Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) is the hub of the Eastern Cape. It is situated along a beautiful stretch of the South African coastline where the weather is spectacular all year round. The city is known for many blue-flag beaches along the city’s urban coastline; its popularity as an international and local holiday destination; and its rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is a gateway city for the Eastern Cape’s adventure, outdoor scene and the African Big Five game safari tourism.

Things To Do in Gqeberha

This list has something for everyone: Hikes, Fun Activities To Do, Museums, Beaches, Photo Spots and Game Reserves. Lets Dive In!!

Here is 30 Things To Do in Gqeberha: Ultimate Travel Guide

Best Photo Spots in Gqeberha

1. Hunt Down the Yellow Frames of Gqeberha

The picture-perfect plan to boost tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay is shaping up, with five new giant yellow metal picture frames for selfies and photographs installed around the city. The 5 frames have been installed at Wells Estate Beach, Humewood Beach, Cape Recife, the Shark Rock Pier and Donkin Reserve.

2. Donkin Reserve, Pyramid and Lighthouse

The Donkin Reserve, Pyramid and Lighthouse includes a Stone Pyramid Monument with a touching inscription erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth, after whom Port Elizabeth was named, as well as palm-lined walkways and benches.

The Pyramid is approximately 10 meters high and the sides at the base measure about 8 meters each.

The Lighthouse, which was built in 1861, also houses Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, the official Tourist Information Centre. The Lighthouse is open to the public on request between 08h00 & 16h30 on weekdays and Saturdays from 09H30-15H30. Please report to the Tourism Office for access.

The Donkin Reserve forms part of Route 67 and the Donkin Heritage Trail.

3. Saint George’s Park and Conservatory

St George’s Park is the oldest park in Port Elizabeth and is situated within walking distance of the city centre.

Established in 1860, St George’s Park is spread over 73 ha. of pristine wooded parkland and comprises extensive plant collections and specimen trees. The Park incorporates the world-famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club; the founder cricket club in South Africa. The oldest bowling green in South Africa (named “Founders Green”); Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial as well as the 1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory which was built for the cultivation of exotic plants, water lilies and beautiful orchids, are also situated in the Park.

Other facilities include a children’s playground. The park is also a favourite for jogging enthusiasts and, on the last Sunday of each month, comes alive with a large concentration of art and craft stalls for the monthly Art in the Park event.

Fun Activities To Do in Gqeberha

4. St Croix Island Penguin Colony

St Croix is home to the largest African penguin colony in the world. It lies 4 km offshore between the Coega and Sundays River mouths, part of a group of coastal islands clustered roughly into two groups of three islands each. St Croix, a 12-ha rocky island, lies close to the smaller Jahleel and Brenton Rocks. It is made up of a series of quartzitic outcrops that rise as high as 53 metres on St Croix.

The island is almost entirely devoid of soil today although this was not always the case. Historical references paint a different picture of the island as ‘brown with seawolves (seals) and white with birds’ in 1575. It took just four years during the 1820s to annihilate the seals. Today St Croix is a penguin sanctuary. Boats are not allowed to land on the group of islands, although some charter boats cruise close enough to enable one to see the penguins quite easily.

5. Valley Crag Indoor Climbing Centre

With close to 500 square meters of climbing wall, Valley Crag is the largest climbing gym in the Eastern Cape, boasting bouldering, top rope, autobelays 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. Come try it out for the day or join as a monthly member and connect with their growing climbing community.

Valley Crag Pricing Page

Operating Hours

Monday – Friday (10am – 8:30pm)
Saturday (10am – 5:30pm)
Sunday (2:30pm – 5:30pm)
Public holidays* (10am – 5:30pm)

6. Adrenaline Addo Adventure Centre

Situated in the heart of the Sundays River Valley in Greater Addo, 50 minutes from Port Elizabeth and 20 minutes from the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park. Adrenalin Addo is an outdoor adventure park that embraces the motto ‘life is for living’.

Whether you are looking for some heart-pumping action on their zip line, some stomach-losing madness on their giant swing, or something more composed like canoeing on Addo’s Sundays River, Adrenalin Addo’s activities are all about trying new things and above all else, surrendering to boundless fun.

Rated as the number one attraction in Greater Addo, they are an ideal getaway for families and friends, and the premier adventure venue for corporate groups and school camps.

Pricing Page

Opening Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 4pm

Closed on Mondays

7. Sandboard at Maitland Sand Dunes

Very similar to snowboarding, Sandboarding is the art of standing with two feet strapped onto a board and sliding or carving arcs down a sand dune. The best part about Sandboarding is that it is easy to learn and heaps of fun. It is a very accessible, four-season activity that does not require a huge investment in boarding gear – all you need is a board, some wax polish and a sense of adventure.

Try sandboarding at the Maitland Sand Dunes. The dunes are easily accessible and provide hours of fun. It is a challenging trek up to the top, but the views and scenery are worth every breath. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline that sandboarding can get. It is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Check out Sundaze Sandboardings to Book A Session

Read Also | Sandboarding Adventures in SA for other sandboarding spots around South Africa

8. Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park

Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park in Port Elizabeth has over 2000 square metres of pure adventure waiting for you! Trampolines, foam pits, rope course and climbing walls, basketball and more.

The trampoline park consists of a foam pit, basketball arena, interconnected trampolines, Olympic trampolines, ninja course, devil slide, rope course, climbing walls and more. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee with a light snack or yummy cake at their vibey on-site café. They also offer fitness classes where you can enjoy a strenuous workout with their professional instructor, all while having fun!

Pricing:

R120 per person for 1 hour (All ages)
R90 per person for a second hour
R40 for non-slip socks

Opening Hours:

Sunday to Tuesday – 9am – 8pm

Wednesday & Thursday – 9am – 9pm

Friday & Saturday – 9am – 10pm

9. Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (PE Opera House)

The MBTC is the premier venue for staging performing arts productions, events and shows in the Eastern Cape.

The MBTC offers a variety of fantastic facilities. There are two theatres in the building; The Opera House which is the Main Stage was built for ballet, Opera and big productions such as musicals while The Barn Theatre is a versatile space which when converted to cabaret-style seating, has a capacity of 100, Theatre style seating of 80 and Gala seating of 150.

MBTC annually produces shows for dance, drama, comedy and festivals like the Mandela Bay Jazz Legacy Festival, Women in Arts Manyano, Udaba Dance Festival, and the Iphulo Drama Festival. It also hosts the Isakhono Performing Arts Awards, and Performing Arts Graduate Incubator, while it mounts support for performing arts education and development programmes.

Best Hikes/Nature Reserves in Gqeberha

Best Nature Reserves in Gqeberha

10. Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant Park is one of the most renowned National Parks we have and it’s also huge, the third largest in South Africa. Suitably named Addo Elephant Park has large elephant herds wandering the park, which you can see at any of the waterholes. The park also has the rest of the Big 5 here.

The park is a 30-minute drive from Gqeberha.

Check Out | 16 of The Best Natural Wonders of South Africa

11. Kragga Kamma Game Reserve

Kragga Kamma Game Reserve is a lush coastal forest and grassland that is home to vast herds of African game including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. The animals roam freely, unrestricted in their natural surroundings allowing guests to view the animals in the most peaceful, natural state.

Explore the park from the comfort of your own vehicle on our well-maintained roads (no need for 4×4) and enjoy viewing the game at your own pace in any weather conditions in our self-driven tours. For really close encounters with the animals, choose their 2-hour guided tour in an open Game Viewer accompanied by a professional guide who is ready to provide interesting facts and information about the animals as well as plentiful historical background to the area.

Apart from our game drives you can also engage in other activities such as birdwatching from the Treetop Boardwalk, enjoy lunch or dessert at The Bush Café or a barbeque in our shaded picnic area or take a tranquil stroll along The Monkey Walk with the opportunity to see vervet monkeys, cheetahs even the shy and elusive blue duiker.

Pricing:

Self-drive entrance fees:
Adults – R140.00
Scholars – R70.00 (3 to 17 years)
Children < 3yrs free entry

12. Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve

Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve is a 500-hectare “floral wonderland” located on the gateway to the Garden Route, 35km from Gqeberha. The area is well known as a stopover for travellers arriving or leaving the city to relax. The terrain comprises southern wooded slopes, a large plateau and northern river banks, each with its own unique vegetation type.

It’s a breathtaking floral wonderland where nature’s artistry is fully displayed, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Reserve promises a sensory feast of nature’s abundance and various wildflowers, including Proteas and Ericas. Hikers can relax and enjoy areas such as The Birdhide, where they can see a variety of birdlife.

There are several flat gravel roads, which are ideal for exploration on a mountain bike. The area provides ideal riding terrain for the novice mountain biker or the family on a cycling outing.

Flower House:
There is a well-maintained custom-designed ‘flower house’ with flowering plant specimens at the reception office to test your knowledge.

Continue Reading | VAN STADENS WILD FLOWER RESERVE

13. Cape Recife Nature Reserve

The Cape Recife Nature Reserve Area is situated off Marine Drive, along Port Elizabeth’s magnificent beachfront. The area’s rich natural diversity, exciting outdoor activities and various accommodation establishments make it a ‘must-see’ destination for anyone visiting Port Elizabeth.

The unique and easily recognisable Cape Recife Lighthouse stands as a beacon overlooking this natural wonderland and for those patient enough, nature might reward them with a glimpse of the Roseate Tern bird or perhaps the Cape lighthouse clawless otter. From its unique blend of globally important plant and animal species to its breathtaking beaches – Cape Recife offers its visitors a truly unique natural experience.

For the more adventurous, there are a variety of exhilarating activities to choose from. Whether it be a round of golf at the Humewood Golf Club, landing a musselcracker off the rocky beach or exploring the unique underwater reefs, Cape Recife has something for everyone to enjoy.

Pricing:

Day visitors R90 per vehicle (cash only)

Opening Hours:

7am – 6pm Daily

Best Hikes in Gqeberha

14. Sacramento Trail

The Sacramento Trail is an 8 km moderate, popular one-way or circular route trail between Schoenmakerskop and Sardinia Bay. The trail traverses the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve where you will see attractive seascapes, landscapes, and depending on the season, some remarkable displays of wildflowers.

Gannets and dolphins can often be seen out at sea. Many wrecked ships, one the Portuguese galleon Sacramento, lie offshore and there is a bronze cannon from the ship on display at Schoenmakerskop. Horses are permitted on the trail.

The trail one-way is 4 km or 1½ hours and the round trip about 3 hours. The trail is an easy to moderate walk with some agility required over the rocks at Sardinia Bay. The full trail leads along the shoreline and returns over the high dunes. However, you can walk as much or as little of the trail as you wish.

15. Roseate Tern Hiking Trail

This is one of Port Elizabeth’s most popular, and beautiful, walks. Best of all, it isn’t difficult. The Roseate Tern Hiking Trail wends its way through the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, regarded as one of the best bird-watching spots in the city.

The hike takes you to the lighthouse, amongst rocky outcrops and unspoilt beaches. On the initial part of the hike, you reach a wooden deck with incredible views out over Algoa Bay. The trail is well-marked and it is highly unlikely that you will lose your way. The walk, therefore, is less about navigation than it is about enjoying the beauty of the reserve and the freedom of being in nature.

Partway is a bird hide perfect for watching water birds and waders, and a little way afterwards the trail joins the Bush Pig Trail for a while, before making its way to the black and white striped lighthouse, the first lighthouse built in the Eastern Cape in 1851.

Start and Finish: Cape Recife Nature Reserve entrance gate, just off Marine Drive in Summerstrand

Duration: 9 km, no longer than 5 hours

Fitness: this is not a challenging hike, but you do need to be able to go the full 9 km

16. Norm-Hudlin MTB Trails

Head out on this 6.1-km loop trail near Port Elizabeth. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a popular trail for mountain biking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Take note that there is an entry fee. The Norm-Hudlin trails are situated in Kragga Kamma, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth.)

Continue Reading | Best Trails in Port Elizabeth

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Best Museums/Galleries in Gqeberha

17. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

If you want to discover the rich and vibrant South African culture and how local tastes in art have evolved over time, a trip to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in Eastern Cape province is an eye-opening experience.

The museum is home to an impressive collection, ranging from British and Asian art to international printmaking and the art of the Eastern Cape. Even Port Elizabeth’s St George’s Park, at the entrance to which you’ll find the museum, is a piece of art created by Mother Nature herself.

