About Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth - the friendly city renowned for its sunshine and safe sandy beaches, situated 260 km from Knysna and about 800km from Cape Town.
For the tourist wanting a total South African experience, Port Elizabeth is the perfect complement to the Garden Route, Settler Hinterland, Sunshine Coast and Cape. Located on the South Eastern coast of Africa, this major sea port and tourist destination is set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, and is fondly referred to as the Friendly Eco-City. The city is the second largest city in terms of area and the fifth largest in terms of population in South Africa (1.1 million). The city is also an important centre for the South African motor industry. Temperatures are moderate all year round with rain scattered throughout the year. The summers are warm with a very temperate humidity level. Winters are mild and pleasant, and it is significant that water sports, even surfing, boardsailing and diving, are practised year-round. In all, the visitor soon discovers that the climate is one major contributor to the reputation of the area as offering an outstanding quality of life.
PE has many historical attractions, one the most interesting being the Historic Donkin Heritage trail which allows the visitor to follow in the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers on their journey of discovery and settlement. This 5 km trail visits 47 historical sites and architectural delights in the Old Hill area of central PE. Within the city there are some beautiful parks with well landscaped gardens, two of the larger ones are St Georges Park, which covers 73 hectares and is home to the world famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club and the oldest Bowling Green in South Africa, and the 54 hectare Settler's Park in the city centre which is a nature lover's paradise, boasting a wide range of flora and fauna.
Port Elizabeth is just 2 hours drive from a number of game parks and reserves, including the exclusive, private Shamwari Game Reserve which is home to the "Big Five" of Africa and Addo Elephant Park, dedicated to the preservation of the Eastern Cape Elephant and the Cape Buffalo. There are other smaller reserves which are just as delightful and will prove a memorable African experience. The region is proud to be Malaria Free.
One of PE's greatest treasures is its clean beaches and warm water, making it an ideal water sport centre. The combination of calm waters and fair breezes are perfect conditions for sailing, and the safe beaches allow for swimming, surfing, body boarding and any kind of water sport. Scuba diving enthusiasts can choose form a number of great spots with plenty to see, such as ship wrecks, coral reefs and beautifully coloured fish in the warm waters with up 30 metres visibility. There are one day courses available, boat charters and gear for hire.
