Gqeberha has the ability to appeal to every type of person, with every type of activity on offer. Choose from one of the many game reserves and parks, learn about Gqeberha’s history, find a sunny spot on one of the Blue-Flag listed beaches or hit the hiking trails in Alexandria.
Kragga Kamma Game Park
Why you should visit: The coastal forest and grasslands of the Eastern Cape supports an abundance of game, all of which can be found in the small Kragga Kamma Game Park. Animals roam freely in this owner-operated park, allowing for fantastic sightings and photographic opportunities. Spot the white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, nyala, bontebok and more.
The roads are well-maintained, allowing for easy self-drive safaris (no 4X4 required) or visitors can join a two-hour guided safari with an experienced guide.
How much does it cost: Self-drive entrance fees are R120 per adult, while guided game drives cost around R300 per adult. An experienced guide can join you in your own vehicle for R600 (two hours).
Alexandria Hiking Trail
Why you should visit: The Alexandria Hiking Trail is perhaps one of Port Elizabeth’s most iconic hiking trails. The route winds its way for 32km through the Woody Cape area of the Addo Elephant National Park. The two-day circular trail journeys through three distinctive landscapes; forest, coastal dunes and seashore with plenty of chances to spot different species. It’s highly recommended for hikers and nature lovers, however, hikers need to be relatively fit.
The trail includes accommodation at the Langebos Huts, at the beginning or end of the hike.
How to get there: The trail base office is at the Woody Cape office, just over an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, near Alexandria.
How much does it cost: The trail costs R170 per person per night, in addition to conservation fees. Book at Camp Matyholweni (Addo), administered by SANParks. Visit Sanparks.org.
Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Why you should visit: Birdwatchers flock to Cape Recife Nature Reserve for some of the best birdwatching in Port Elizabeth. The 366-hectare reserve lies just off Marine Drive, along the beachfront, and is home to a lighthouse dating back to 1851, an old military fort and, of course, a bird hide.
The 9km circular walking trail starts at the entrance of the reserve and journeys along beautiful beaches, dunes and past the key sites.
Visitors can view the marine life rehabilitation, especially the work being done to protect the endangered African Penguin and other seabirds at the SANCCOB Rescue Centre.
How to get there: Find it next to the Pine Lodge Holiday Resort off Marine Drive, Summerstrand.
How much does it cost: Motor vehicle permits required. Buy them at Pine Lodge Resort for R68 per vehicle. Pedestrians can enter for free (there is parking outside of the reserve).
The beaches
Why you should visit: Port Elizabeth boasts some stunning soft sand and warm Indian Ocean beaches, right near the heart of the city.
Kings and Humewood beaches have Blue Flag Status and Hobie Beach is popular for watersports such as windsurfing or boating. There are also some lovely rock pools to keep the little ones entertained.
The Summerstrand Boardwalk is Port Elizabeth’s version of Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade. Join the locals as they enjoy the scenery and the fresh air on the boardwalk. Active visitors can join the runners and walkers every Saturday morning at 8:00 at the local Park Run.
Here’s how to get there: Find the boardwalk on Beach Road, Summerstrand.
The Park Run starts from the big palm tree, next to the Yacht Club at Hobie Beach and there’s ample parking at the Shark Rock pier/Hobie Beach.
Donkin Reserve
Why you should visit: The Donkin Reserve is one of Port Elizabeth’s most notable historic attractions. Sir Rufane Donkin named the city after his beloved late wife and also built the somewhat out-of-place-looking stone pyramid on the hill overlooking Algoa Bay and the harbour. The Donkin lighthouse towers over it. The pyramid is now a national monument and, in 2010, the reserve was revamped. Visitors can admire street art, abstract art and sculptures by local artists and a tribute to former president Nelson Mandela. You can dine at the restaurant overlooking the city centre, climb to the top of the lighthouse for the best city views or join a guided tour, the possibilities are endless.
There’s also a Donkin Heritage Trail. It’s a self-guided walk that takes in 47 historic sites and the Victorian buildings in the Old Hill area. Buy a map at the Donkin Reserve Tourist Office.
How to get there: Find the Donkin Reserve located off Belmont Terrace.
How much does it cost: There’s a small fee to enter the lighthouse. Enquire for pricing.
Whale watching tour
Why you should visit: It’s not just the Western Cape that offers fantastic whale watching opportunities. The Port Elizabeth coast is perfect for watching whales, dolphins, seals, African Penguins and other marine life. Fun fact; did you know that Algoa Bay is the bottlenose dolphin capital of the world?
Raggy Charters is a locally owned, licensed boat-based whale watching permit holder, offering marine eco-tours of various kinds in Algoa Bay. Choose from a variety of boat cruises from short beachfront tours to others that go out to St. Croix Island or Bird Island.
How to get there: Find them at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club, Dom Pedro Jetty. Book in advance. Visit https://www.raggycharters.co.za.
How much does it cost: R450 per person for a beachfront cruise.
