Port Elizabeth

Overview

Port Elizabeth has about 1 million inhabitants and is located on the Indian Ocean about halfway between Cape Town and Durban . The city is beautifully set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay. In and around the city you will find scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences, long golden beaches, historic heritage and a unique coastal climate: that seems like enough to come here. The calm waters of Algoa Bay, its shores lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, make Port Elizabeth a Mecca for all beach and watersport activities.

Port Elizabeth enjoys more sunshine hours and fewer rainy days than any other coastal city in South Africa. The city boasts a moderate climate all year round with sea temperatures ranging from 16 degrees C in Winter to 23 degrees C in Summer. The average temperature for Summer and Winter are 25 degrees and 17 degrees respectively - truly an ideal place to holiday! In winter, catch the supertubes at he world famous surf spot in Jeffrey´s Bay, about an hour from P.E.

Greater Port Elizabeth is a great base for exploring the Eastern Cape: the famous Garden Route, Settler Hinterland and Sunshine Coast are all within reach.

History

Port Elizabeth was founded by British settlers in 1820 and was named after the wife of Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at that time. The city is located on the Algoa Bay and forms together with the neighbouring towns of Uitenhage and Despatch the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The tourist information is in the Donkin Reserve in the town centre and another office at The Boardwalk (Marine Drive).