The 10 Best Things to Do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

February 25, 2018 Cedrick Jardin

Port Elizabeth or The Bay (Xhosa: iBhayi; Afrikaans: Die Baai [di ˈbɑːi]) is one of the largest cities in South Africa; it is situated in the Eastern Cape Province, 770 km (478 mi) east of Cape Town. The city, often shortened to PE and nicknamed "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City", stretches for 16 km along Algoa Bay, and is one of the major seaports in South Africa. Port Elizabeth is the southernmost large city on the African continent, just farther south than Cape Town.
Restaurants in Port Elizabeth

1. Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve | N2 between Port Elizabeth & Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, South Africa +27 42 203 1111
Excellent
92%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 381 reviews

Shamwari Game Reserve

Please visit the official Shamwari Game Reserve Lodges page on TripAdvisor for more info, images, video & slideshow. Search "Shamwari Game Reserve lodges".Shamwari is the best private game reserve situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape,South Africa.This privately owned 25 000 hectares of prime natural terrain has received numerous international awards.Shamwari is an exploration of nature with close encounters of free roaming wildlife and the coveted big five with a choice of unique luxury lodges, an exclusive private villa and the adventurous Explorer Camp.Luxury accommodation is offered in 7 different game lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve, all of which are 5 Star graded. Choose a game lodge that perfectly compliments your ideal African experience

Reviewed By BenhamParty - Wokingham, Berkshire

Wow! We were so looking forward to our safari at the Shamwari Game reserve and it didn’t disappoint, it was most definitely the highlight of our 3 week stay. We arrived around 12.00 at Bayethe Tented Lodges, we were greeted with a drink and our accommodation was ready and waiting, speaking to other guests they experienced the same quality of service as the turnover of lodges is quick because most stays are only for 3 nights. The lodges are well equipped and serviced twice a day. The game drives are amazing and our guide Vuyo was superb he managed not only to track down 4 of the big 5 (Leopards are very elusive) but he drove the safari truck right up close and personal so that we get some amazing camera shots of the animals. Vuyo went that extra transfer step to ensure you got the best angle. The game reserve is huge, 63000 acres that at times feels like you are in Jurassic park. The food was great and everyone was very sociable sharing their stories each day at breakfast and the evening meal. They had blankets and rain proof ponchos in the trucks and it was a nice touch that they stopped for a tea or coffee in the morning and your beverage of choice in the evening game drive. We also booked in for massages which we both thoroughly enjoyed. We loved it and plan to go back with our family within the next two years.

2. Kragga Kamma Game Park

Kragga Kamma Road | Theesecombe, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa +27 83 410 2883
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 533 reviews

Kragga Kamma Game Park

Lush coastal forest and grassland is home to vast herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely, unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner operated animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities. Take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads and enjoy viewing the game in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the 2 hour guided tour in an open Landrover with a professional guide providing you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background to the area.

Reviewed By Armant G - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Small game park allowing you to get intimate with the selection of animals roaming around here.
Not usually very busy so there is no need to rush or worry about traffic.
Brilliant little restaurant near reception as well as the Cheetah cages (makes me a little sad this).
overall, awesome place

3. South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre

Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Port Elizabeth, South Africa +27 41 583 1830
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre

SAMREC is Port Elizabeth's new marine bird rehabilitation and education centre situated in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. The centre's purpose isn't just to rescue and rehabilitate, but to also inform and educate the public through their different programs.Tour our marine rehab and education centre and experience nature through sight, sound and touch.Visitors can experience the hospital and see the volunteers in action helping to save our environment, in particular the endangered African Penguin.

Reviewed By Tim C - Milborne Port, United Kingdom

This is a short destination. Place feels remote, even though just out of PE. Chain security to get in so Lord knows what else is on site. Lovely little explanatory display, albeit perhaps too many stuffed birds for the modern taste. Rehab penguins just gorgeous. Great to see them in their pool/den. Sad to see that they have to be there at all. Most of the work is behind the scenes. I am full of admiration for people who are committed to projects like this. It's not high entertainment, but it is informative, with a sense of wonder.

