'''Port Elizabeth''' [http://www.mandelametro.gov.za/] (''or just PE if you want to sound South African'') is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban, in the Eastern Cape, about 260 km from Knysna. Also known as ''the friendly city'' and ''the windy city'', it tends to live up to both names.
Understand
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. British heritage is reflected in the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, and the Oldest Bowling Green in South Africa. Port Elizabeth_fs greatest treasures, however, are malaria-free wildlife areas in its vicinity, and clean beaches washed by warm water.
Port Elizabeth was founded by British settlers in 1820 and was named after the wife of Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at that time. The city is located on the Algoa Bay and forms together with the neighboring towns of Uitenhage and Despatch the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
The tourist information is in the Donkin Reserve in the town center and another office at The Boardwalk (Marine Drive).
Get in
By plane
Port Elizabeth [http://www.acsa.co.za airport] is located just a few kilometres out of the city and has regular flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South African airports. See also Discount airlines in Africa.
By train
The central train station is in the city centre near the harbour.
[http://www.spoornet.co.za/ShosholozaMeyl/index.jsp Spoornet] operates daily inter-city trains to Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. You can also get to Cape Town, Kimberley, Pietermaritzburg and Durban (by changing trains in Bloemfontein), to East London (by changing trains in Noupoort, Colesburg or Bloemfontein), to Mthatha (by changing trains in Noupoort and Amabele) or to Grahamstown (by changing trains in Alicedale).
[http://www.permierclasse.co.za Premier Classe] operates twice-weekly luxury trains to Cape Town.
[http://www.metrorail.co.za MetroRail] operates frequent commuter trains to Uitenhage and the surrounding suburbs during weekdays, with a reduced service over weekends.
The [http://www.apple-express.co.za Apple Express] is a narrow-gauge (2 feet/610 mm) tourist train that operates from a separate station in Humewood Road near King's Beach. It departs regularly for Thornhill Village via the Van Staden's River bridge, the highest narrow-gauge rail bridge in the world.
By car
Port Elizabeth is easily accessible by motorways from Cape Town (790 km) via the Garden Route, Bloemfontein and East London (310 km). Of course, you can also drive from Johannesburg.
By bus
All major South African coach companies offer regular schedules to and from Port Elizabeth. The city is also on the [http://www.bazbus.co.za Baz Bus] route.
Get around
By car
All the national car rental agencies have offices in the city.
<listing name="CABS Car hire" alt="" address="90A Hugh Road, Walmer" directions="" phone="+27 (0)21 386 5500" url="http://www.cabs.co.za/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="info@cabs.co.za" fax="+27 (0)21 385 1110"></listing>
Public bus
There is a ''public bus'' transport system within the city. It is, however, not really any good. The buses are slow, noisy, smelly and often not on schedule. Further, the buses do not really cover much of the city. There is also the issue of getting your fingers on a timetable, which is hard, but the Tourist Information are known to have a copy sometimes. As there are no timetables at the stops or even at the main terminal, this is a key issue. Safety is a common worry on Public transport in South Africa as a whole and tourists should remain alert whilst utilising services.
<listing name="Algoa Bus Company" phone="+27 (0)41 404-1200"></listing>
Metered Taxi
<listing name="Hurter Cabs" phone="+27 (0)41 585-5500" email="hurter@absamail.co.za">Credit cards accepted.</listing>
<listing name="King Cab" phone="+27 (0)41 368-5559">Credit cards accepted.</listing>
Taxi
The main form of transportation for most people is the ''(minibus) taxi''. Toyota Hiaces or VW Caravelles or the like, modified to cram in as many seats as possible, will take you across town for R4.50. Some of them are still more a road hazard than anything, but a recent clean-up in the taxi industry means that their standards are improving.
Each taxi operates on a laid-out route. They are more frequent during daytime than at night.
