When you’re searching for something to do within the Friendly City, then look no more! We’ve put together 10 things to do in Port Elizabeth. Having activities catering to the historian, bush-lover, sport lover and even the adrenaline junkie, there’s something for everybody.
1. Discover the Donkin Heritage Trail
If you wish to know Port Elizabeth in personal level, do the five-kilometre trail which follows on the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers. This connects at least 47 national monuments and historical spots around central Port Elizabeth and it’s called following the acting governor of the Cape Colony during that time, Sir Rufane Donkin.
No matter whether you want historical trips or not, this trail involves a few interesting information about the region which will enlighten you regarding the city.
2. Watch the Ellies at Addo Elephant Park
Break free to the bush and invest several hours hunting the breathtaking Eastern Cape landscape for wildlife at Addo Elephant Park, the place to find more than 550 elephant. It’s the 3rd biggest national park around South Africa and it has broadened to conserve a lot of wildlife and flora coming from the semi-desert Karoo right down to the shoreline of Sunday’s River Valley Mouth.
3. Relax On The Sunday’s River Cruise
Cruising across the Sunday’s River in a ferry is an ideal approach to experience the scenery across the marine part of the Addo Elephant National Park without having to lift a finger … unless of course to take a picture or two. Go up to top of the viewing deck and enjoy the sight of the city and Algoa Bay. Twitchers, watch out for the variety of birdlife across the river banks.
4. Overcome the Maitland Sand Dunes
When you’re searching for a splash of adrenaline then have a go at the sandboarding in Maitland Sand Dunes. The dunes can be accessible and offer hours of fun. This is a tough trek up to the top part, however the landscapes and scenery are really worth every breath. The path down, surely, is the finest part. Whatever you could glide on can do – trays, bits of cardboard or the apparent option, sandboards. Also, there are 3 hiking trails which end their way to the forests of Maitland Nature Reserve -The Sir Peregrine Maitland Nature Trail, Igolomi Trial and the more exuberant De Stades Nature Trail.
5. Living The Local Life on the Township Tour
Go on a drive to the townships of Port Elizabeth, blend with the local people and walk into a culture which lots of visitors might not have encountered before. Try out home-brewed beers in the shebeen, enjoy a classic Xhosa meal and go to the Red Location Apartheid Museum. It’s an eye-opening experience and an opportunity to go through authentic Xhosa hospitality.
6. Enjoy the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve
Have a brief drive thru the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve, situated simply outside of the city center. It’s a little reserve which is where you can see free-roaming buffalo, zebra, giraffe, nyala and bontebok, and others. The brief loop over the park ensures wildlife sightings.The park is likewise the place to find a family of cheetah that have been hand-reared by committed volunteers. Stop off in the Bush Cafe to get a bite and enjoy a sky walk above the monkey bridge from the rich forest part at Kragga, that’s where you can monkeys and an abundance of bird species.
7. Experience the Heat Over Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Constructed particularly for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the amazing Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium now holds a number of sports such as rugby’s largest party, the IRB Sevens Rugby World Series. In case you’re there during the weekend, see the E.P. Kings in the local rugby game. Conversely, have a thirty minute stadium trip during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays..
8. Light It Up On The Cape Recife Lighthouse
The Cape Recife Lighthouse is among South Africa’s most legendary lighthouses, having a deeply rooted history too. It’s found over the south entry to Algoa Bay around the dangerous Thunderbolt Reef, roughly fifteen kilometres coming from Port Elizabeth. The unique white and black banded tower stands close to the spot where, in 1902, several sailors and rescuers wasted their lives to a typhoon which destroyed both moored and sea-faring boats. Paradoxically, the monolith which now drives boats free from this dangerous reef was constructed in April Fools’ Day in 1851.
9. Chat Up The Birds in SAMREC
The South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre (SAMREC) is situated close to the Cape Recife Lighthouse and it’s the temporary place to find several ill or wounded African penguins as well as other sea birds, most due to human impact. The non-profit organization is available daily and the volunteers which devote their times to the rehabilition of those birds. They’re very friendly and happy to show tourists around the center.
10. Bask on the Blue Flag beach
From the 6 Blue Flag beaches found in the Eastern Cape 2 are located in Port Elizabeth. Both Humewood Beach and Wells Estate Beach surpassed the 14-point requirements and been granted Blue Flag status. Tourists could indulge in a stretch of coastline which has impressive water quality, noticeable environmental information and safety services, such as outstanding life-saving standards, enough parking and gleaming ablution amenities.
