Port Elizabeth is the perfect place to begin or finish an amazing road journey in South Africa because it is located at the eastern end of the well-known Garden Route. Port Elizabeth is a nature lover’s paradise with its pristine beaches, undulating sand dunes, and warm Indian Ocean. When you combine its intriguing past, a vibrant urban atmosphere, and a few cutting-edge dining options, you’ve found vacation paradise!
Sardinia Bay Beach
Our “sunshine coast” is renowned for having a wide variety of surf and sand places. We like Sardinia Bay above anything else, though. Sardinia Bay Road leads to this immaculate shoreline, which is situated between Schoenmakerskop and Sea View. The sunbathing paradise, which has picnic areas, is well-known for its almost flawless beach and its proximity to the Sacramento hiking path. Since the region has been designated a Marine Reserve, fishing is prohibited, although building sandcastles is encouraged. You can, however, scuba dive and snorkel as much as you like. Check out our list of the top beaches in Port Elizabeth, whether you’re looking for lengthy morning walks with the dogs, kid-safe swimming, ideal kite surfing, or traditional beachside ice cream.
Sleepy Hollow
A few kilometers off the Blue Horizon Bay road in the Maitland River Valley, Sleepy Hollow is a mystical route that is one of the few on private property. When exploring the old abandoned mine tunnels, swimming in the river pools, rock hopping up to the waterfall, and watching the Knysna Loeries slide into the Sleepy Hollow swemgat—all while taking in the breathtaking views of the cliffs and forests—it’s easy to get lost—not literally, but figuratively.
Uitenhage
Uitenhage, which is a part of Nelson Mandela Bay, is the neighbor next door to Port Elizabeth. Explore the 200-year-old homestead that is now a museum, Cuyler Manor. In addition to providing you with an insight into the town’s past, the Cuyler Manor Museum offers you the chance to meet Rosie. She is an encyclopedia of stories and provides the nicest embraces; she has been employed at the museum for thirty years. The greatest is roosterkoek, so be sure to ask her if she has any.
If you have the opportunity, you should also take in the Old Railway Museum’s vintage appeal and the town center’s blend of Cape Dutch and colonial architecture.
Addo Elephant National Park
The only city in South Africa having a “Big 5” national park within 30 minutes is Port Elizabeth. The “Big 7″—the Big 5 plus Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks—are actually only found in Addo Elephant National Park. Furthermore, Addo Elephant Park is teeming with thousands of tiny animals that ensure an amazing day out, so don’t get caught up in the huge picture.
We advise you to stay overnight at Addo Elephant National Park; however, please make reservations in advance. You have the option of sleeping in a lodge or cottage or camping in the Safari Tent at the Spekboom Tented Camp. Take a self-led game drive and take in all the wildlife you see. Please keep in mind that you are not permitted to exit your car in the park. With the NMB Pass Card, admission to Addo Elephant National Park is free.
Make time in your itinerary to visit Kuzuko Lodge, located in a private area of Addo Elephant National Park, if you’re looking for a more intimate wildlife encounter. Known as Sylvester, the lion, resides at Kuzuko Lodge. The NMB Pass Card entitles you to a complimentary game drive and lunch.
artEC
If you enjoy projects that focus on giving back to the community, you should go to artEC on Bird Street and see an art show. In addition to some further photogenic street art discoveries on Bird Street, there are stunning, vibrant paintings outside that will entice you to grab your camera. For art exhibits and Little Theatre performances, you can also go to the Athenaeum on Belmont Terrace.
Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve
There is no better place for hikers than the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve. The greatest spot to see Proteas in the wild is likely the 500-hectare reserve, which is located about 35 kilometers west of Port Elizabeth. The good thing about it is that there is always something to look because different flowers bloom all year long. Easy short treks through the fynbos, past the dams, or to the arboretum and bird hide on the plateau are among the many routes available. Longer excursions along the Forest and River trails that descend into the canyon are also available. Great views of the spectacular Van Stadens arch bridge may also be seen from several of the paths and picnic areas.
The Island Nature Reserve- Bushbuck Trail
You would be forgiven if you suddenly thought you were on the Garden Route while trekking the Bushbuck Trail. Alexandria coastal woodlands, which are home to native tree species like Outeniqua Yellowwood, White and Hard Pear, and White Milkwood, make up the vegetation on the western side of Port Elizabeth, which differs greatly from that on the south and east. If you need to recharge your soul by plugging it into the woodland socket, this is the perfect location. The Bushbuck Trail offers five different distance options for hikers of all skill levels, including those who are family strollers (900 metres), gentle walkers (5 kilometres), long distance hikers (7.5 kilometres), and ultra day hikers (a total of 16 kilometres combining all the trails). An ECPTA ranger might be able to join you on your hike as well if you call ahead of time and politely request it.
Homeleigh Farm
A visit to Port Elizabeth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Homeleigh Farm. The children will love feeding the pigs, donkeys, ostriches, horses, and goats. In addition, there are various jungle gyms, tractor rides, and jumping castles for kids of all ages. Parents can sip tea with some homemade koeksisters. Admission costs roughly R20 for adults and R10 for children, and there is also the option to purchase animal feed.
Volkswagen Museum
The Volkswagen Museum in Uitenhage is another worthwhile outing to plan. Enter the address provided on the website into your GPS; Google Maps has no idea where this location is. Don’t be upset if you are requested to turn in any camera or recording equipment before to the tour; if you would want to take a tour of the museum, you will need to reserve your position a few days in advance.