - but as it is owned by the same company who have brought us Sun City, that should not come as too much of a surprise!

This beach front complex is the lively heart of Port Elizabeth.

There is only one way to appreciate the Boardwalk, and that is to have plenty of time on your hands.

Fun at the Boardwalk The main attractions are shopping for fashion or gifts, dining out in one of the many excellent restaurants offering everything from steak to sushi, catching a movie at the cinema or relaxing in one of the bars, or spending a few hours in the casino with its 747 slot machines and 22 casino tables.

There is even a small outdoor funfair if you feel like releasing your inner child (or indeed have children with you!).

At night, the complex becomes transformed into a fairy wonderland of lights, reflecting off the centre lake area and making you grab for your camera (and tripod if you want the shot to come out really clearly!

Whale Watching and Beautiful Beaches

Port Elizabeth whale watching One of PE's greatest assets is its clean and beautiful beaches. Long beach walks along the vast stretches of golden sand are a superb way to spend a few hours.

During the whale watching season between June and December, Southern Right whales are a familiar sight along the coastline, and can be easily sighted from the shore.

Humpback whales pass by during June and July, and again in November and December, and the Bryde's whale is present throughout the year.

Golf

Home to one of the world's most challenging links courses, the Humewood Golf Course is consistently ranked as one of South Africa's Top 10 golf courses. Humewood has hosted the South African Amateur 9 times and the South African Open 4 times.

With wide and undulating fairways, fast greens and thick coastal bush, a round is a must for any golfers visiting Port Elizabeth. The course also boasts a variety of animal life with an abundance of plovers, otherwise known as 'kiewietjies', one of which makes up the club's emblem.

And, after your round of golf, relax at the '19th' in the elegant Club House and indulge in a spectacular view over the links course itself as well as Algoa Bay.

The Watersport Capital of South Africa

With water temperatures varying between 14 and 21°C throughout the year, and generally calm sea conditions, PE is ideal for swimming and other watersport and beach activities, including sailing, surfing, angling, and of course, diving.

Diving Rated as one of South Africa's best cold water dive sites, the conditions are ideal all-year round, with visibility between 8 and 15 metres in the bay during the winter months.

Protected by the Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth prides itself in its safe access to many dive sites.

A wide variety of fish, densely populated and colourful reefs, and interesting shipwrecks await divers who venture into the depths of the Indian Ocean here.

Seaview Lion Park

Only 30 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth will get you to the Seaview Lion Park, and it is certainly worth the short drive.

Seaview Lion Park Port Elizabeth As the name suggests, here you can get to see lions - albeit it behind fences - including a beautiful white lion. However, the real highlight is having the opportunity to cuddle and play with a lion cub (at an addition cost on top of the main entrance fee).

Although not really suitable for very young children (the cubs may look sweet and innocent, but they are still pretty strong!), it is a wonderful experience and certainly not one that can be repeated in many places in Africa!

Don't get too excited, however, about the 'self-drive' through the lion enclosure - if you blink, you may miss it ...