Port Elizabeth


Well known for friendly locals, Port Elizabeth is located some 800 km north-east of the tourism hub of South Africa, Cape Town. Popular for its pristine sandy beaches, Port Elizabeth of South Africa is positioned to the south eastern coast of the country in the Eastern Cape Province. This beautiful and popular coastal destination is positioned along the magnificent coast of Algoa Bay, major seaport of the country. Established in 1820 by British, Port Elizabeth in South Africa has a myriad of historical monuments describing the regions heritage story. Visit Sir Rufane Donkin lighthouse on a hilltop gazing at the bustling city, named after his wife Lady Elizabeth. The city also boasts the University of Port Elizabeth, one of the major and successful universities in South Africa.

It was in Algoa Bay, about 27km from PE, that the first 4 000 European settlers arrived in 1820, although it was seaman Vasco da Gama who first noted the bay on one of his voyages.  

Kings Beach Port ElizabethWhile governor, Sir Rufane Donkin named the town after his beloved wife, Elizabeth. There are numerous memorials and tributes to the founders of the city and noticeable is the Victorian architecture throughout the older parts of the city.

Port Elizabeth being South Africa’s second oldest city is also the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape. More recently Port Elizabeth forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, which incorporates the towns of Uitenhage and Despatch (approx 1.5 million people).



The major highlight of the city is its stunning beaches and crystalline sea. The coastline is ideal for water sport activities. Enjoy swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, sand castle making and sailing. Port Elizabeth beckons beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts to explore the beautiful British settler city. There are many beach hotels offering superior accommodation with unperturbed atmosphere.

For nature lovers, the friendly city has Bayworld, Snake Park and natural reserves. Spot Big Seven in the Addo Elephant National Park, which includes lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant, whales and white sharks.

No 7 Caslte Hill cottagesCastle Hill has been counted in one of the oldest Settler cottages in the city. Take a trip to Fort Frederick near the Castle Hill. Let your adventure begin here. Port Elizabeth embraces the beauty of nature in its pristine form. Port Elizabeth has plenty of hotels and sightseeing places.

What do the locals call Port Elizabeth? Anything from ‘PE’, ‘The Friendly City’, ‘The Windy City’, ‘Die Baai’ to ‘Ibhayi’. Port Elizabeth is a great place to holiday in, do business in or stay in.

 

Climate

"The Windy City" has a subtropical climate with light rain throughout the year. The area lies between the winter rainfall, Mediterranean climate zones of the Western Cape and the summer rainfall regionsof eastern South Africa. Winters are cool but mild and summers are warm but considerably less humid and hot than more northerly parts of South Africa's east coast


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