Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, the diverse Eastern Cape is situated between the Western Cape and Kwazulu Natal, and bordered by the Orange River and Drakensberg Mountains.
The Eastern Cape is an interesting place to visit. Some of the country's most powerful political figures, like Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela, were born here and the capital city, Port Elizabeth, was a crucial center of the anti- apartheid movement. A number of very good tour operators offer excellent township tours that provide an insight into Port Elizabeth's role in South African history, as well as an introduction into traditional Xhosa rites and ceremonies.
Port Elizabeth, otherwise known as "The Friendly City" of South Africa, is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches and wildlife areas. As a host city to the recent 2010 FIFA World Cup, Port Elizabeth prides itself in its newly built Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Besides 5 first round matches, it also played host to the quarter final clash between Brazil and the Netherlands as well as the 3rd and 4th place playoff.
The city offers a diverse selection of attractions as a family-fun vacation destination including eco-attractions, scenic nature trails, wildlife and cultural experiences. Nearby attractions include the Addo Elephant National Park, the Seaview Game Park as well as the scenic beaches and reserves of Sardinia Bay, Schoenmakerskop and Cape Recife. The isolated BaviaansKloof nature area is also within easy driving distance. The area near Port Elizabeth is one of the few places in the world that offers access to the Big Seven in a malaria free environment.
The city offers a casino, shopping and restaurant area at the Boardwalk on the beachfront. Other attractions include the award winning Red Location Museum and the marine and museum complex at Bayworld.
For the culturally inclined, Grahamstown - venue of the annual National Arts Festival in July of each year - is just over an hour's drive away.
If surfing is your game then within 45 minutes you could be riding the world class waves at Jeffreys Bay. Another famous wave area is at Cape St Francis which is within 20 minutes of Jeffreys Bay.
Annual events in PE include the Iron Man and Splash Festival.
Also known as the WaterSports Capital of Africa, Port Elizabeth offers ideal conditions for keelboat sailing, surfing, fishing (rock and surf as well as deepsea) and boardsailing. The Algoa Bay Yacht Club in the harbour area offers relaxation and fantastic atmosphere within a working port. You may even get lucky and be invited for an evening sail if you happen to be there on a Wednesday!
All in all, Port Elizabeth remains South Africa's best kept secret!!
The Eastern Cape is an interesting place to visit. Some of the country's most powerful political figures, like Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela, were born here and the capital city, Port Elizabeth, was a crucial center of the anti- apartheid movement. A number of very good tour operators offer excellent township tours that provide an insight into Port Elizabeth's role in South African history, as well as an introduction into traditional Xhosa rites and ceremonies.
Port Elizabeth, otherwise known as "The Friendly City" of South Africa, is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches and wildlife areas. As a host city to the recent 2010 FIFA World Cup, Port Elizabeth prides itself in its newly built Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Besides 5 first round matches, it also played host to the quarter final clash between Brazil and the Netherlands as well as the 3rd and 4th place playoff.
The city offers a diverse selection of attractions as a family-fun vacation destination including eco-attractions, scenic nature trails, wildlife and cultural experiences. Nearby attractions include the Addo Elephant National Park, the Seaview Game Park as well as the scenic beaches and reserves of Sardinia Bay, Schoenmakerskop and Cape Recife. The isolated BaviaansKloof nature area is also within easy driving distance. The area near Port Elizabeth is one of the few places in the world that offers access to the Big Seven in a malaria free environment.
The city offers a casino, shopping and restaurant area at the Boardwalk on the beachfront. Other attractions include the award winning Red Location Museum and the marine and museum complex at Bayworld.
For the culturally inclined, Grahamstown - venue of the annual National Arts Festival in July of each year - is just over an hour's drive away.
If surfing is your game then within 45 minutes you could be riding the world class waves at Jeffreys Bay. Another famous wave area is at Cape St Francis which is within 20 minutes of Jeffreys Bay.
Annual events in PE include the Iron Man and Splash Festival.
Also known as the WaterSports Capital of Africa, Port Elizabeth offers ideal conditions for keelboat sailing, surfing, fishing (rock and surf as well as deepsea) and boardsailing. The Algoa Bay Yacht Club in the harbour area offers relaxation and fantastic atmosphere within a working port. You may even get lucky and be invited for an evening sail if you happen to be there on a Wednesday!
All in all, Port Elizabeth remains South Africa's best kept secret!!