'''How to get on.''' Stand on the curve of a trafficked road. When a taxi approaches, it may flash its headlights to 'ask' if you want to go. Just stick your hand out.
'''How to get off.''' You might be able to tell the 'bouncer' your desired destination when you pay, but in any case just tell the driver ''"next stop"'', in a clear, firm voice, if you can make yourself heard above the music pounding from the sound system.
Note that this is not always a safe way to travel.
* As of Feb 2009, taxi strikes have become common. Taxi drivers are protesting the new transportation plans and upgrades ahead of the 2010 world cup. In early February a PE taxi protest turned violent with taxi drivers stoning buses and possibly aiding in the derailment of a train outside PE.
See
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. ttp://www.lathita.co.za/frameset_luxury.htm. ickens Street, Central Port Elizabeth. 27 (0)41 373-7758. See Town Hall, Feather Market Hall, the Old Post Office, Fort Frederick, Donkin Reserve, Settlers Park, and the Horse Memorial all in one fabulous tour.
Wezandla African Arts and Crafts Gallery. 27 (0)41 585-1185. 27 (0)41 585-1186" email+"glynis@wezandla.com. 7 Baakens Str. ttp://www.wezandla.com. Browse African Art
Museums, Galleries and Heritage
South Africa Airforce Museum. 27 (0)41 505-1295. 27 (0)41 505-1403. ttp://www.sa-transport.co.za/aircraft/saaf/museum_index.html. pen 8AM to 3:30PM Mon to Fri and 10AM to 6PM on Sun. ntrance is free.
Bayworld. ttp://www.bayworld.co.za. arine Drive, Humewood. 27 (0)41 584-0650. pen 9AM to 4:30PM. Dolphin performances at 11AM and 3PM. Has a museum, oceanarium and snake park.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. 27 (0)41 586-1030. pen 9AM to 5PM, Monday to Friday. 2PM to 5PM on Saturdays and Sundays. t George's Park entrance. A selection of South African art, especially from the Eastern Cape
No 7 Castle Hill Museum. 27 (0)41 582-2515. pen 10AM to 1PM and 2PM to 5PM, Tuesday to Friday. 2PM to 5PM on Mondays and 10AM to 1PM on Saturdays. ntrance fee is R6. Dating back to 1827, it is the oldest Settler cottage in PE.
Red Location Museum. 27 (0)41 408-8400. hoza@mandelametro.gov.za. 27 (0)41 408-8401. ttp://www.southafrica.info/about/history/redlocation-museum.htm. 0am to 4pm Tues to Fri and 9am to 3pm Sat and Sun. dults:R12, Pensioners, Disabled and Unemployed: Free on Wed between 12pm and 4pm, Discount for students. The museum which bridges the past with the future
Do
PE 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. ildlife Sanctuary. ttp://www.africandawnsanctuary.com. African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary offers a selection of birds and wildlife to view
Beaches. Hobie, Humewood, Kings and Wells Estate Beach are the main swimming beaches. Humewood and Wells have been awarded Blue Flag status while Kings and Hobie are currently being evaluated.
Algoa Bay Yacht Club. ttp://www.abyc.org.za. Have a meal and go sailing
Apple Express. 27 (0)41 583-2030. ttp://www.pe.org.za/appleexpress.html. 130 for adults and R60 for kids under 13. A 100 km narrow gauge classic steam trip with a stop on the Van Stadens River Bridge.
Boardwalk Casino. oardwalk@sunint.co.za. 27 (0)41 507-7777.
Kragga Kamma Game Park. ollow the M15 west from the city center for about 15 minutes. 27 (0)41 379-4195. ttp://www.kraggakamma.com. ates are open from 8AM to 5PM. 30 entrance fee. antor@worldonline.co.za. You can either sleep in the camp or take selfdrives during the Day. White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra and others. Excellent value small park.
Links Humewood Golf course. ttp://www.humewoodgolf.co.za.
