Tourism

Gqeberha As the Ultimate Tourist Destination

By Abigail George

Port Elizabeth is a city on the Algoa bay in South Africa’s eastern cape, which means one thing – beaches!

Port Elizabeth (P.E. for short) fringes Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast. Marine life in the bay is also sensational, with plenty of dolphins and whales that can be spotted throughout the year. The city enjoys a warm, sunny climate for most of the year. Visit between August and December for a chance to see migratory whales. If you’re combining time in Port Elizabeth with an Eastern Cape game reserve, you’re best to go during the dry season between September and April. The top sightseeing places in Port Elizabeth are Addo Elephant Park, Algoa Beach, Red Location Museum, St. George’s Park, Donkin Reserve, Route 67.

Port Elizabeth’s rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the Eastern Cape and the Bay’s diverse and remarkable past. The nomadic San were the earliest group of indigenous people known to live in the Eastern Cape. Port Elizabeth is dotted with parks, notably St. George’s Park, which is home to the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, and Settlers’ Park Nature Reserve. The city is also known for its oceanarium and many museums. Summerstrand is considered one of the more elegant and luxurious suburbs, located south of the centre of the city. A big benefit is that Summerstrand is home to some of the most attractive beaches in the city, making it the ultimate paradise for those who love to spend some time in the sun and in the water.

Port Elizabeth has been officially rated as Africa’s safest city and is located in its safest suburb. Summerstrand, our area, is a residential and tourist area, and our visitors are always welcome to cycle or walk to school. Port Elizabeth has several wonderful beaches including the Blue Flag King’s Beach, Wells Estate Beach and Humewood Beach. In addition, there’s the family friendly beach at Hobie, the relaxed spot at Bluewater Bay and the pristine sands of Sardinia Bay. It is safe to drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Use the same common sense you would in any other country. Port Elizabeth is called the friendly city.

Port Elizabeth, or ‘P.E.’ as it is known locally, is a Port City and holiday destination on the Eastern Cape Sunshine Coast of South Africa, known for its excellent beaches, water-sports, waterfront, wildlife attractions and not least for its friendly people – hence the name ‘The Friendly City’. The shortest route between Port-Elizabeth and Cape-Town is 465.14 mi (748.57 km) according to the route planner. The driving time is approx. 8h 58min. You can expect lots of friendly faces, as it is home to an estimated population of about 1 284 370 people.

The city boasts a mild enjoyable climate; however, it is sometimes also referred to as “The Windy City” by locals. Gqeberha (Xhosa: [ÿÿÿÿÿÿéÿxà]), previously named Port Elizabeth, and colloquially referred to as P.E., is a major seaport and the most populous city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The residents are very friendly and diverse. You will be greeted with a smile when you walk past somebody. It is a coastal city in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, known as the “Windy City” and the “Friendly City”. Port Elizabeth has many good schools, an excellent work-life balance, and great restaurants. Nelson Mandela Bay was the first city in South Africa to establish a fully integrated democratic local authority and the only city in the world named after Nelson Mandela, who was born and spent his formative years in the Eastern Cape.

At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas. It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets. Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers. A police officer or traffic officer will be happy to direct you if you get lost.

Airlink and Safair fly from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town 4 times a day. Alternatively, City to City operates a bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town twice daily. Jacksonville (Florida) and Palm Desert (California) are sister cities to Port Elizabeth, whilst Gothenburg (Sweden) has a friendship relationship. Port Elizabeth (P.E. for short) fringes Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast, and offers many good bathing beaches, great surf spots and excellent water sports. Marine life in the bay is also sensational, with plenty of dolphins and whales that can be spotted throughout the year.

It’s one of the largest cities in South Africa located 770km east of Cape Town, which is just longer than the distance between Edinburgh and London. Today more than 1.2 million people live in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipal area. 3. Forget Route 66, it’s all about Route 67.

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.

Port Elizabeth’s rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the Eastern Cape and the Bay’s diverse and remarkable past. The nomadic San were the earliest group of indigenous people known to live in the Eastern Cape.

 

Sources
https://www.holidify.com/places/port-elizabeth/sightseeing-and-things-to-do.html
https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel/category/places-to-go/big-city-life/port-elizabeth

Pocket-Friendly Things to Do in Port Elizabeth


https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attractions-g312559-Activities-zft11295-Port_Elizabeth_Eastern_Cape.html

 

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