Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape

The Friendly City

Port Elizabeth was renamed Gqeberha on 23 February 2021. Gqeberha is a coastal hub in the Eastern Cape and is one of the largest cities in the country. Known as the “Friendly City” Gqeberha is a superb value-for-money holiday base, offering a diverse selection of attractions for all ages. 

The city boasts 40 km of breathtaking coastline with a perfect combination of warm water and a wonderful climate, Gqeberha has been rated as having the fourth-best weather of any coastal city in the world. Protected areas for swimming can be found at some of the most beautiful beaches South African has to offer, popular spots include Kings Beach, Humewood Beach and Pollock Beach. Snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing can be enjoyed at some of the quieter spots like Schoenmakerskop or Sardinia Bay.

Gqeberha is not only about beaches, visitors can also spend time visiting many interesting museums, historical sites and it is here that you can find Route 67 – a collection of 67 art pieces celebrating the years Nelson Mandela devoted to public life. 

Slowly making a name as an award-winning wildlife destination, this friendly city is only a half an hours’ drive from the well-known Addo Elephant Park. Donkin Nature Reserve is a must for nature lovers offering plenty of bird life, nature walks and even a lighthouse to view. 

Restaurants, bars and plenty of entertainment can found along the beach front and Gqeberha has every type of accommodation on offer from 5-star hotels to self-catering cottages to rent. 

Places to Visit

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
• St Croix Motor Museum
• Seaview Predator Park
• Kings Beach
• Humewood Beach
• Hobie Beach
• Pollock Beach
• Sardinia Bay Beach
• Schoenmakerskop Beach
• Donkin Reserve
• Addo Elephant National Park
• St George’s Park
• Campanile Memorial
• The Cenotaph
• Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial
• Horse Memorial
• Art Route 67
• Bayworld Museum & Oceanarium Complex
• Walmer Golf Course
• Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
• Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment Centre

Climate

Port Elizabeth receives approximately 561 mm of rain annually. Rain fall all year round with January being the driest month (36mm) and October seeing the highest precipitation (58mm).

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 16˚C and 25˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 20˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Port Elizabeth International Airport. Car hire facilities and Airport Shuttles are available at the Airport.

History

The third largest port and the fifth largest city in Southern Africa, Port Elizabeth was founded in 1799 when Fort Frederick was built by the British on a site overlooking Algoa Bay. The garrison made up the first population of the future city. The fort, named after Frederick, Duke of York, has been proclaimed a historical monument. It was under the protection of the fort that the 1820 Settlers from Britain were landed, and it was in that year that Sir Rufane Donkin, acting governor of the Cape, named the settlement Port Elizabeth after his wife, who had died of fever in India two years previously.