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Insider Tips for Traveling South Africa’s Friendly City: Port Elizabeth

Be sure to visit this incredible city on your trip to South Africa.

Port Elizabeth is a lively coastal town on the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Also known as the friendly city, it is famous for its beautiful beaches and waterfront including exciting water-sports, stunning wildlife attractions and of course the incredibly friendly people. With cheap flights to Port Elizabeth now readily available it has never been so easy to travel here. But what are the best insider things to do when visiting Port Elizabeth? Here are some great tips for visiting the friendly city.

Visit between July and December

Although the weather is quite stable in this part of South Africa, the best time to visit is between July and December. This is when the weather is warm with low humidity so it is pleasant and you can make the most of the sandy beaches and warm seas. It is also the best time to go whale watching as this is the season when whales frequent the coastline in this part of the world.

Take advantage of wildlife spotting tours

If you do choose to visit during whale watching season then you should definitely take a boat tour to see the humpbacks Bryde’s whales and Minke Whales. There are also tours to see rare sea birds and other sea creatures off the coastline. Take a specialist tour guide with good reviews and do your research before you go for the best experiences.

Only visit beaches with lifeguards

As a tourist visiting Port Elizabeth, like any other city, you should always make sure you are safe where you are going. There are many different beautiful beaches in this area to choose from but to be safe whilst enjoying the sand and sea, you must always choose a beach with lifeguards. Popular beaches include Hobie beach and Kings beach.

Enjoy dinner on Stanley Street

If you want to find a great restaurant no matter what your tastes or budget you are sure to find the right food for you. It is one of the busiest bustling streets in the town, full of restaurants, bars and with an incredible atmosphere. As one of the oldest suburbs in Port Elizabeth you will enjoy the old-world charm of the neighbourhood. Its right in the centre of town too, so wherever you are staying it is an easy place to get to.

Addo Elephant National Park

So, this one might not be an insider tip but it is definitely a must do when visiting Port Elizabeth. There are many different tours you can choose from which will take you from the city. From half to full day tours with small or larger groups depending on your needs and budget. Here you will see Elephants, antelope, buffalo and zebra and perhaps some of the rarer to spot creatures such as hyena and mongoose.

Take advantage of the Nelson Mandela Bay Pass

The Nelson Mandela Bay Pass will give you great value for money if you are travelling around Port Elizabeth. It gives you free access to many of the city’s attractions and discounts on many more including free entrance to game reserves such as Kragga Kamma game park. You can book and plan your itinerary before you go so you know exactly what you are doing each day and how much money you are saving too.

What will you do in Port Elizabeth?

There is so much choice of things to do in and around the city. Hopefully these insider tips will help you make the most of your visit and enjoy the best the friendly city has to offer its visitors. From relaxing on the sandy beaches to exploring national parks a stay in Port Elizabeth has something for everyone.

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