Port Elizabeth sits at the eastern tip of the famous Garden Route, making it the ideal start or end to an epic South African road trip. With its unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes and warm Indian Ocean, Port Elizabeth is heaven on earth for nature lovers. Throw in its fascinating history, a buzzing city vibe, some very trendy restaurants and voila – holiday heaven!
1. Sardinia Bay Beach
Our “sunshine coast” is well known for its abundant selection of sand and surf spots. But above all, we love Sardinia Bay the most. This pristine coastline lies between Schoenmakerskop and Sea View and is accessed by travelling along Sardinia Bay Road. Complete with picnic facilities, the suntan haven is well known for its near perfect beach and its close proximity to the Sacramento hiking trail. Building sandcastles is a must but fishing is not permitted since the area has been declared a Marine Reserve. However, you can snorkel and and scuba-dive until your heart’s content. Whether you’re after those long early morning walks with the dogs, safe swimming for the kiddies, kite-surfing perfection or good old-fashioned ice-creams on the beach, have a look at our list of the best beaches in Port Elizabeth.
2. Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow, located a few kilometres off the Blue Horizon Bay road in the Maitland River Valley, is magical and one of the only few trails that is on private land. The trails are fairly short but it’s quite easy to get yourself lost (not literally but rather figuratively) whilst exploring the old abandoned mine tunnels, swimming in its river pools, rock hopping up to the waterfall and watching the Knysna Loeries sliding into the Sleepy Hollow swemgat, all the while enjoying the impressive views of its cliffs and forests.
3. A coffee milkshake from Something Good
One of the most popular places to eat in Port Elizabeth is Something Good. We highly recommend that you grab a milkshake, park your car facing the beach and just sit there. It’s heaven. There are of course other great spots from which to sit and watch the waves but this particular piece of our shoreline is pure bliss.
4. Uitenhage
Uitenhage is Port Elizabeth’s next door neighbour and forms part of Nelson Mandela Bay. Visit Cuyler Manor, a 200-year-old homestead which operates as a museum. Cuyler Manor Museum will not only give you a glimpse into the town’s history, but you will also have the opportunity to meet Rosie. She has been working at the museum for 30 years; she is an encyclopedia of stories and gives the warmest hugs. Make sure to ask her if she has any roosterkoek (it is simply the best).
If you have enough time in Uitenhage, also visit the old world charm of the Old Railway Museum and enjoy the mix of colonial and Cape Dutch architecture in the town’s centre.
5. Addo Elephant National Park
Port Elizabeth is the only city in South Africa with a “Big 5” national park only 30 minutes away. In fact, Addo Elephant National Park is the only national park to boast the “Big 7” (Big 5 plus Great White Sharks and Southern Right Whales). And don’t get carried away with focusing on all the big things – Addo Elephant Park is also brimming with thousands of little creatures which guarantee an unforgettable day out.
We recommend you spend the night at Addo Elephant National Park – just make sure to book ahead of time. You can camp by staying over in the Safari Tent at the Spekboom Tented Camp or sleep in a chalet or cottage. Go on a self-guided game drive and and enjoy all the animal sightings. Please remember that you are not allowed to get out of vehicle in the park. Entrance to Addo Elephant National Park is free with the NMB Pass Card.
If you want a more private wildlife experience, clear out your schedule and visit Kuzuko Lodge which is situated in a private section of Addo Elephant National Park. Kuzuko Lodge is the home of the famous lion, Sylvester. You can get a free game drive and lunch with the NMB Pass Card.
6. artEC
If you love initiatives that are all about giving back to the community,then visit artEC on Bird Street and catch an art exhibition. There are also beautiful colourful murals outside that will make you grab your camera plus a few more picture-worthy street art finds on Bird Street. You can also visit the Athenaeum on Belmont Terrace for art exhibitions and performances in the Little Theatre.
7. Mastertons
No trip to Port Elizabeth is complete without tasting Mastertons coffee and taking home a bag of one of their unique blends. Mastertons coffee is available at chain stores, but if you have time, make your way to Russell Road (less than 2 kilometres from artEC) and pick up a souvenir. Just bear in mind that they close at 1.pm on Saturdays.
8. Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve
The Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve truly is a hikers paradise. The 500 hectare reserve can be found about 35 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth and probably is the best place around to go and see Proteas in the wild. The nice bit about it is that there are different flowers blooming throughout the year, so there is always something to see. There are a variety of trails on offer, with easy short walks through the fynbos, past the dams or to the Arboretum and bird hide on the plateau or longer walks along the Forest and River trails that lead down into the gorge. Some of the trails and picnic spots also have great views of the magnificent Van Stadens arch bridge.