Raggy Charters. 27 (0)41 378-2528. aggycharter@mweb.co.za. Whale Watching, Penguin Island Cruises and Fishing Charters
The Mountain Club of South Africa. 27 (0)41 365-5543. csaeas@mcsa.org.za. ttp://eas.mcsa.org.za. Climbs, walks and a rock climbing school.
Voetsac Hiking Club. 27 (0)41 581-2109. There are a number of hiking trail, and walks in and around the city: Maitland Nature Reserve, Aloe Hiking Trail and more.
The Peoples Observatory. nr Westview and Macfarlane, Newton Park. 27 (0)41 363-9040. eetings every first and third Wednesday of the month at 8PM. View the southern skies.
Roseate Tern hiking trial. 27 (0)41 585-9711. ext to Pine Lodge Resort off Marine Drive, Summerstrand. 9 km circular trail.
Sandboarding. 27 (0)41 586-2276. heboardroom@axemail.co.za. The Maitland dune mountain is one of the largest in the country and perfect for sand boarding.
Surf. The Pipe at Pollok Beach is where you want to go for surfing.
Eastern Cape Wilderness Motorcycle Tour. 27 (0)41 373-7785. nfo@lathita.co.za. ttp://www.lathita.co.za/frameset_motorcycle.htm. entral Port Elizabeth, Dickens Street. A motorcycle tour starting and ending in Port Elizabeth that takes you through the superb Eastern, Southern and Western Cape regions of South Africa.
There are a number of very good diving locations:
'''Bell Buoy''' - Depth 12m to 18m. Colorful soft coral and a rocky bottom.
'''Devil's Reef''' - Depth 7m with pinnacles up to 1m.
'''Evan's Peak''' - Depth 12m to 40m. Close to St. Croix island.
'''Haerlem Wreck''' - Depth 21m. Navy vessel sunk in 1987
'''Phillips Reef''' - Visibility up to 10m.
'''Riy Banks''' - Depth 18m to 40m. Coral and game fish.
'''Thunderbolt Reef''' - Depth 15m to 30m. Orange and lilac hard coral.
Dive operators
Ocean Divers International. 27 (0)41 581-5121. lzabe@odipe.co.za. ttp://www.odipe.co.za. 0 Albert Road, Walmer. One of the oldest dive schools in South Africa. PADI courses, own training center with indoor pool.
Pro Dive. 27 (0)41 368-7880. ttp://www.prodive.co.za. t Hobie Beach.
Buy
'''Curios''' can be bought along the beach. Haggle down the prices though.
'''African Hides''' can be purchased by appointment from Ostrich Emporium SA +27 (0)41 5812148.
Siyalcha Dolls. 27 (0)41 454-3465. Traditional Xhoza dolls
Shopping Malls
The Boardwalk. arine Drive, Summerstrand. 27 (0)41 507-777. oardwalk@sunint.co.za. Offers several shops. fast-food restaurants and a casino
Greenacres Shopping Centre. An excellent place to spend a Saturday at around noon. There are many, many shops and plenty of restaurants. There is a lively vibe over the weekend, and the mall can be reached easily. It is also commonly refered to as "The Bridge", because it is joined to the mall of that name.
Walmer Park Shopping Centre. A nice place to eat at, and there are a few nice shops.
Eat
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. ttp://www.bluewaterscafe.com. Well priced and has an excellent view of the ocean.
Fishmonger. he Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand. 27 (0)41 583-6895. Indulge yourself in succulent prawns, calamari, fish & chips and curries.
Leonardo's. he Broadwalk, Marine Drive, Summerstrand. 27 (0)41 583-1302. 27 (0)41 583-1304. Fantastic pizza, and has a very pleasant atmosphere.
Mauro's. estaurant No. 1, McArthur Bath, Beach Road, Humewood. 27 (0)41 582-2700. 27 (0)41 582-3629. bout R100 a meal.
