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.
Tourist Attractions in Port Elizabeth
- More InfoSt George's Park Port ElizabethThis large park in the heart of the city with its wide lawns and shady plantations is an old favorite among residents and visitors alike.
- Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More Info7 Castle Hill MuseumNumber 7 Castle Hill, one of the oldest dwellings in Port Elizabeth, has been beautifully restored to a mid-Victorian style.
- Port Elizabeth
- History
- Museums
- 041 582 2515
- 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 Info Visit WebsiteThe Port Elizabeth Museum, which blends cultural with natural history, is the third oldest in South Africa and is the parent unit of Bayworld. The museum consists of a Dinosaur, Marine, Bird, Maritime History, Costume and Local...
- Museums
- 041 584 0650
- pr@bayworld.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoThe Horse MemorialThe Horse Memorial consists of life-sized bronze figures of a horse about to quench its thirst from a bucket held by a kneeling soldier, together with the inscribed granite plinth on which it stands and the base of which...
- Central Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More Info Visit WebsiteReptiles tend to inspire either fear or fascination. The Bayworld Snake Park, which has been in existence since 1919, houses various reptiles, many of which are indigenous to the Bay area.
- Wildlife & Nature
- 041 584 0650
- pr@bayworld.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoShark Rock PierThe most prominent feature on Port Elizabeth's shoreline besides the harbours, Shark Rock Pier is the only pier in the city.
- Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More Info Visit WebsiteA group of Orcas (Killer Whales) was sighted off Port Elizabeth and photographed while exhibiting a variety of forms of behaviour. Read more about Orcas off the South African coast and look at brilliant photos.
- Wildlife & Nature
- 041 378 2528
- 084 552 2277
- raggycharters@gmail.com
- Visit Website
- More Info Visit WebsiteBoardwalk Casino & Entertainment ComplexCentrally located on Port Elizabeth's beachfront, the Boardwalk not only offers the chance of a flutter in the casino, but a wide range of entertainment and places to shop and eat as well.
- Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- Casino
- 041 507 7777
- boardwalk@za.suninternational.com
- 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 InfoDonkin ReserveThe historic Donkin Reserve has long been a green lung in the heart of the city.
- Port Elizabeth
- History
- More InfoThe Prince Alfred's Guard MemorialThe Prince Alfred's Guard Memorial was manufactured by the Saracen Foundry of Walter MacFarlane of Glascow in Scotland.
- Central Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- History
- More InfoPort Elizabeth City HallThe City Hall was built between 1858 and 1862. The attractive clock tower was only added in 1883. City Hall was proclaimed a national monument in 1973. It burnt down in 1977 and was rebuilt.
- Central Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More Info Visit WebsiteSANCCOBThe centre offers visitors a unique and interesting insight into the world of the marine life of Algoa Bay and the challenges it faces. Today the centre rescues all marine animals but concentrates primarily on marine birds,...
- Port Elizabeth
- Wildlife & Nature
- 041 583 1830
- 064 019 8936
- xola@sanccob.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoThe Pearson Conservatory, St George's ParkThis impressive conservatory with its Victorian characteristics was designed and erected by Boyd and Son of Paisley, Scotland, dismantled into sections and transported to Port Elizabeth where it was re-erected under the...
- Central Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- 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