9. Lunch with a view
You will be spoilt for choice with all the fabulous restaurants to eat at when lunch time comes around. Our favourites are Co. Social Brasserie and Ocean Basket, which have great food, amazing service and the best views in town.
10. Route 67
Route 67 is a collection of 67 public artworks symbolising Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to the freedom of South Africa. It starts below the Donkin Reserve at the campanile, but we recommend just browsing around the artworks in the reserve rather than walking the whole route. In the Donkin Reserve you will get to see one of the largest South African flags in the world, which stands tall above a stunning mosaic leading to a lighthouse and stone pyramid built by Sir Rufain Donkin for his wife Elizabeth, after whom the city is named. The voting line with Nelson Mandela at its helm is both evocative and powerful, and make sure to get a photo holding Madiba’s hand. Stroll around the park – everywhere you look there are amazing sculptures and outdoor art, and head across the road to the Athenaeum and Fort Frederick.
11. Dine at Richmond Hill
After freshening up, visit Richmond Hill which is PE’s trendiest night spot. It is full of vibey restaurants – our favourite is Fushin on Stanley Street. Make sure to arrive early as Fushin does not take bookings and is always packed.
12. Adrenaline Addo Zip line
Start out the day by zooming through the air above Addo’s citrus farmlands at the longest double zipline in Africa at Adrenalin Addo. It is best enjoyed in pairs, as getting to see your friend or partner flying through the air laughing their head off is almost better than doing it yourself! Book ahead and try and get the earliest slot available.
13. The Island Nature Reserve- Bushbuck Trail
While hiking along the Bushbuck Trail, you would be excused if you suddenly started thinking that you are on the Garden Route. The vegetation on the western side of Port Elizabeth is very different from the south and east and consists of Alexandria coastal forests boasting indigenous tree species like Outeniqua Yellowwood, White and Hard Pear and White Milkwood. It really is the ideal place if you need to plug your soul into the forest socket for a recharge. You also don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to venture onto the Bushbuck Trail with five distance options catering for everybody from the family strollers (900 metres), gentle walkers (5 kilometres), long distance guys (7,5 kilometres) and the ultra day hikers (a full 16 kilometres combining all the trails). If you phone in advance and ask very nicely, one of the ECPTA rangers may just be able to accompany you on your hike as well.
14. Horse beach riding
How about a 3 hour horse ride on the beach for your next outing? Try Heavenly Stables in Sardinia Bay. Remember to call ahead to make a booking a few days ahead of time. Your body will ache the next day, but the ride is worth every sore muscle.
15. Homeleigh Farm
It wouldn’t be a trip to Port Elizabeth, if you don’t stop by Homeleigh Farm. The kids will adore feeding the goats, horses, ostriches, pigs and donkeys. Not to mention the tractor rides, jumping castles and different jungle gyms to suit all ages, while parents can enjoy a cuppa with some homemade koeksisters. Entrance is about R20 /adult and R10/ kid plus there is the option to buy feed for the animals.
16. Baakens Valley
The Baakens Valley isn’t just an excellent hiking area, it has also become very popular with trail runners and mountain bikers. The Baakens Valley truly is Port Elizabeth’s natural urban gem and really deserves more people venturing onto the Lower Guinea Fowl Trail – one of the best trails around. Although you are at times barely a hundred meters from the nearest house it feels like you are miles away in the middle of nature with the river on one side, wind in your face, wild flowers in bloom all around, guinea fowl calling in the bush nearby and the rush of city life slowly flowing out of you. The one thing that really counts against it is that it is a 7,5 kilometre one way trail between the 3rd Avenue Dip in Glen Hurd and Settlers Park, so make sure your transport is sorted and waiting for you when you finish walking.
17. Summerstrand
Explore Summerstrand before heading towards Shark Rock Pier to end the day with chocolate ice creams and magenta tinged skies. If you want to watch the actual sunset, the best viewing spot is found at the top of the dunes above Sardinia Bay beach.
18. Volkswagen Museum
Another worthwhile excursion to schedule is to the Volkswagen Museum in Uitenhage. Google Maps doesn’t have a clue where this place is, so just enter the address provided on the website into your GPS. If you’d like to take a tour of the museum, remember that you will need to book your spot a few days in advance and don’t be disappointed when you are asked to hand in any photography or recording equipment before the tour.
19. Kragga Kamma Game farm
You can go on a game drive (self drive) for R65 per adult and R30 for children between the ages of 3-18. The Eastern Cape has many game farms but Kragga Kamma Game farm claims to have the highest density. Make sure to get some amazing pictures plus their restaurant is reasonably priced and they even have picnic spots if you want to cut costs even more.
