10 Fun Things to do in and around Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Gqeberha (formally known as Port Elizabeth), is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it's widely known for its numerous beaches, however there is so much more to do. In this post we list 10 unique and fun things to do in our beautiful city.

1. Addo Elephant Park

The elephants at Addo - Source: getyourguide.com

The Addo Elephant National Park is the 3rd largest National Park in South Africa and has one of the densest elephant populations in Africa. Today you can see various predators, antelope, zebra species, endangered black rhino, and the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. The park is also the only park in the world to conserve the “Big 7” – the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the Algoa Bay coast.

An excursion to the Addo Elephant Park is a must when visiting this unique area.

2. The Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve

Van Staden Wild Flower Reserve is a 500-hectare floral oasis located 35km from Port Elizabeth. The major purpose of the Reserve is to protect and propagate the unique indigenous flora. Visitors are encouraged to explore and enjoy the extraordinary diversity and splendour of the natural Fynbos, succulents and other indigenous flora.

The reserve has numerous walks and hikes available for varying exercise levels. Mountain bikers are welcome to explore the plateau section of the reserve. There are a number of flat gravel roads, which is the perfect place for novice mountain bikers to discover.

The reserve offers picnic and braai sites for those that would like to spend a day out in nature with family and friends.

Link to hiking routes: AllTrails

3. Port Elizabeth City Walking Tour

Cannon in PE walking tour — PE walking tour - Source: getyourguide.com

Explore one of South Africa’s oldest cities on foot. Enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Port Elizabeth with a local guide and learn all about the city’s history.

The tour starts at Port Elizabeth’s Campanile Memorial, continues to Route 67 and follows a trail that combines both historical and modern-day elements of the culture of the Eastern Cape. Route 67 consists of 67 Public Art Works symbolising Nelson Mandela's 67 years of work dedicated to the Freedom of South Africa and includes 67 steps leading up to the second largest flag in Africa.

Along the tour, you will visit the Donkin Reserve at Belmont Terrace, admire old Victorian churches, newly renovated terraced cottages, and a lighthouse that once guided ships into Algoa Bay. Other attractions include Fort Frederick, City Hall, Market Square, and St. Georges Park, which is the oldest cricket ground in South Africa.

Recommended tour: Port Elizabeth City Walking Tour

4. Valley Crag Indoor Climbing Centre

Valley Crag indoor climbing centre is the largest indoor climbing centre in the Eastern Cape. With close to 500 square meters of climbing wall, Valley Crag offers bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. They have a dedicated gym area fitted with climbing related training equipment as well as traditional cardio equipment for an all-round fitness experience.

The facility has a coffee and gear shop that offers a space where you can chill out between climbs and shop for the latest and best outdoor equipment for your next excursion.

Book a climb: Valley Crag

5. Enjoy the Nightlife scene at Roof Garden Bar

Nightlife event at Roof Garden Bar - Source Roof Garden Bar Facebook

For those who would like to kick back and enjoy some music while sipping on an ice-cold refreshment, Roof Garden Bar is your go-to place. The venue is a rooftop offering some incredible views of the bay. They have housed some of South Africa’s top musicians, DJs and artists.

They offer a number of events for all ages such as DEEP BREW, Sundaze (A Sunday nightlife event that showcases some of SA’s best DJ’s and artists), After Work Drinks, Soulful Saturdays, Jazz night with the Rooftop Big Band, At Ease (a formal dress-up event), JayKay & Friends and more!

Some of their December Line-up includes:

DEEP BREW, Sundaze: December 4th, 11th, 19th & 31st (New Year Edition)
GOODLUCK LIVE AT ROOF GARDEN BAR: December 20th
THE ERLE FELKERS BIG BAND CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: December 23rd
DESMOND & THE TUTUS AND MATTHEW MOLE LIVE AT ROOF GARDEN BAR: December 27th
FEEL GOOD JAZZ EVENING: December 30th

Link to events at Roof Garden Bar: December 2022 Calendar

6. Whale, Dolphin and Penguin Boat Cruise

Whale on Marine Life Ocean Tour — Marine Life Ocean Tour - Source: getyourguide.com

Set sail on an unforgettable catamaran tour around the sail around the waters of St. Croix Island and Brenton Island on your search for marine wildlife. Algoa Bay is home to 22,000 breeding pairs of African penguins, humpback whales and the Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin.

The best time for whale spotting begins in June when humpback whales move along the coast as they head up the east coast of Africa towards their breeding grounds. Humpback whales can be spotted in Algoa Bay between June and early January, reaching peaks in July/August, and then again in November/December when they make their return journey with newborn calves in tow. Southern right whales are also usually seen very close inshore nearby to the harbour from July to October as they enter the safety of the bay to give birth.

7. Theescombe Estate Wine Farm

Wine Tasting - Source: Theescombe Estate Wine Facebook

Theescombe Estate Wine is a boutique wine estate in Port Elizabeth that offers a relaxing and memorable cellar experience. The tour includes a guided walking tour, education on the art of winemaking and a wine tasting accompanied by a locally sourced cheese platter. Wines available are red, rose and white. They are open by appointment only.

Make an appointment: Theescombe Estate Wine Farm

8. Beach Horse Rides

There is nothing more relaxing than trotting along the pristine Sardinia Bay Beach by horseback. It's an experience you will always remember. Choose between two rides on the farm: a one hour nature trail ride through the stunning Sardinia Bay or a 2,5 hour beach ride through the reserve and onto the beautiful beaches of Sardinia Bay. A picnic breakfast or lunch baskets for the beach ride can be arranged.

Link to horse rides: Heavenly Stables

9. River Cruise on the Sundays River

Enjoy a relaxing cruise while soaking up the views along the Sundays River. Pass the Alexandria Coastal Dune field, see local birdlife in their natural habitat, and stop at the highest sand dunes for amazing views.

10. AutoPavilion and VW Factory Tour

The AutoPavilion is the on-site automotive museum and expo centre situated at the Volkswagen Factory in Uitenhage. It is the only automobile discovery centre on the continent and the fifth worldwide. It is a popular destination for school trips, family outings and motoring enthusiasts, its experiential displays and driving simulators demonstrate how aspects such as solar power, GPS, fuel-saving technologies and vehicle safety features work. It is also home to a show-stopping collection of around 50 unforgettable vehicles and you’ll meet the oldest kombi in South Africa, Herbie and see a car sliced in half by a laser!

Link to tour: AutoPavilion