The Five Top Things to Do in Port Elizabeth
The Five Top Things to Do in Port Elizabeth – from a local…
Visit Addo – A Day on Beachfront – Hiking and Biking – Walk the Old City – Enjoy the Eastern Cape Countryside…
There are many specific attractions and activities in Port Elizabeth, but if you are visiting for a couple of days and really want to get a sense of what PE and the surrounding area are all about, these are our less than costly recommendations…
Day Visit to the Addo Elephant Park and stop at Jack’s Picnic Spot for lunch…
You will seldom see a page of text about Port Elizabeth that doesn’t mention the Addo Elephant Park, and rightly so. Although Addo doesn’t fall within Port Elizabeth’s city limits, it features as one of Port Elizabeth’s top attractions.
Addo is only an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, and you can go there for the day or overnight. There are over 500 elephants resident in the Park, and you can either drive through the Park yourself or book a guided tour. There are picnic and braai facilities for day visitors. One of these is Jack’s Picnic Spot – named after Jack the Rhino – the first Black Rhino to be introduced to Addo. Jack’s Picnic Spot is located within a 500ha Botanical Reserve fenced off from the main game viewing area. The reserve is fenced off to protect the plants from the Elephants and other game, and is part of a monitoring and management programme. You can relax at Jack’s picnic spot away from the rest camp without worrying that some elephants or other big wildlife might drop by for lunch…Perfect for simply enjoying the surrounds of the African Bush.
Sunny days on the Beachfront…
Take a walk along Port Elizabeth’s magnificent promenade, and spend a couple of hours at McArthur’s Pools. Buy an ice-cream from The Windmill and take a stroll along Shark Rock Pier and enjoy wonderful views of the Bay. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins or, depending on the time of year – a Humpback Whale, Southern Right or Bryde’s Whale.
While away the afternoon on the beaches, or drive to Schoenmakerskop, only 24km from the city centre along Marine Drive and explore the coastline there. It’s a leisurely and enjoyable afternoon exploring the coves and rock pools. There are also pretty picnic spots and walkways. The ‘village’ of Schoenmakerskop is quaint and you can find a bite to eat at a wonderful local restaurant called Sacramentos.
Go Hiking or Biking!
There are many Hiking, Cycling and MTB Trails in the Port Elizabeth area. Hire a bike and head off into the wild or cycle along beachfront bike paths.
Discover the History and Heritage of Port Elizabeth…
There are various tours and self-guide routes around the historical areas of Port Elizabeth. A recommendation is The Donkin Trail.
Local Tour Operators & Travel Agents would be happy to assist with advice on guided tours, routes and maps…take a look at who we have listed in our directory…
Spend a Day in the Country around PE…
Enjoy beautiful scenic drives, farm stalls & country restaurants around Port Elizabeth.
Take a look at our Day Trips for more info…