20. The Pink Fig
This coffee shop is a parent’s best friend. While you hang out under their veranda having a wholesome meal, your child can play in their extensive play area. They have everything from a trampoline to hi-fly swings, slides, a suspension bridge, jungle gym and so much more. They even offer a loyalty card which gives you the chance to “earn” a free meal. Oh and bonus! They have free WiFi.
21. NMMU Nature Reserve- Grysbok Trail
For all those doom prophets and anybody else looking for a totally safe and secure environment to go and walk in, we have the perfect option for you. The 830ha NMMU Nature Reserve is fully enclosed and can only be accessed from the campus. The Grysbok Trail offers two easy flat loops of about 2,5 kilometres and 3,5 kilometres or a combination of the two through coastal thicket and fynbos, with the opportunity to see some game along the way.
Try out the GPS treasure hunt game of Geocaching. The trail has about 35 caches hidden along the way. Or just keep an eye out for some donkeys in pyjamas.
22. Help the penguins
Hands down, this is one of the most “awww, bless” things to do in Port Elizabeth. If you follow SAMREC’s Facebook Page you’ll be able to find out when the next penguin release is. The happen fairly regularly and if watching those little critters run down the beach and jump into the sea doesn’t melt your heart, nothing will.
23. Life With Lemons Coffee Shop
This is a really nice coffee shop, an ideal place to chill out and relax. You simply must have their lemon juice, it comes “deconstructed” in the form of a tiny bottle of lemon syrup and water, you mix and then wonder where it has been your whole life. What’s best is your kids can bake their own bread there. It is such a novel idea and it’s under R20, which makes it such a steal. They bring out dough, egg wash, rollers and cutters and your kid can go to crazy making fun shapes which the restaurant then bakes for them and serves warm with yummy butter and jam.
24. Science and Technology Centre
Another Uitenhage favourite is the Science and Technology Centre. It is really such a hidden treasure. R10 will get you in to a giant warehouse with amazing interactive science experiments wherever you look. Kids and adults alike can learn about construction by building a house, about electricity by powering appliances with a bicycle and about air pressure by floating above ground. The Exhibition area is separated into seven zones: Automotive, electricity, lights and optics, flight, momentum, life sciences, construction, sound and games. A rock climbing wall and survivor/amazing-race type games make this a must for group outings.
25. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve
The 9 kilometre Roseate Tern Trail through the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, is probably the most diverse of all the trails around Port Elizabeth. It offers a mix of coastline where you can see the remains of shipwrecks on the reefs, reclamation ponds full of water birds, vegetated sand dunes giving some shelter from the sun, the remains of a World War II observation station and barracks, the historic Cape Recife Lighthouse (built in 1851), various marine birds along the coast, an unofficial nudist beach and SAMREC. The South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre plays an integral part in the conservation effort to save the endangered African penguin and is the ideal spot to start and end your walk at. The centre also has a coffee shop where you can refill your tank before heading off to your next activity for the day but hopefully not before taking a tour to learn more about our tuxedo’d feathered friends. Make sure you don’t forget your binoculars and bird book in the car as the variety of birds along this trail is amazing.
26. The Redhouse Flamingos
If you leave the city and drive towards Redhouse you will eventually come across a whole bunch of salt pans on your left. These salt pans are filled with gorgeous pink flamingos. Make sure to take a drive out that way with your camera and take hundreds of photographs of those majestic birds.
27. Sjiek Shack
Soak in the rustic charm and design of Sjiek Shack between Uitenhage and Despatch and indulge in their light meals, variety of decadent desserts and special vintage high teas. If you have some extra space in your luggage, don’t leave without one of their unique décor features, jewellery or a gift for someone back home.
28. Coastal Fynbos Trail
The Coastal Fynbos Trail starts to the east of the village at Sappershoek and is located on the land side of Marine Drive. Because of the bad soil quality, slightly lower rainfall, underlying rock and salty winds, the vegetation along most of the trail consist of… you guessed it, fynbos. Fynbos, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, consist of over 9,000 species of plants and the Coastal Fynbos Trail is particularly attractive in spring when a lot of these are flowering. The full circular trail covers about 7 kilometres, although there is an shorter 4 kilometre option available if you’re still only a “middle distance” walker.
29. Hot dog at Wurst Wagen
Head one road up to Sardinia Bay Road and drive all the way to the beach. This is, in our opinion, one of the best beaches in the world and Port Elizabeth’s absolute crowning glory. There is a quaint hot dog stand in the parking lot which sells incredible footlongs, bratwurst and croquettes. Have a chat to the proprietor Gunter as he makes your order – he is quite a character.
