Area Infomation

The city is situated 260km from Knysna and about 800km from Cape Town. Renowned for its sunshine and safe, sandy beaches, Port Elizabeth offers a complete tourist experience for those wanting a total South African experience – it is the perfect complement to the Garden Route, Settler Hinterland, Sunshine Coast and the 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. It is the second largest city in terms of area and the fifth largest in terms of population in South Africa with a population of approximately 1.1 million. The city is also an important centre for the local motor industry.

Temperatures are moderate all year round with rain scattered throughout the year and it is a malaria free zone. The summers are warm with a temperate humidity level whilst winters are mild and pleasant. Watersports such as surfing, boardsailing and diving can be enjoyed year-round! In all, visitors soon discover that the climate is one major contributor to the reputation of the area as offering an outstanding quality of life!

PE boasts many historical attractions, one of 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 5km 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, the oldest Bowling Green in South Africa, Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial and the 1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory and the Settler’s Park which covers 54 hectares in the city centre, boasting beautiful flora and fauna.

On of the areas greatest treasures are the clean beaches with their wonderfully warm waters – making PE an ideal watersports 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 watersports. Scuba diving enthusiasts can choose from a number of great spots with plenty to see, such as shipwrecks, coral reefs and beautifully coloured fish in the warm waters with up to 20 meters visibility. There are one day diving courses available as well as boat charters and gear for hire.

Port Elizabeth offers an array of tourist attractions, sun, sea and sand as well as offering friendly, welcoming hospitality.