Port Elizabeth (PE), officially Gqeberha since 2021 (though this name is rarely used), 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. It lives up to its reputation as the friendly city and the windy city.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
A perfect complement to the Garden Route, the Friendly City is a major sea port and tourist destination set along the beautiful shores of Nelson Mandela Bay. The centre of the South African motor industry is spoiled by moderate and warm temperatures all year round with scattered rain throughout the year - climatic attributes which contribute to an outstanding quality of life. A popular and significant destination for water sports, Port Elizabeth also offers many historical attractions, such as the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, taking visitors along the footsteps of the 1820 settlers.
All the national car rental agencies have offices in the city. CABS Car hire, 90A Hugh Road, Walmer, ☏ +27 21 386 5500, fax: +27 21 385 1110, info@cabs.co.za. Pace Car Rental, 54 Union Road, Walmer, ☏ +27 41 581 4904, info@pacecarrental.co.za. There is a public bus transport system within the city. You wait no longer than 15 minutes to get a bus. Use the Algoa Journey Planner to find your bus. Maybe the buses do not cover the nooks and crannies of the city, but there are many city tours available. In Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, using the public transport has not been a problem; it is used commonly by tourists, students and locals.
1 Donkin Reserve. In memory of Rufane Donkin and his wife Elizabeth, after whom the city is named. The lighthouse built in 1861 is open to the public. PE tourism has their office here Townships: organized tours are offered by the Tourist Information. There is a safety concern regarding township tours though. Alexandria Dune Fields. The largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere is located just outside PE at the villages of Colchester and Cannonville. Tour Nelson Mandela Bay City, Central Port Elizabeth, ☏ +27 82 930 0768, info@saguidedtours.com.
Cricket: 1 St George's Park, off Park Drive. South Africa's oldest Test ground, first hosting a Test match in 1889. With a capacity of 19,000, it's distinctive for its lively brass band in the crowds. (updated Oct 2023) Gqeberha is a wonderful jumping-off spot for game viewing. There are elephants and other birds and animals at Addo Elephant National Park and many privately owned game reserves in the area. African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, Thornhill, ☏ +27 42 2860-710. 9AM-5PM. Offers a selection of birds and wildlife to view including cheetahs and servals. Braai and picnic places available. Beaches. Hobie, Humewood, Kings and Wells Estate Beach are the main swimming beaches.
Brooke's Pavilion has excellent views over the beaches and ocean. Any one of the restaurants there are a good idea for breakfast with a view. Blue Waters Cafe. Well priced and has an excellent view of the ocean. Fishmonger, The Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☏ +27 41 583-6895. Indulge yourself in succulent prawns, calamari, fish & chips and curries. Leonardo's, The Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, ☏ +27 41 583-1302, fax: +27 41 583-1304. Fantastic pizza, and has a very pleasant atmosphere. Ocean Grill, Mercado Centre, Corner of Admiralty and Strandfontein Roads, Summerstrand. Seafood restaurant with classy and elegant decor; serves good sushi and other seafood meals.
Barney's Tavarn, At the Boardwalk, ☏ +27 41 583-4500. Lively pub. It overlooks Algoa Bay and is a stone's throw away from the water's edge. The pub has a great balcony, with good draughts and food. A local favorite, many Johannesburg travellers' first stop is at this watering hole to catch up with friends. Live music is available most weekend nights. Ekhaya Pub, ☏ +27 41 586-1156. For African Jazz Ibhayi Brewery Tours, 47 Kohler St, ☏ +27 41 404-3527, jenni.dewet@za.sabmiller.com. Tour the beer brewery and have a couple of pints at the Bay and Barrel afterwards. News Cafe. It is at the Boardwalk and is always lively and full.
Media reports state that Gqeberha has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The local council also warns tourists to take the types of precautions against muggings and other crimes, including ATM fraud, that are also recommended for all locations in South Africa.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €25 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Port Elizabeth typically sees ~19°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-26. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy