Coastal Culture Meets Safari Adventure
Welcome to Gqeberha – The Gateway to the Eastern Cape
Located along the scenic shores of Algoa Bay, Gqeberha is a thriving port city with a population of over 1.2 million. As the economic and cultural heart of the Eastern Cape, the city offers a unique mix of sun-kissed beaches, heritage landmarks, and access to wild game reserves—making it ideal for both leisure and adventure seekers.
Beaches, Boardwalks & Bay Views
Explore the Blue Flag beaches of Kings Beach, Hobie Beach, and Pollock Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or surfing. Stroll the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex for oceanfront dining, shopping, and nightlife. Don’t miss the Donkin Heritage Trail, which highlights colonial-era buildings and the iconic lighthouse with panoramic bay views.
Wildlife Encounters & Eco-Adventures
Nature lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice:
- Addo Elephant National Park (just 40 min away): Home to over 600 elephants and the Big Five
- Kragga Kamma Game Park: Self-drive or guided safaris with cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras
- Cape Recife Nature Reserve: Coastal hikes, penguin spotting, and whale watching from June to November
- St. Croix Island: Home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of African penguins
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: September–April for sunny days; whale season runs June–November
- Getting there: Gqeberha Airport has daily flights to major SA cities
- Local insight: Join a township tour of New Brighton’s Red Location Museum to learn about the area’s apartheid-era history and resilience through art
- Event highlight: The Splash Festival in April features beach sports, food stalls, and live music
Why You Should Visit
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) blends urban convenience with natural beauty—from ocean thrills to bushveld safaris. It’s a place where you can spend the morning on a surfboard, the afternoon watching elephants, and the evening enjoying fine coastal cuisine. It’s also a perfect launchpad to the Garden Route or the Sunshine Coast.
