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.
Hiking Trails Activities in Port Elizabeth
- 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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