Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth, also known as the Friendly City, is set along the shores of Algoa Bay on the south eastern coast of Africa. The city offers a rich diversity of attractions: scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences, golden beaches, history and a unique coastal climate with more sunshine hours and fewer rainy days than any other coastal city in South Africa.

The establishment of the city of Port Elizabeth dates back to 1820 and the arrival by sea of 4 000 British Settlers, the first permanent British residents in the country. Today the city has a population of over one million, making it South Africa's fifth largest city in terms of population.  Port Elizabeth is an important centre for the automobile industry and is a major transport hub; its well equipped airport, harbour and port linking Southern Africa with other national and international destinations.

Entertainment and Activities

Port Elizabeth is big on surprises, discover some of South Africa's most beautiful beaches or enjoy a variety of water-sports on the calm waters of the bay. Other activities include a world class aquarium, steam train rides, eco-trail hiking, surfing and big five game just half an hour from the city. The city is well served with restaurants and a festive beachfront casino complex - The Boardwalk.

Bayworld Oceanarium

One of Port Elizabeth's major attractions, the popular dolphin and seal performances take place at 11h00 and 15h00 daily. Exhibits within the oceanarium include an underwater observation area in the aquarium, a dolphin research centre, various smaller tanks of 40 different species of bony fish as well as two larger tanks which display sharks and stingrays.

Watersports

Algoa Bay boasts 40 km of magnificent beaches, its perfect combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes makes it one of the best sailing venues in the world. The sea conditions are generally calm in the bay, except when the South Easterly wind is blowing.

Beaches

The Southern Beaches offer safe and sheltered swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, boardsailing, excellent waves and surfing opportunities as well as interesting inter-tidal sea life while the Northern Beaches offer vast stretches of sand and dunes ideal for long beach walks as well as providing superb angling and swimming opportunities. All beaches are patrolled by fully-trained professional life guards.

Useful Telephone Numbers

AA Breakdown: 0800 010101
Ambulance: 10177
Fire Brigade: 585 1555
Life Line: 585 5581
NSRI: 507 3911
Police Flying Squad: 10111
Netcare Greenacres Hospital: 390 7000
Provincial Hospital: 392 3911
St. Georges Hospital: 392 6111

Useful Websites

Official Website: www.nmbt.co.za