Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is vibrant coastal city set in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The stretch of coast is called Algoa Bay and used to be home to the indigenous Khoi people before the Xhosa tribe migrated to the coast from the North. The city was named by Lieutenant General Sir Rufane Shaw Donkin, in memory of his wife, Elizabeth. The city’s name was officially changed to Nelson Mandela Bay in the early 2000s, making it the only city in the world named after Nelson Mandela, who grew up in the Eastern Cape. Port Elizabeth has the best of what South Africa has to offer, all in close proximity, from Blue Flag beaches, to malaria-free game reserves, quaint country estates, big city attractions and lavish accommodation, all waiting to be experienced by you!

The culture of South Africa is incredibly diverse and heavily influenced by its racial and colonial history.

There is a great disparity between rich and poor, with a middle class that has been growing rapidly in recent years. In addition to the native and colonial diversity of the country, there is also an increasing immigrant population, with Indian South Africans being the largest among these groups. This unique mix of peoples, languages, and cultures all make up the culture of South Africa today.

Port Elizabeth has historical and significant figures from Nelson Mandela Bay that include, amongst others, Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of former President Thabo Mbeki; Oliver Tambo, political activist and life-long friend of Nelson Mandela; Athol Fugard, actor, director and playwright; Olive Schreiner, well-known author and writer of “The story of an African Farm”; and Cliff Drysdale, a well-known tennis player.

Reasons to visit Port Elizabeth

• Algoa Bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in South Africa, with golden sand and the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. First class beaches with Blue Flag status include Humewood Beach, Hobie Beach and King’s Beach
• Well-known for its water-sports with charter boats, canoeing, fishing, angling, sailing, paddle boarding, scuba diving and surfing available, as well as the award-winning Raggy Charters, where travellers can enjoy an ocean safari
• Algoa Bay is the Dolphin capital of South Africa, with over 20 000 Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins living in Algoa Bay. Other marine wildlife found in the Bay include the largest colonies of African Penguins, orcas, humpback dolphins, southern right whales and ragged tooth, great white and pyjama sharks, as well as the smooth hammerhead shark and the leopard catshark (only found in South Africa)
• The Eastern is the home of Nelson Mandela, the renowned South African former president and freedom fighter. Port Elizabeth, or Nelson Mandela Bay, has evoked the spirit of Mandela. The city boasts plenty of art dedicated to Madiba, including the eye-catching modern art along Route 67, an art and culture heritage route
• Nelson Mandela Bay is host to the international Iron Man triathlon competition takes place annually in South Africa
• There are plenty of private game reserves no more than an hour away from the city. Among the reserves located near Nelson Mandela Bay include The Addo Elephant National Park, the only place where travellers can see the Big 7 (rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, great white shark and southern right whale), Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Pumba Private Game Reserve and Lalibela Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth Safaris

The city of Port Elizabeth provides you with the opportunity to not only explore the vibrant city life and diverse culture, but also the amazing safari experience’s that the nature reserves around the area have to offer. From the well-known Kragga Kamma Game Reserve to the great Addo Elephant Park, you will be sure to find the thrilling safari adventure for you and your family to enjoy! The nature game reserves around Port Elizabeth are located relatively close to the city, that it only take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the wild game life.