Port Elizabeth
Travel Guide > Africa > South Africa > Eastern Cape > Port Elizabeth
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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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.
Neighbourhoods
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.
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.
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.
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
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Cora Terrace | PO Box 7171 Newton Park | Hostel | 71 |
| 5 Third Avenue Guest House | 5 3rd Avenue Walmer | Guesthouse | 40 |
| Alcyone | 29 Admiralty Way Summerstrand | Guesthouse | - |
| Aqua Marine Guest House | 27 La Roche Drive Humewood | Guesthouse | 85 |
| At Sta-Plus | 11A, 10th Avenue Summerstrand | Guesthouse | 82 |
| Helicharter Backpackers | 23 Windermere Street | Hostel | - |
| Hunter's Lodge | Corner of Granville & Kingston Rds Greenacres | Guesthouse | 67 |
| Ikhayalam Lodge | 25 Windermere Rd Humewood Port Elizabeth | Hostel | 37 |
| Jikeleza Lodge International Backpackers Hostel | 44 Cuyler Street Central | Hostel | 79 |
| Lungile Lodge beachfront backpackers | 12 laroche drive humewood port elizabeth | Hostel | 82 |
| Nottingham Country House | 67 Albert Rd | Guesthouse | 70 |
| Quatermain's | Carnarvondale, Amakhala Game Reservere, Paterson. | Campsite | - |
| The Hippo Backpackers | 14 Glen Street Richmond Hill | Hostel | 78 |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
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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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