The limited exhibition space means that there is a constant rotation of artworks among the museum’s large, permanent collection, so there’s always something new to see at the gallery.

18. Volkswagen Museum

Are you a car enthusiast looking to delve into the rich history of one of the world’s most iconic automobile manufacturers? If so, the Volkswagen AutoPavilion Museum in the Eastern Cape is an absolute must-visit destination for you. This museum is a celebration of over 70 years of Volkswagen in South Africa and offers a fascinating insight into the brand’s legacy, manufacturing process, and some unexpected surprises from its past.

The museum’s special exhibition, “History of Over 70 Years of Volkswagen in South Africa,” takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey through the decades. The star of this showcase is none other than “Bongo,” the first Beetle ever assembled in Kariega back in 1951. Prepare to be amazed by the iconic Volkswagen vehicles that have become an inseparable part of South Africa’s automotive heritage.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 08h30 – 16h00
Closed weekends & public holidays

19. Bayworld Natural History Museum

One of the leading tourist attractions in Nelson Mandela Bay, Bayworld is unique in Southern Africa, embracing a natural and cultural history Museum combined with a Snake Park and Oceanarium, and a house museum at No. 7 Castle Hill. It is located in the heart of the Port Elizabeth beachfront and serves up a feast of edutainment to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The main activities of the Complex are research and education aimed at stimulating a greater awareness of the need for the conservation of South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage. Research and education programmes focus on marine life, reptiles, maritime and local history.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday 09:00 – 16:30
Friday 09:00 – 16:00
Weekends and Public Holidays Closed

Pricing:

Adults – R30.00
Students & Pensioners – R25.00
Children (3-17 years) – R20.00
Children (under 3 years) – FREE

Best Historical Sites in Gqeberha

20. No. 7 Castle Hill Museum

No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1825 and is one of the oldest surviving Settler cottages in Port Elizabeth. Following renovations, No. 7 Castle Hill, was opened as a Museum in 1965.

The interior presents a picture of domestic life as enjoyed by an English middle-class family in mid-19th Century in Port Elizabeth. This picturesque family dwelling located in Castle Hill Road, Central has Yellowwood floors and beams, and a restored slate roof. The doll’s house, lace displays and the kitchen are particularly impressive.

No 7 Castle Hill transports children back in time, where their imagination can run wild as they explore the old furniture, kitchen equipment, collect water from the well, old toys and dolls, the fairy garden and complete a treasure hunt and make friends with the No 7 family in the display room!

Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday – 10am to 4.30pm

Friday – 10am to 4pm.

Closed from 1pm to 2pm.

21. Fort Frederick

Built-in 1799 on a natural citadel, Fort Frederick stands guard over a magnificent view of Algoa Bay. Named after Frederick, Duke of York and Commander of the British Army, it was built by troops sent to Algoa Bay to prevent a possible landing of French troops to assist the Graaff-Reinet rebels during the Napoleonic wars, the inception of British occupation of the colony.

The over-200-year-old fort contains a powder magazine and a blockhouse, which has lost its timber upper storey; and was originally defended by two 8-pounder guns and one 5.5-inch Howitzer and now contains a selection of muzzle-loaders dating from the later part of the eighteenth century.

On the north side of the fort lies the grave of Captain Francis Evatt, Commandant of Fort Frederick between 1817 and 1847. Captain Evatt is known to have overseen the arrival of the Settlers in 1820.

Opening times are daily, from sunrise to sunset and the admission is free.

22. The Campanile

One of the most striking buildings in Port Elizabeth is the famous Campanile. The 50m high Campanile Memorial has a climb of 204 steps that takes one to the Observation Room, offering a magnificent view of the harbour and surroundings, more than 52m above the city. A lift has been installed with a harbour viewing window so if you are not up for the climb you do not have to miss out.

The Campanile contains one of the largest carillon of bells in the country in addition to its chiming clock. When it’s song time, the tower tops ring out with a carillon of the original 23 bells, conjuring nostalgic cries of history.

