Port Elizabeth is an attractive destination for winter vacationers with mild weather and mostly sunny days to enjoy from June to August. You’ll find no shortage of ways to fill the winter days when you choose cheap flights to Port Elizabeth with SAA.
Here are the top ten winter activities in Port Elizabeth.
1. Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World
The Boardwalk is an attractive destination for all ages and interests. Apart from a glittering casino, you ‘ll find live entertainment, shopping, cinemas and restaurants to keep you busy during your winter stay.
Children love to hand out in the video and games arcade with its simulators and 3-D games while the adults try their luck at the blackjack and roulette table or some of the 700 slot machines available.
2. SAMREC at Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Spend a day learning more about the good work of this non-profit organisation which caters to sick and injured sea birds. The guided tours are interesting and informative while feeding time provides a chance to see penguins, gulls, seals and turtles from closer.
You can also book guided tours of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve during your visit which provides further insight into the work done at the centre and the state of the Cape Coast.
3. KraggaKamma Game Reserve
Just outside the city limits you’ll find the 203 ha KraggaKamma Game Reserve. This slice of lush coastal forest and grassland provides opportunities for big game experiences and bird watching on guided or self-drive tours.
The roads are well-maintained and the animals are unfazed by human visitors. This allows you to see white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, nyala, bontebok and lechwe at close quarters.
Cheetah tours and a treetop monkey walk via suspension bridge are also on offer.
4. Uitenhage
Take the 40km trip to Uitenhage for a historic blast which includes the charming VW Auto Pavillion. This venue offers free entry and is a must-see destination for fans of the old-style beetle and kombi bus.
Many of the buildings in Uitenhage date back to the 1800s and have been immaculately preserved. The OId Railway Station, Old Drostdy Museum (housing the Uitenhage Africana Museum), and the Cuyler Manor Museum are some of the attractions for history buffs.
Nearby Groendal Wilderness Reserve is perfect for a picnic or a hike and perfectly suits the colloquial name for Uitenhage – the Garden Town.
5. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
You’ll find the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum at the entrance to St George’s Park in Park Drive.
Formerly known as the King George VI Art Gallery, the museum consists of two buildings housing exceptional South African art, with an emphasis on Eastern Cape artists, British art and international art.
6. Feather Market Hall
Once the hub of the ostrich feather industry, Feather Market Hall has been revamped into a modern centre for concerts and exhibitions. It is now known as feather market centre and is home to a variety of intimate as well as imposing venues. There is always something on the go in this gorgeous old building with its vaulted ceilings and grand design, including live music concerts featuring an impressive pipe organ.
7. The Donkin Lighthouse
Another attraction of the Donkin Reserve, this lofty tower offers brilliant views over the city from its apex. The 10m high Stone Pyramid at the foot of the lighthouse is inscribed by Sir Rufane Donkin with a touching tribute to his late wife, Elizabeth, after whom the city was named.
The palm lined walkways and benches are great for taking a breather while exploring the historic sights of Port Elizabeth. The Nelson Mandela Tourism Information Centre is on site and the perfect place to start planning your tour of the city. The office is open between 8am and 4.30 pm daily.
This is the start of the Donkin Heritage Trail as well as Route 67.
8. The Donkin Heritage Trail
This historic walk is a great half day activity and is just km long. The trail explores the best heritage sites of Port Elizabeth and includes 51 places of historical interest.
Some of the things you’ll see as you meander along include:
- The Donkin Reserve and adjacent Victorian Gothic-style Donkin houses
- A replica of the Diaz Cross
- Market Square
- City Hall circa 1858
- The library building
Number 7 Castle Hill, one of the oldest settler cottages in the city - Pembridge house
- The Campanile
King George VI Art Gallery - An Open-Air Theatre
- A Conservatory,
- Historic churches
- The Opera House
Most of these are centred around the old Hill area of the city and are easily navigated by means of an official trail booklet and map. You can get your copy at the Donkin Visitor Information Centre at Belmont Terrace.
9.Route 67
Grab a brochure at the Donkin Lighthouse and set off on an artistic journey around the city of Port Elizabeth.
This route takes you past 64 different Public Art Works, in tribute to the 67 years that Nelson Mandela devoted to the freedom of South Africa. Guided tours provide interesting background information on the pieces, but you can also explore under your own steam thanks to the maps provided at the tourist centre.
From the lighthouse, the route takes in the Campanile, Vuyisile Mini Market Square, St Mary’s Terrace, the Great flag on top of the hill and all the fascinating galleries and museums in between.
10. The Sacramento Trail
The Sacramento Trail is a circular 8km walk through the Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve and is known for its dramatic rocky scenery. You set off from the bronze cannon at Schoenmakerskop, overlooking the Sacramento, a Portuguese galleon that met its end in 1647. Then you proceed along the coast past the ship and on to the Sardinia Bay Marine Reserve where dolphins, gannets and fynbos are the order of the day.
11. The Lower Guinea Fowl Hiking Trail
This 7,5-kilometre trail starts at Glen Hurd Drive, and meanders along the Baakens River flood plain, past a steep-sided valley to Settler’s Park. This trial is partially urban and best enjoyed in a group. The path through the wooded areas offers a wilderness feel with the chance to spot birds and small animals, wild flowers, trees and small reptiles.
Get Going This Winter
What are you waiting for? Book your cheap flights to Port Elizabethon any of our leading SAAirlines and start exploring this beautiful historic city.