Things To Do Port Elizabeth

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Places To Visit In Port Elizabeth

Cape Recife

The Cape Recife is one of the best nature reserves in Africa to spot bird and marine life. Located on the tip of the Algoa Bay, this breathtaking reserve is spread over an area of 366 hectares. The perfect way to explore the reserve is to walk along the circular Roseate Tern Trail. Amidst the magnificent beach, rocky outcrops, sand dunes, natural vegetation, and the bird hide, stands a picturesque black and white lighthouse. The Roseate Tern Trail gets its name from the seabird Roseate Tern and one can spot many other birds, especially at the bird hide situated at the reclamation freshwater ponds. Besides the bird hide, the trail follows the coastline and passes the lighthouse, an old observation military post, the myriad dune vegetation, and stunning beach views along the way. Some of the birds that visitors might encounter include the Antarctic tern, roseate tern, African black oystercatchers, little bittern, African jacana, purple heron, etc. and if lucky the African penguin as well. Besides the birds, the vegetation and plant life are exceptional too. Plants such as St. Francis, coastal fynbos, dune fynbos, and thicket vegetation are found here. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve is in fact, part of the Cape Recife Conservancy or CRC which protects the rich biodiversity of this region. The reserve can be entered through the Pine Lodge entrance or from the SANCCOB parking area. SANCCOB is a rehabilitation center for the African Penguins and other marine animals and can be visited after exploring Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Also, a permit is required to enter the reserve and can be obtained from the Pine Lodge Resort entrance. Read More

Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick is a 200-year-old stone fort located in Belmont Terrace in Port Elizabeth. It was built in 1799 by the British to defend Cape Colony against the French and offers a stunning view of Algoa Bay. What remains today is a gunpowder storage magazine, blockhouse and a selection of muzzleloader guns. The grave of Captain Francis Evatt, who was commandant of the fort between 1817 and 1847 and oversaw the arrival of the settlers in 1820, is also located within the fort. The fort is next to the Donkin Reserve and is part of the Donkin Heritage Trail. This trail links 51 places of historical interest in the old Hill area of central Port Elizabeth. Read More

Holmeleigh Farmyard is an animal touch farm for children in Kragga Kamma in Port Elizabeth. Kids can feed farm animals, pet bunnies, milk cows, interact with peacocks, ride ponies and take tractor rides. Holmeleigh Farmyard houses a bouncy castle and a trampoline. There is also a beautiful tea garden, souvenir shop and farmhouse restaurant. It is an excellent opportunity for children to interact with and learn about wildlife in a completely safe environment. Read More

The Island Nature Reserve is a 480-hectare reserve forest home to the Alexandria coastal forest, other indigenous trees, animals, and bird species. There are several trails that cut across the reserve and are the best ways to explore the flora, fauna, and natural landscapes of the reserve. Only 25km away from Port Elizabeth, the Island Nature Reserve can be reached by taking the Seaview Road turn-off from N2. The most popular and longest trail is the 16km circular Bushbuck Hiking Trail which begins from outside the Main Office of the reserve. It is also one of the best trails to spot some out of the 150 bird species that reside at the reserve. Similarly, animals such as the bushpig, bushbuck, antelope, vervet monkeys, and blue duiker are often spotted easily along this trail. The other trails include Trail 1 which is the shortest and starts from the office building, ending at the first ablution block. Trail 2 is slightly longer than the first trail and ends at the subway of the tarred road. Both these trails are perfect for kids and the old. Trail 3 is about 4km of a walk and one can spot the different tree species, such as the white milkwood, hard pear, and Outeniqua yellow-wood that are marked and labeled. Trail 4 is 7.6km and is one of the longest. Visitors can see the Cape St. Francis and Jeffreys Bay on clear days while hiking along this trail. Trail 5 is 3.4km in length and joins Trail 4 towards the end before it continues to the staff village. One can often spot the caracal on this trail. The last trail is 1.3km long that easily leads to the picnic sites. All the trails are well marked and well-maintained. Also, the trails lead or pass the picnic areas where visitors can relax and take a short break before commencing the hike again. There is also a braai area and ablution block that visitors can use for barbeques and picnics. Read More

