Port Elizabeth Hotels

Perfect Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is one of the most visually stunning large cities anywhere in the world. And although, like the rest of South Africa, there is a crime problem in areas, the city’s hierarchy has worked hard to ensure it doesn’t impact on visitors – and Port Elizabeth has certainly earned its reputation and nickname as the ‘Friendly City’. ... Read more »
Remember playing the Oregon Trail back in school? Port Elizabeth’s Historic Donkin Heritage Trail is even better, following the steps of the Boer settlers to Uitenhage and Despatch. As interesting as that is, though, it is Port Elizabeth’s beautiful bays and beaches that make the city. Although the beaches are safe, you still have to watch your belongings when getting your kit off at Nelson Mandela Bay. There’s a reason Port Elizabeth is also known as the ‘Windy City’…
PORT ELIZABETH’S TOP 10
10. Donkin Reserve The lighthouse here is open to the public and houses Port Elizabeth’s tourism offices. |
5. Tsitsikamma National Park This national treasure has beautiful wildlife and natural waterfalls to explore. |
9. South Africa Air Force Museum This museum is worth every rand you didn’t spend (cos it’s free!). |
4. Port Elizabeth Opera House Hit the high notes at the oldest theatre in Africa. |
8. St George’s Park The oldest cricket ground and bowling green in the country. You can swim here, but streaking is not advised. |
3. Sea View Lion Park Experience a close encounter of the lion kind. Well worth fearing for your safety to see! |
7. Alexandria Dune Fields Perfect your squint for the largest coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere – wind and sand don’t always mix. |
2. Bayworld Has a museum, a snake park and a huge dolphinarium. Don’t come expecting a circus performance, however. |
6. Humewood Beach Bustling cafés and shopping streets surround this popular beach. |
1. Entertainment World You literally step out of the ocean and into shopping, dining and entertainment. |
PORT ELIZABETH EVENTS
Things heat up in February with the Chili Festival. You can partake in tasting, buy a crop or two or even get some chili-themed jewellery and trinkets.
Human Rights Day falls on21 March and is a public holiday in South Africa, with various celebrations taking place across the city.
Freedom Day (27 April) commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994.
Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival is the biggest and most popular of all events held in the city. Over four days you’ll see water sports mixed with more land-based fun like fireworks.
September brings National Heritage Day, another public holiday. Locals celebrate freedom of expression and creativity, language and traditional cuisine.
WHEN TO GO
- Summers in Port Elizabeth are mild, reaching an average 25°C (77ºF).
- During the summer months it can get quite busy, but events and water sports make rubbing shoulders with thousands of other tourists more bearable.
- Winter brings mild weather, with temperatures in June and August sitting between 7 and 20ºC (45-68ºF)
GETTING AROUND
- Taxisare the main form of transport in the city. Unlike conventional taxis, these operate on a specific route and are more frequent during the day than at night.
- The archaic bus system was overhauled for the 2010 World Cup, and you’ll now wait no longer than 15 minutes for one.
- Stay in groups if walking around the city, and beware of pickpockets. After dark, stick to hailing cabs to get around.
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« HideBishops Inn Port Elizabeth
3 Stars$82
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$129
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$121
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$135
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$194
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$69
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$103
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Paxton Hotel Port Elizabeth
4 Stars$118
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$161
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