Port Elizabeth, situated 800km north east of
Cape
Town, 926 km south of
Durban, is well known for its sunshine
and safe sandy beaches.
For the tourist wanting a total
South African Experience,
Port Elizabeth is the perfect complement to the
Garden Route,
Settler Hinterland,
Sunshine Coast and
Cape. Located on the South Eastern coast of Africa,
this major sea port and tourist destination is set along the beautiful
shores of
Algoa Bay, and is fondly referred to as the
Friendly Eco-City. The city is the second largest city in terms of area
and the fifth largest in terms of population in South Africa.
The city is also an important centre for the South African motor industry.
Temperatures are moderate all year round with rain scattered throughout the
year. The summers are warm with a very temperate humidity level. Winters
are mild and pleasant, and it is significant that water sports, even
surfing, boardsailing and diving, are practised year-round. In all, the
visitor soon discovers that the climate is one major contributor to the
reputation of the area as offering an outstanding quality of life.
Port Elizabeth has many historical attractions, one the
most interesting being the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, which allows
the visitor to follow in the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers on their
journey of discovery and settlement. Parks and well landscaped gardens
are abundant, two of the larger ones are:
St Georges Park,
which covers 73 hectares and is home to the world famous
Port
Elizabeth Cricket Club, the oldest Bowling Green in South
Africa, Prince Alfred's Guard Memorial and the 1882 Victorian Pearson
Conservatory.
