Gqeberha

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’s greatest treasures, however, are malaria-free wildlife areas in its vicinity, and clean beaches washed by warm water.

300px|thumb|City Hall, front view 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 sits on shore of the Algoa Bay and with the neighbouring towns of Kariega/Uitenhage and Despatch, it forms the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The Algoa Bay is reputed as the Bottlenose dolphin world capital, as pods of thousands of dolphins can be spotted at any given time in this bay. This is also a year-round whale watching destination.

The tourist information centres are in the Donkin Reserve in the town centre, at the Boardwalk (Marine Drive) an…

See

thumb|Live entertainment at the Boardwalk Townships: organized tours are offered by the Tourist Information. There is a safety concern regarding township tours though.

Do

thumb|Hobie Beach Cricket: Gqeberha 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.

Buy

thumb|African Curios for sale

Curios can be bought along the beach. Haggle down the prices though. African hides can be purchased by appointment from Ostrich Emporium SA +27 41 5812148.

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.

Sleep

Accommodation ranges from hostels to more luxury accommodation. Whatever you want, you can find without trouble.

Stay safe

Media reports state that Gqeberha has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The local council also warns tourists to take the types of precautions against muggings and other crimes, including ATM fraud, that are also recommended for all locations in South Africa.

Stay healthy

Signs in hotels and at the airport recommend against drinking the tap water.

Go next

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.