The addition of various art galleries also adds an additional interest and space to tell the democratic stories and showcase the arts and culture of Nelson Mandela Bay. Also, keep an eye out for the silver plaque on the 67th step that represents the start of Route 67 and Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service of democracy in South Africa.

Route 67 starts at the Campanile and there have since been new art additions added around the tower to include the history leading up to the arrival of the settlers and up to South Africa’s democratic dawn.

Opening Hours:

Monday and Friday – 9am to 4pm

Saturdays – 9am to 3pm.

Best Markets in Gqeberha

23. The Food Shed

The Food Shed is open on the first Friday evening of each month from 5pm – 9pm and at night is transformed into a wonderland of lights in the garden. It is an undercover, mainly food market at the beautifully maintained Sherwood Garden Centre in Walker Drive, Sherwood, Port Elizabeth

It consists of mainly homemade and homegrown products. The public sits in the gardens, where plenty of seating is available, and enjoys the variety of foods on offer.

Live entertainment is provided. We also have a kid’s disco for children under the age of 16. A large secure parking area, which has been extended, is available.

24. Lady Slipper Farm Market

Local Farmers and arts and crafts Market that supplies Saturday Morning entertainment.

It’s worth waking up to get here early when the farmers arrive and put their produce on display. More than this, there are many local delicacies to savour, as well as freshly baked bread, hearty pies, decadent pancakes and a host of other treats. Hearty breakfasts and steaming hot cups of coffee are a must. Visitors can also buy a picnic lunch here and enjoy it against the backdrop of the Lady’s Slipper Mountain.

Where:

Old Cape Road, NG Kerk Vanstandensrivier grounds, St Albans (next to St Albans prison), Gqeberha.

Time:

8:00 am to 12:00 midday

25. The Goodnight Market

Just five to 10 minutes away from most of the beachfront accommodation in Port Elizabeth is the Good Night Market. Every month, Port Elizabeth’s artisans, musicians, foodies, and crafters get together to showcase their awesome innovations and to offer locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy excellent flavours, quality and vibes.

But, the Good Night Market is about more than this; all proceeds (including the R20 entrance fee) go to charity, and visitors are often asked to contribute a packet of rice or mielie meal for those less fortunate. So, being part of this initiative combines fun and charity.

The market is open to the public on one Thursday evening of the month, from 17h00 to 21h00. So, many of the locals head straight to the market after work for some craft gin, cold beers, South African wines, or hot coffees with friends. But, it’s also great for tourists that have spent the day soaking up the sun or shopping. Meet the friendly people that PE is known for, taste local flavours, and get your hands on innovative handmade crafts from this area.

Where:

Good Night Market, Corner of Lower Valley Road and Union Street, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape 6070, South Africa

Continue Reading | Regular Gqeberha Markets to Visit

Best Beaches in Gqeberha

26. Hobie Beach

The popular Hobie Beach, in the vicinity of Shark Rock Pier and the Boardwalk, is the venue for the annual “Splash Festival”, beach volleyball and world boardsailing championships. Hobie beach, which is a favorite for swimming, sunbathing and body surfing, also offers sheltered rock pools with interesting inter-tidal sea life. Other facilities include plenty of eating establishments, ablution facilities, as well as a launching place for sailing and rubber ducking.

27. Sardinia Bay

Sardinia Bay, which lies between Schoenmakerskop and Seaview, is accessed by traveling along Sardinia Bay Road. This popular beach has picnic facilities and is regarded as one of the best walking beaches with miles of unspoilt coastline. Fishing is not permitted as the coast has been declared a Marine Reserve, but snorkeling and scuba-diving are very popular. Sardinia Bay is also the starting point of the very popular eight-kilometer Sacramento hiking trail

28. Kings Beach

King’s Beach is a magnificent 1,6 km wide expanse of golden sand extending from the harbour wall to Humewood. The beach is ideal for safe swimming, body surfing, sunbathing and long beach walks, and includes facilities such as a supertube for the adventurous, a snack bar, a parking area, change rooms and a lifesavers’ centre. Other King’s Beach facilities include an extensive playground for children, paddling pools for toddlers, and Putt-Inn Mini-Golf Course. The Go-Kart race track, which is located opposite the King’s Beach Parking Centre, offers hours of entertainment for children and parents alike.