Best Things to Do in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) sits on Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape, where the warm Agulhas Current meets the cooler southern ocean — a confluence that produces some of South Africa’s best surfing and, in June and July, the extraordinary Sardine Run, the world’s largest migration of marine life. The city’s name was officially changed to Gqeberha in 2021 after the city of eThekwini’s Xhosa name for the area; Port Elizabeth or PE remains widely used in travel contexts. The main draws: Addo Elephant National Park (the world’s third-largest elephant population, a 45-minute drive from the city), the beaches of the city itself (Hobie, Kings, Humewood), and proximity to the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park and the Baviaans wilderness.

Best time to visit

November through February is the best summer beach period with hot, dry weather. The Sardine Run (June-July) is the most extraordinary natural event: millions of sardines move up the East Coast pursued by sharks, dolphins, Cape gannets, and Bryde’s whales — the resulting feeding frenzy is watched by snorkelers and divers off the Wild Coast, north of PE. Addo is accessible year-round; autumn and winter (May-August) offer good game viewing as vegetation is lower. The Great Zuurberg Trek (spring wildflowers) and the Kabeljous raft race are annual events worth timing around.

Getting around

The city is spread out and requires a car for most activities. The beachfront area from Hobie Beach to Humewood is walkable. Taxis and rideshares (Uber operates here) connect the center to the beaches. For Addo Elephant National Park, a car is essential — the park is large and public transport doesn’t serve it. The Garden Route is best driven westward toward George and Oudtshoorn; allow 2-3 days minimum for a proper exploration.

What to eat and drink

PE has a developing food scene anchored by its coastal location. Fresh seafood — snoek, crayfish (spiny lobster, in season October-April), mussels, and yellowtail — is the local strength. The Richmond Hill area (Union Street and surrounds) is the main restaurant and cafe precinct. The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World on the beachfront has a concentration of restaurants. Local braai (barbecue) culture is strong; any township food tour will include boerewors rolls and pap. The Eastern Cape is not a major wine region (that distinction belongs to the Western Cape), but Spier and other mainstream labels are widely available.

Top things to do

Addo Elephant National Park – The park shelters over 600 elephants plus lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and black rhino — Big Five all accessible on self-drive or guided game drives. The park also has a marine section protecting great white sharks and southern right whales. The main camp has good facilities and self-catering accommodation.

Beach life – Hobie Beach is the main swimming and water sports beach, backed by a long promenade. Kings Beach (also called King’s Beach) is the city’s busiest. Pollock Beach, Sardinia Bay, and the dunes around Maitlands are quieter options. The surf at Pollock Beach (right-hand point break) attracts experienced surfers.

Donkin Reserve and Heritage Trail – A hilltop park with a pyramid memorial to Lady Elizabeth Donkin and a lighthouse, providing harbor views. The Heritage Trail starts here and walks through the Victorian-era architecture of the Central Hill area — some of the best-preserved 19th-century colonial townscapes in South Africa.

Tsitsikamma National Park – A 2-hour drive west along the N2 Garden Route, Tsitsikamma features the Storms River Gorge suspension bridge (spectacular and free to walk), the world’s highest commercial bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge (216m, requires advance booking), and excellent hiking (the Otter Trail is one of South Africa’s premier multi-day coastal hikes).