The Kragga Kamma Game Park is a sprawling natural reserve where Africa’s varied wildlife can be spotted. It is a 500-acre area of coastal forests and savannas. The animals live here in their natural habitat and have no restriction on movement. Visitors can explore the park in their own vehicles or sign up for guided tours. The park offers a 2-hour jeep safari and hop-on tours, where a guide accompanies visitors in their own vehicles. Some animals that can be spotted roaming around the wilderness or at watering holes are the White Rhino, cheetah, giraffe, nyala, buffalo, lechwe, bontebok, etc. The animals are aware of car traffic and the paved road provides comfortable travel across the game park. Besides the game drives, there are other activities available as well. Some of these include a visit to the Treetop Boardwalk for bird-watching where one can watch the sparrow hawks, jackal buzzards, fish eagles, and more. Visitors can also walk along the Monkey Walk to catch sight of the vervet monkey, blue duiker, and cheetahs. Also, one can enjoy a lunch or snacks at the café within the reserve or carry your own lunch to enjoy a picnic out in the wild. For visitors who want to spend the night at the reserve, there are luxury lodges, chalets, etc. as well. Read More

Kwantu Private Game Reserve is a luxurious Eastern Cape game lodge on Daniel Street in Sidbury. It is famous for having all the Big Five game animals in Africa, including lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, African bush elephants, and African buffalo. Bird watching is also popular with over 250 bird species. There is abundant plant and animal life at Kwantu Private Game Reserve, including hyenas, hippopotamus, jackals, giraffes, and antelopes. In addition, there is an outdoor sporting centre with all-weather tennis courts and cricket fields. There is also a kid’s play centre, trampoline and swimming pool at the site, an indoor entertainment centre with a pool table, a mini ball table, other toys and a home theatre system. Read More

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum is known for its extensive collection of historical South African art. It is located at the entrance to St. George’s Park in Park Drive, Port Elizabeth. The Art Museum’s collection consists primarily of Eastern Cape and South African art and features many international pieces, including Indian miniatures and Chinese textiles. The Africana exhibit is particularly popular for its works dating from 1790 to 1890, illustrating the links between South African and British art. The collections span two different buildings which frame the entrance to St. George’s Park. The exhibits rotate regularly. Research Library and Archives and a curio shop are also located within the museum. Formerly known as King George VI Art Gallery, it was first established in 1956 and renamed and reopened in December 2002. Read More

Sardinia Bay Beach is a secluded and spectacular beach located between Schoenmakerskop and Seaview. Also, fondly known as Sards by the locals, it is situated on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth. The beach itself is beautiful with the clear waters on one side and the large sand dunes on the other. With a long coastline, it is one of the best walking beaches in Africa. Though fishing is not allowed, scuba diving and snorkeling are quite popular here. Besides, there are horse rides, as well braai and picnic areas for families and friends to gather. There are also rocky outcrops that children (with adult supervision) might enjoy climbing. However, one has to walk from the parking area and along the ups and downs of the sand dunes to reach the coast of the beach. This may be difficult for the elderly. The beach is also the starting point of the popular the Sacramento Hiking Trail. Read More

The Seaview Lion Park is a 120-hectare wildlife park and sanctuary with a stunning view, located on Lower Seaview Road in Port Elizabeth. It is home to some of the largest predators on the continent. The highlights are the big cats, including white and tawny lions, Siberian tigers, Golden Bengal tigers and White Bengal tigers. The lions are fed every Sunday at noon for public viewing. There is also a sanctuary inside housing leopards, including a black leopard, meerkats and other animals. There is a restaurant and gift shop at the Park. There is also a braai spot to have your picnics. Private vehicles are allowed inside for game viewing. Read More

The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located in Eastern Cape, along N2, between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. Declared a Protected Environment, it is home to rich wildlife, including the iconic Big Five. With seven luxury lodges, an explorer camp, and two education and rehabilitation centers, it is also a perfect vacation destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve arranges early morning, afternoon, and evening safari drives for its guest. One can spot a large range of wildlife including the Cape lion, Cape leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, Cape hunting dog, etc. Besides the rich fauna and flora, there are other activities within the reserve, such as the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary which focuses on conservation and habitat protection. There is the Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Center that takes care of animals and sends them back into the wild. It is ideal for a visit with children who can interact with the animals. Guests can also visit the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Center and Relaxation Retreats. The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is malaria-free and offers comfortably grand stays with very high chances of excellent wildlife sightings. Eagles Crag Safari Lodge, Long Lee Manor Safari Lodge, Bayethe Lodge, Sarili Lodge, Riverdene Family Lodge, and Villa Lobengula are the luxury lodges of the Shamwari Private Game Reserve and they offer a range of amenities including health and beauty spas, splash pools, delicious food, and more. Read More