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Port Elizabeth

Travel Guide > Africa > South Africa > Eastern Cape > Port Elizabeth

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Introduction

Port Elizabeth (also known as 'Die Baai' in Afrikaans) is an industrial city situated on the coast of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. A colourful blend of leafy middle-class suburbs and corrugated iron shanty towns, it's often the final stopping point for travellers taking the scenic Garden Route from Cape Town.

The main attraction of the city is it's sandy beaches, and the South African surfing mecca Jeffrey's Bay is just a short drive down the coast.

For those looking for a safari adventure, Port Elizabeth serves as a good base-point to travel to a number of nearby game reserves. The largerst is the Addo Elephant National Park, a Big-5 game reserve with one of the densest concentrations of African elephants on earth. A number of private reserves also exist in the area offering a more luxury bush experience, namely Shamwari, Amakhala, Lalibela and Kwandwe.

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Neighbourhoods

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Sights and Activities

The well-developed beachfront is the city's main attraction, but there are other worthwhile options for those spending a little time in the area.

The Donkin Heritage Trail is a 5km tour of the cultural history of Port Elizabeth. The route includes a 19th century lighthouse, the Campanile bell tower, the Port Elizabeth City Hall, and many other examples of Victorian architecture.

A small number of township tours operate in the city, offering an eye-opening insight into some of the lasting effects of the apartheid era.

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Events and Festivals

World Cup 2010

The big upcoming event on the South African horizon is of course the FIFA World Cup beginning on the 11th of June 2010. One of the most prestigious and popular world sporting events, the World Cup 2010 promises to bring throngs of passionate supporters from around the globe. Held once every four years, it's a football tournament (known as soccer in South Africa) where 32 world nations vie for the famous golden trophy.

Port Elizabeth will be hosting some of the World Cup matches at the Nelso Mandela Bay Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,000.

Ironman South Africa

The Ironman South Africa annual event takes place in Port Elizabeth. It attracts 1000+ triathlon competitors to the city for a superb and challenging event. This year, the Ironman event takes place on Sunday, 5 April. For more information, visit the Ironman website.

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Weather

Average temperatures are between 20 degrees in June and July to around 27 degrees in January. Nights average between 7 and 17 degrees respectively. Rainfall is quite evenly distributed throughout the year regarding the amount, but between May and September there are less rainy days, but with heavier shower.

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Getting There

By Plane

Port Elizabeth Airport (IATA: PLZ) offers a range of flights. Destinations include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, East London, Lanseria and Durban.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

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Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

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Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

Budget

PropertyAddressTypePopularity
1 Cora TerracePO Box 7171 Newton ParkHostel71
5 Third Avenue Guest House5 3rd Avenue WalmerGuesthouse40
Alcyone29 Admiralty Way SummerstrandGuesthouse-
Aqua Marine Guest House27 La Roche Drive HumewoodGuesthouse85
At Sta-Plus11A, 10th Avenue SummerstrandGuesthouse82
Helicharter Backpackers23 Windermere StreetHostel-
Hunter's LodgeCorner of Granville & Kingston Rds GreenacresGuesthouse67
Ikhayalam Lodge25 Windermere Rd Humewood Port ElizabethHostel37
Jikeleza Lodge International Backpackers Hostel44 Cuyler Street CentralHostel79
Lungile Lodge beachfront backpackers12 laroche drive humewood port elizabethHostel82
Nottingham Country House67 Albert RdGuesthouse70
Quatermain'sCarnarvondale, Amakhala Game Reservere, Paterson.Campsite-
The Hippo Backpackers14 Glen Street Richmond HillHostel78

Mid-Range

Upscale

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Work

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Learn

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Keep Connected

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This is version 11. Last edited at 20:13 on Aug 26, 09 by Utrecht (+634). 6 articles link to this page.

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