30. Sardinia Bay duck pond
Climb over the dune to the beach and turn right. Walk along with your feet in the shallow waves until you pass the first point and reach “duck pond” – a series of still pools completely protected from the crashing waves by the surrounding rock reef. Find a spot to set up beach camp, sit back and enjoy the bird life, swim and snorkel in the warm water and watch people, dogs and horses go by. Make sure to take along goggles, a snorkel and a towel and not much else. It is quite a walk over the big sand dune.
31. Tea at Grass Roof Farmstall
Head left past the Sardinia Bay golf course and pop into Grass Roof Farmstall for coffee and cake. It has a distinctive roof made of grass, a real country charm, a magnificent view and a fabulous shop full of local goodies.
32. Coastal Drive
From Sardinia Bay head towards Seaview where you take a left towards Maitland Mouth. Stop and admire the view, stroll along the wild beach and lagoon and climb the Maitland dune mountain. Drive back the same way, but when you approach town, head up to the Upper Seaview Road for more fabulous sea views.
33. Sacramento Trail
If Port Elizabeth’s hiking trails had to choose a head boy then the Sacramento Trail would probably be it. The popular kid, a good all rounder, sporty and not bad looking to boot. The Sacramento Trail is an 8 kilometre return hike from Schoenmakerskop to Sardinia Bay and back. Probably Port Elizabeth’s favorite trail, the Sacramento offers some of the best coastal views around and is also a photographer and any nature lover’s dream. Rugged coastline, sandy beaches, hidden coves, fynbos, wetlands, flowers and as an added extra, Khoi middens hidden among the dunes. And have we mentioned the awesome views?
34. Dinner at the Phoenix Hotel
Enjoy a dinner at this historic hotel. Its Cantina restaurant is a visual feast of musical memorabilia and cooks up delicious steak and prawns. The staff have a self-deprecating sense of humour and although they promise the service to be terrible, it’s actually fantastic. You can’t help but have a good time in the festive and unique restaurant and it’s the perfect way to end your stay in Port Elizabeth.
35. The Magic Company
The range of activities found at The Magic Company game center, located at The Boardwalk in Summerstrand, is sure to spoil your little one. The Boardwalk offers really sweet kiddie combo packages, that include a movie, a meal and more! December always brings with it a hive of activities at this popular entertainment spot, so it’s a definite go-to if you are travelling with kids.
36. Picnic on the beach
No matter whether you are from the concrete jungle or are a native to Port Elizabeth, we can guarantee that you won’t be able to help falling in love with its white sandy beaches. Take a stroll along Shark Rock Pier and maybe catch a glimpse of the dolphins showing off, or grab your cardboard box and make a DIY sandboard for the dunes of Maitland’s and Sardina’s beaches. Beaches are what holiday memories are made of and opting for a home brought picnic instead of restaurants and takeouts aren’t only the healthier option, but of course the more affordable one too! What are you waiting for? Grab your cozzie, your sunscreen and hit the waves!
37. The Humpback Dolphin Trail
Port Elizabeth must have one of the best city beach fronts in South Africa. It is clean, beautiful, not over developed and a pleasure to explore on foot. The walkway along the beachfront stretches all the way from the Kings Beach parking area to the lollipop beacon, taking in sites like McArthur Pool, Bayworld, Humewood Beach with the old slipway, Shark Rock Pier, The Boardwalk and all the surf sites. It’s nothing strange to take an early morning stroll or jog along the beachfront and see some bottlenose dolphins swim by. Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay are the bottlenose dolphin capital of the world after all. Beyond the beacon, the boardwalk leaves the main beachfront behind and follows the coastline towards Cape Recife. Very few people actually know that this section is called the Humpback Dolphin Trail and it gives you some of the best uninterrupted views of Algoa Bay that the city has to offer.
Below is the the list of bloggers we’ve teamed up for the Blogathon to create this comprehensive guide of things to do in Port Elizabeth.
Chasing the Rainbow – Things To Do In Port Elizabeth – 1, 2 and 3 Day Itinerary
IndiKate – 48 tried-and-tested hours in Port Elizabeth
Tazz Discovers – Things To Do In Port Elizabeth: Family friendly Nelson Mandela Bay
Going Somewhere Slowly – Things to do in Port Elizabeth in 48 Hours
Passing the Open Windows – My favourite things to do in the Friendly City
Just Ella Bella –Kid & Wallet Friendly Places in Nelson Mandela Bay
By Megan Kelly –Things to Do in Port Elizabeth (Kids + Budget Friendly!)
My Spreadsheet Brain –Things to do in Port Elizabeth (with your toddler) this summer!
Firefly Africa – Things to do in Port Elizabeth this summer – Grab a backpack and take a hike