Ocean Grill. ercado Centre, Corner of Admiralty and Strandfontein Roads, Summerstrand. Seafood restaurant with classy and elegant decor ; serves good sushi and other seafood meals.
Old Austria. Is just off Cape Road and is one of the classier restaurants in Port Elizabeth.
The Oyster Catcher. 27 (0)41 582-1867. 27 (0)41 582-1869. Located in the harbour. The seafood is particularly tasty. Very popular - if you want to get a table you must make a reservation.
Tiffany's. 27 (0)41 584-0696. rookes Hill, Beach Road, Humewood. Tea, coffee, light meals and fantastic pastries and cakes in a great location looking out over the sea.
Drink
Barney's Tavarn. 27 (0)41 583-4500. t the Boardwalk. Lively pub.
Ekhaya Pub. 27 (0)41 586-1156. For African Jazz
Ibhayi Brewery Tours. 27 (0)41 404-3527. enni.dewet@za.sabmiller.com. 7 Kohler Street. Tour the beer brewery and have a couple of pints at the Bay and Barrel afterwards.
News Cafe. Located at the Boardwalk and is always lively and full. They serve good food, and it is a nice place to catch a drink.
Blackbeards Tavern. ithin The Chapman Hotel. ttp://www.chapman.co.za. Does a splendid Seafood Extravaganza.
'''Tapas''' Part of Brookes pavilions. Live music over weekends. Good place to get loaded on beers. Get there early if you want to sit down.
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from hostels to more luxury accommodation. Whatever you want, you can find without trouble.
Budget
Kings Beach Backpackers. 1 Windermere Road, Humewood. 27 (0)41 585-8113. 27 (0)41 585-1693. ingsb@agnet.co.za. ttp://www.backpackafrica.co.za. rom R60 pppn. Cool little backpackers with friendly staff. Check out the kitchen you have to add your name and comment to the millions added over the years by previous backpackers. The staff can arrange safari trips to
<listing name="British" phone="+27 (0)41 363-8840" fax="+27 (0)41 363-8842" address="5th Floor, First Bowring House, 66 Ring Road, Greenacres" hours="Open 9AM to 12:30PM, Monday to Friday"></listing>
<listing name="Danish" phone="+27 (0)41 453-2696" address="3 Fearick Street, Sidwell" hours="8AM to 5PM, Monday to Thursday and 8AM to 12PM on Friday"></listing>
<listing name="French" phone="+27 (0)41 360-2730" address="3 Digby Road, Framesby" hours="8AM to 4:30PM, Monday to Friday"></listing>
<listing name="German" phone="+27 (0)41 487-2840" fax="+27 (0)41 484-7908" address="11 Uitenhage Road" hours="Open 8:30AM to 12:30PM, Monday to Friday"></listing>
<listing name="Italian" phone="+27 (0)41 373-6443" address="16 Dyason Street, Mount Croix" hours="10:30AM to 12:30PM, Monday and Wednesday and 8:30AM to 10:30PM, Tuesday and Friday"></listing>
Get out
Go to Jeffreys Bay for surfing.
Tour the Garden Route on your way to Cape Town.
Drive to the City of Saints (Grahamstown) and back through pineapple plantations and along the rugged coast.
Local parks
There are many local safari and nature parks within easy reach of PE:
Visit Addo Elephant National Park.
<listing name="Kariega Game Reserve" directions="90 minutes outside PE" phone="+27 (0)46 636-7904"></listing>
<listing name="Shamwari Game Reserve" directions="45 minutes outside PE" phone="+27 (0)42 203-1111" fax="+27 (0)42 235-1224"></listing>
<listing name="Pumba Private Game Reserve" directions="60 minutes outside PE (transfers available)" phone="(0)46 603-2000" fax="(0)46 603-2001" email="respumba@pehotels.co.za"></listing>
Visit Mountain Zebra National Park.
Visit Tsitsikamma National Park.