Port Elizabeth’s rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the Bay and the Eastern Cape's diverse and remarkable past.
Historical and significant figures from Nelson Mandela Bay include, amongst others, Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of former President Thabo Mbeki; Oliver Tambo, political activist and life-long friend of Nelson Mandela; Athol Fugard, actor, director and playwright; Olive Schreiner, well-known authoress and writer of "The story of an African Farm"; and Cliff Drysdale, well-known tennis player.
From rocky shores to indigenous floral fynbos: from stretches of golden beaches and unspoilt sand-dunes to lush indigenous forest and untamed wilderness areas. The nature reserves within, and on the outskirts of Nelson Mandela Bay offer a wonderful range of options to experience the great outdoors.
Located in and around the Metro are: Settler's Park, Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve, The Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Maitlands Nature Reserve, The Island Nature Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area and Groendal Wilderness Area.
Activities in Port Elizabeth
- More Info Visit WebsiteThe Ice Rink is a thrilling playground, where you feel the rush of “I’m flyyyiinnng and I’m freee!” Or, take it slow, WOOSAH, and float and glide across the wide-open space. The best part is it doesn’t matter if...
- 041 492-0318
- stacey@theicerink.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoThe Coastal Fynbos TrailThis circular trail of about 7 km starts at Sappershoek which is at the eastern end of the seaside village of Schoemakerskop.
- Port Elizabeth
- Hiking Trails
- More InfoThe Sacramento Hiking TrailThe walk starts near the cannon at the west end of Schoenmakerskop and follows the coast to Sardinia Bay, returning via bridle-tracks and a path along the top of the vegetated dunes.
- Port Elizabeth
- Hiking Trails
- More InfoThe Humpback Dolphin TrailA raised coastal walkway made of recycled plastic has been introduced between Pollok Beach and Flat Rocks. It is known as the Humpback Dolphin Trail. The 2,3-kilometre trail provides the hiker with magnificent seaviews and lots...
- Summerstrand
- Hiking Trails
- More InfoThe Lower Guinea Fowl TrailThis trail starts at the Third Avenue dip in Newton Park and follows the Baakens River down to Settlers Park and Brickmakers Kloof. It can also be done starting at the bottom and walking up or shortened by starting at Settlers...
- Port Elizabeth
- Hiking Trails
- More InfoBlue Horizon Beach Port ElizabethBlue Horizon Bay 34 km from PE lies comfortably between Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay, a seaside hamlet that offers beautiful sandy beaches, and scenery to match.
- Port Elizabeth
- Beaches
- 041 506 1423
- bocctv@mandelametro.gov.za
- More InfoAloe Hiking TrailThe Aloe trail comprises two trails: one of 2 km, marked with yellow arrows, and a longer one of 7 km (3 hours), marked with red arrows. Both start at a gate at the top of Tippers Creek Road, between Amsterdamhoek and Bluewater...
- Port Elizabeth
- Hiking Trails
- More Info Visit WebsiteRaggy Charters Marine Eco CruisesRaggy Charters in combination with the Baywatch Marine Conservation Project is offering expertly guided whale watching, dolphin watching and African penguin watching cruises in South Africa. Raggy Charters is a licensed...
- Greater Addo Elephant Park
- Port Elizabeth
- Sea & River Cruises
- Wildlife & Nature
- 073 152 2277
- info@raggycharters.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoVan Stadens Wild Flower ReserveThis reserve offers two hiking trails, the one a 4 km walk through fynbos and the other a 6km walk through forest, both leading to the gorge of the Van Stadens River.
- Port Elizabeth
- Hiking Trails
- More Info Visit WebsiteSundays River Adventures promises a fun-filled day for all at its one-stop adventure paradise in the little town of Colchester. Whether it’s sandboarding down one of the highest dunes in South Africa, enjoying a safari with...
