On the southeast coast of South Africa in the Cape Province, about 800 km from Cape Town, lies the second oldest city in South Africa – Port Elizabeth. Known as the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth is the home of the automotive industry of South Africa, having most of the motor vehicle assembly plants and related industries in the country.
Port Elizabeth is an important tourist destination, well known for its sunshine and secure sandy beaches as well as its year round moderate temperatures, its proximity to the Garden route, Sunshine Coast and the interesting history of the Settler inland areas. The clement weather allows for water sports including surfing, boardsailing and diving to be experienced throughout the year. Not to be missed is Bayworld with its museum, snake park and Oceanarium which includes wonderful dolphin displays, penguins and seals.
Port Elizabeth is a rapidly developing metropolitan area incorporating the towns of Uitenhage and Despatch. It is also one of the host cities of the World Cup Soccer 2010 and as a result the City, Harbour and Waterfront area are in the process of being upgraded.
Visitors to Port Elizabeth in South Africa will be delighted to experience the many historical landmarks, including the Donkin Heritage trail 5 km long and following in the footsteps of the 1820 settlers, visiting 47 historical sites along the way.
The world famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club is housed in the 73 hectare large St Georges Park, as well as the oldest bowling green in South Africa, the 1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory and Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial.
There are a number of Game reserves in the area around Port Elizabeth including the private Shamwari Game Reserve, home to the “Big Five”, the Addo Elephant Park which is a reservation preserving the Eastern Cape Elephant and the Cape Buffalo, and many more interesting and memorable smaller reserves.
The choice of accommodation is varied. All levels of hotels as well as guest houses, B&B’s and self catering holiday apartments, cottages and Chalets are available.