4. Cape Recife Nature Reserve

Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth, South Africa +27 41 582 2575
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Cape Recife Nature Reserve

Reviewed By Barrie T - Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Went with friends to escort a UK visitor - we were all enthralled - Wonderful knowledgeable guide (and enthusiast). Expected just penguins, but saw much more - there are even civets and house snakes being cared for. Superb display of what local craftsmen (and women) are doing to make use of recycled tins and plastic bags. Delightful to watch the penguins and other birds enjoying a swim in the pool and to hear some of the life stories about them. Also went to see the lighthouse but only viewed it from outside. Pleasant morning out.

5. Storms River Bridge (Paul Sauer Bridge)

N2, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Excellent
29%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 102 reviews

Storms River Bridge (Paul Sauer Bridge)

Reviewed By AnnieMG - Antrim, United Kingdom

This was another comfort stop for our group tour on the way along the garden route. Fantastic views from the viewing platforms, especially when one of our group volunteered to do a bungee jump off the bridge!

6. Sardinia Bay

Sardinia Bay Road, Port Elizabeth 6070, South Africa
Excellent
60%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Sardinia Bay

Reviewed By TravelReviewer1983 - London, United Kingdom

We have entered from the Sacramento Monument (east side of the Sardinia Bay National Park) and walked to the dunes and back, which takes about one hour each way.
The views are simply stunning and this is one of the most peaceful, safe and beautiful places in South Africa

7. The Donkin Reserve

Donkin Street | Belmont Terrace, Port Elizabeth, South Africa +27 41 582 2575
Excellent
27%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 109 reviews

The Donkin Reserve

Reviewed By heathern423 - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

I frequently visit the Donkin Reserve because there are so many different features worth photographing - from the historical buildings, public artworks on Route 67, scenes of the harbour and so much more. It's best to visit in a group if you are tourists and before dark, because it is an area where safety can be a concern.

8. Volkswagen AutoPavillion, South Africa

103 Algoa Road, Uitenhage, Port Elizabeth 6229, South Africa +27 41 994 5941
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Volkswagen AutoPavillion, South Africa

Reviewed By Ettelbruck - Vantaa, Finland

Compared some car museums we have visited VW AutoPavillion is rather small collection of cars, mainly Volkswagens. But display is very nice and 'split car' rather spectacular. And entrance fee is really cheap.
This was also very nice on the route from Port Alfred to Tsitsikamma. If you are in Nelson Mandela Bay -area, give an hour to visit here.
Story of car industry in Uitenhage is connected to pop culture and history many ways. And notice also cars outdoor.
Unfortunately factory tour was not possible February 2018.

9. The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World

2nd Ave, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth 6019, South Africa +27 41 507 7777
Excellent
28%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 933 reviews

The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World

Step inside the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World and prepare to be thrilled! Located in Port Elizabeth and next to the Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront. Its close proximity to many beachfront hotels makes it a haven for locals and visitors alike.Flirt with lady luck in our state-of-the-art casino; featuring 781 modern slot machines and 23 American Roulette, Blackjack and Poker tables. The Boardwalk is currently undergoing a R1 billion expansion to make it an even bigger, better destination!A One-stop shop for allThere’s a wide choice of restaurants to suit the whole family and the lake’s retail complex will delight you with a range of shops and speciality stores. As you peruse the complex, let the kids enjoy the fun activities offered by the Magic Company. Don’t forget to pop in to the cinema to enjoy the latest movie screening or head to The Vodacom Amphitheatre to enjoy entertaining shows that’ll get your feet tapping!Come along and enjoy The Boardwalk – where anytime is playtime!

Reviewed By PeteandAly - Orlando

Looked just like Disney Boardwalk but that was it, many empty shops, empty of people. just a strange location

10. Holmeleigh Farmyard

Kragga Kamma Road, Port Elizabeth, South Africa +27 41 379 2901
Excellent
51%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Holmeleigh Farmyard

Reviewed By Cherene W - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

I've visited Homeleigh farm from the time that I was a kid myself. Now I have the pleasure to share it with my family. Farm experience just outside the busy suburban life. Relax, feed the animals, teach my children about the different animals. They so enjoy it everytime. Larger groups can even take part in a tour, arranged previously. Tractor ride and/ pony ride included. Perfect for a party away from the busy city life. Glorious farming experience. Afterwards kids can play and enjoy a meal, as a family in their cute huts.

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