- Sandboarding
- Tours and Safaris
- Adrenalin Sports
- Adventures
- Sea & River Cruises
- Bird Watching
- Boating / Canoeing / Diving
- 0414922355
- 0674129992
- book@sundaze.co.za
- Visit Website
- More Info Visit WebsiteA celebration of quilting and textile art as a medium for promoting environmental awareness. Welcome to the home of the 23rd South African National Quilt Festival 2026. As planning proceeds all the necessary information you will...
- Shopping / Interests
- Arts and Crafts
- Festivals & Markets
- 083 400 3705
- 083 356 7466
- chairlady@sewawareness2026.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoMaitland Beach Port ElizabethMaitland Beach is a huge beach in the outskirts of the Port Elizabeth metro with spectacular sand dunes, popular with sand boarders, and miles of sandy beach stretching away towards Jeffreys Bay.
- Port Elizabeth
- Beaches
- 041 506 1423
- bocctv@mandelametro.gov.za
- More InfoThe Maitland Forest Nature Reserve TrailsThe reserve covers 150 ha and was established in 1975. There are three trails in the reserve which can be walked in various combinations.
- Port Elizabeth
- Hiking Trails
- More Info Visit WebsiteThe Port Elizabeth Golf Course is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, along Westview Drive, Mill Park, the long-standing Port Elizabeth Golf Club offers an outstanding golf course and first class facilities. Having...
- Golf
- +27 41 374 3140
- admin@pegc.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoThe Roseate Tern Hiking TrailThis 8 km walk which takes 3-4 hours starts at the entrance gate to the Cape Receife Nature Reserve (where there are ablutions).
- Port Elizabeth
- Hiking Trails
- More Info Visit WebsiteAddo Elephant ParkDeep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park.
- Addo
- Reserves & Conservation
- Wildlife & Nature
- National Parks
- 042 233 8600
- Visit Website
- More Info Visit WebsiteAlan ToursAlan Tours, with experience forged under the African sun in some of Southern Africa’s more remote game reserves, with tours conducted by qualified nature and cultural guides who emphasis all aspects of our amazing country,...
- Port Elizabeth
- Tours and Safaris
- Tours
- 041 3781486
- 0723584634
- info@alantours.co.za
- Visit Website
- More Info Visit WebsiteTake a 2,5 hour cruise on the Sundays River enjoying the scenery and nature while heading down towards the river mouth and the majestic Colchester dunes, part of the Alexandria Dunefield. At the turning point you get off the...
- River Cruises
- Sandboarding
- Adrenalin Sports
- Adventures
- 0824654391
- info@addocruises.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoHumewood BeachHumewood Beach is South Africa’s oldest blue flag beach and situated between Kings Beach and Hobie Beach along the main beachfront.
- Port Elizabeth
- Beaches
- 041 506 1423
- bocctv@mandelametro.gov.za
- More Info Visit WebsiteThe Nelson Mandela Bay PassThe Nelson Mandela Bay Pass, a smartcard access card, provides you with free admission to a variety of attractions and activities in Nelson Mandela Bay. This includes amongst others museums, game reserves, scuba diving, art...
- Port Elizabeth
- Activity Lists
- 041 582 2575
- pass@nmbt.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoKing's Beach Port ElizabethKing's Beach is by way of being Port Elizabeth's flagship beach, being the closest to the heart of the city as well as the best known to visitors.
- Port Elizabeth
- Beaches
- 041 506 1423
- bocctv@mandelametro.gov.za
- More Info Visit WebsitePumba Private Game ReserveAwaken your soul and escape to the wild and magical African Safari destination that is Pumba Private Game Reserve. This hidden gem offers the ultimate in African Safari luxury in a malaria-free environment
- Greater Addo Elephant Park
- Reserves & Conservation
- 046 603 2000
- respumba@pehotels.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoApiarist Farm ShoppeRautenbach Apiaries is a Bee Farm in Port Elizabeth. We specialize in friendly service, great products and an educational farmyard atmosphere where the kettle whistles the coffee beans into a special brew just for you. We focus...
- Port Elizabeth
- Apiaries / Bee Farms
- 0798689062
- shop@apiarist.co.za