17 BEST Things To Do In Port Elizabeth

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The friendly city of Port Elizabeth in South Africa has so many things you can do, from an idyllic seaside escape, to enjoying hikes and an easy access to view incredible wildlife, this city surely has something for you to enjoy. In no particular order, here is a list of 17 things you can do when visiting Port Elizabeth.

 

1. Visit Kragga Kamma Game Park

 

The Kragga Kamma Game Park is located approximately 20 minutes from Port Elizabeth. Here you can either go on a self drive from the comfort of your own vehicle (no 4*4 vehicle needed) or a guided 2 hour tour in an open Land Rover. You can read up more on the rates and wild animals you can view at Kragga Kamma Game Park here. 

2. Visit Bayworld 

Located at the heart of the Port Elizabeth beachfront you can visit a cultural history museum, a snake park and an oceanarium. You can read up on Bayworld and view their rates and times of their different presentations and all other relevant information by clicking here.

 

3. Visit Van Staden Wildflower Reserve 

Located 35 km from Port Elizabeth, at this nature reserve you can explore hiking trails, ride your mountain bike or even drive by African huts as the roads in the reserve are car friendly and are open to the public. To end off an epic fun filled day here, pack a picnic to enjoy at the picnic spot. Click here to read up on the different hiking and cycling routes available. 

 

4. Visit Addo Elephant National Park

Located just 72 km, approximately 1 hour from the city of  Port Elizabeth, this national park is a must see. It is the third largest National Park in South Africa. Here you will be able to see the Big 7- Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Humpback Whale and the Great White Shark. For further information about the Addo Elephant National Park you can click on this link.  

 

5. View the city from The Donkin Lighthouse

The Donkin Lighthouse is located near the harbour, this lighthouse and the stone pyramid below it date back to 1861. From on top of the light house, the views of the ocean, the bustling city and the harbour are said to be spectacular. To read up more on the history of this light house and pyramid structure you can click on this link.

 

6. Swim at Hobie Beach, walk along the Summerstrand boardwalk and the Shark Rock Pier

No visit to Port Elizabeth is complete without visiting the OCEAN. Spend a day out here and enjoy swimming, sunbathing and body surfing. And remember to walk along the boardwalk and the Shark Rock Pier. 

 

7. Visit Cape Recife Nature Reserve

Cape Recife nature Reserve is located off Marine Drive, along the beachfront. It is said that the reserve offers some of the best beaches and views of Port Elizabeth. You can also view the African Penguins here. There is a beautiful 9 km circular walking trail that takes you along beautiful beaches, natural dune vegetation, rocky outcrops, a lighthouse, an old military observation point and a bird hide. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve is also said to be one of the best places in Port Elizabeth for bird-watching.  Click on this link to read up more on this Nature Reserve.

 

8. Visit the Sundays River Valley

 

Adrenalin Addo 

 

At Adrenalin Addo you are sure to find an adventure that will have your heart racing and your jaw dropping. Here are some of the thrilling adventures you can experience at Adrenalin Addo. 

 

• Ziplining 

Here you can go on the highest, longest and fastest double zipline in South Africa. 

Adrenalin Addo’s zipline is the highest, longest and fastest double zipline in South Africa.  The double zipline starts at 70 meters above the Sundays River and descends down a 500 metre long zipline. Click on this link to find out the prices and contact details for this adrenaline pumping activity. 

https://www.dirtyboots.co.za/adventures/geographic/sundays-river-adventures  

 

• The Big Swing

Here you are hoisted up 18 metres high and then released into a free fall. This swing is the first of its kind in South Africa. Two people can go on this at the same time. Here is a link to read up more on this exhilarating adventure.

Click here for more exciting activities at the Sundays River Adventures.

9. Go on a boat ride at the Sundays River Ferry

This is a 2.5 hour cruise that will take you to the sand dunes where you can go sandboarding, swimming and guided climbs to the top of one of the highest dunes. You are sure to experience amazing views on this cruise. Here is a link to read up more on the boat rides. 

 

Here is a list of other exciting activities that you can do at the Sundays River.

10. Canoeing

11. Fishing

12. Quad biking

13. Sand Sledding

14. Sandboarding

15. Sunset Cruises  

Here is a link that will take you to read more about all these activities. 

https://www.dirtyboots.co.za/adventures/geographic/sundays-river-adventures

16. Go on a Game Drive at Nelson Mandela Bay University

This University is situated in a Game Reserve and is a one of a kind experience in South Africa. There is no other University in the entire country that offers game drives.  

 

17. Kwantu Private Game Reserve

 

This five star luxury Safari Game Reserve located in a malaria free area is fully halaal (Halal) and alcohol free. There is also a prayer room where you can read your salaah. Here you can experience five star safari accommodation and day visits are also available to view the Big Five. 

 

Please note: We have not been to any of these places. This list is here to serve merely as a  guide and as a planning resource to help you plan your trip. Please be sure to call in advance and verify any information read on any of the links provided in this article. The operating times and procedures might have changed due to Covid 19. So it’s always best to call in advance. 

 

We hope this list has been helpful to you and that you enjoy your trip to the friendly city of Port Elizabeth.