The
city is situated 260 km from Knysna and +- 800km from Cape Town.
It is known for its sunshine and safe sandy beaches .
For the tourist wanting a total South African experience, Port
Elizabeth is the perfect complement to the Garden Route, Settler
Hinterland, Sunshine Coast and Cape. Located on the South Eastern
coast of Africa, this major sea port and tourist destination
is set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, and is fondly
referred to as the Friendly Eco-City.
The city is the second largest city in terms of area and the
fifth largest in terms of population in South Africa (1.1 million).
The city is also an important centre for the South African motor
industry.
Temperatures
are moderate all year round with rain scattered throughout the
year. The summers are warm with a very temperate humidity level.
Winters are mild and pleasant, and it is significant that water
sports, even surfing, boardsailing and diving, are practiced
year-round. In all, the visitor soon discovers that the climate
is one major contributor to the reputation of the area as offering
an outstanding quality of life.
PE
has many historical attractions, one the most interesting being
the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, which allows the visitor
to follow in the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers on their journey
of discovery and settlement. this 5 km trail visits 47 historical
sites and architectural delights in the Old Hill area of central
PE.
Within the city there are some beautiful parks with well landscaped
gardens, two of the larger ones are: St Georges Park, which
covers 73 hectares and is home to the world famous Port Elizabeth
Cricket Club, the oldest Bowling Green in South Africa, Prince
Alfred's Guard Memorial and the 1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory.
The other Park being the 54 hectare Settler's Park in the city
centre, which is a nature lover's paradise, as it boasts beautiful
flora and fauna.
Overseas tourists will be happy to hear that even at the seaside
you can enjoy the awe inspiring wildlife of Africa, as there
are a number of wildlife reserves in the area around PE. Just
73 km from the city is the exclusive, private Shamwari Game
Reserve which is home to the "Big Five" of Africa.
Early morning and evening game drives are available. Then there
is the Addo Elephant Park, dedicated to the preservation of
the Eastern Cape Elephant and the Cape Buffalo. There are other
smaller reserves which are just as delightful and will prove
a memorable African experience.
The
area is Malaria Free. One of PE's greatest treasures are the
clean beaches and warm water, making it an ideal water sport
centre. The combination of calm waters and fair breezes are
perfect conditions for sailing, and the safe beaches allow for
swimming, surfing, body boarding and any kind of water sport.
Scuba diving enthusiasts can choose form a number of great spots
with lots to see, such as ship wrecks, coral reefs and beautifully
colored fish in the warm waters with up 30 metres visibility.
There are one day courses available as well as boat charters
and gear for hire.
