Places to Stay in Port Elizabeth
Temperatures up to 20°C in the depths of the winter, more sunshine days than any other coastal city in South Africa, 40km of unspoilt coastline. No, you haven’t died and gone to heaven – this is Port Elizabeth, or just plain PE, ‘the friendly city’. Not only is PE a great place to hang out, it’s also a key 2010 World Cup venue with 5 Group games, a Round of 16 fixture, one of the Quarters and the 3rd/4th playoff game. And between games you can windsurf, dive, fish or surf, or even venture up to one of the nearby, malaria-free game reserves like Addo Elephant Park.
Stadium
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (capacity: 48,000)
World Cup Games in Port Elizabeth
Saturday, 12th June 4pm, Game 4 - Group B, Korea Republic vs. Greece
Tuesday, 15th June 4pm, Game 13 - Group G, Cote d'Ivoire vs. Portugal
Friday, 18th June 1.30pm, Game 21 - Group D, Germany vs. Serbia
Monday, 21st June 4pm, Game 31 - Group H, Chile vs. Switzerland
Wednesday, 23rd June 4pm, Game 37, Group C, Slovenia vs. England
Saturday, 26th June 4pm, Game 49, Round of 16, 1A vs. 2B (winner = 1)
Friday, 2nd July 4pm, Game 57, Quarter Final, 5 vs. 7 (winner = C)
Weather in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth's seaside situation makes for a very mild and pleasant climate indeed. During the day, temperatures should climb into the early 20s. And at night, PE is much milder than some of the Highveld cities with tempertares not dropping much below 10°C. The only downside of all this mildness is that you're more likely to see rain in Port Elizabeth than you are in some other South African cities at this time of year. It's going to rain about 1 day in 4 but that's still fewer rainy days than any other coastal city in the country, so look on the bright side.
Things to do in Port Elizabeth
Located on the south-east coast of South Africa, Port Elizabeth is an ideal spot for a great value holiday. PE boasts a superb climate and a stunning setting alongside Algoa Bay - an incredible stretch of 40 kilometres of sheltered beaches. With an unbeatable combination of great beaches, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and fanastic weather, PE appeals to sun worshippers, beach lovers and watersport and fishing enthusiasts. Algoa Bay is fast becoming the watersport capital of South Africa with some of the best sailing in the world, top quality scuba diving, surfing, wind-surfing and fishing. Don't miss the amazing marine life including Bottlenose Dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, Southern Right Whales and of course the Humpback Whales which pass through in June and July.
Bayworld (9am to 4.30pm, R35) is unique in Southern Africa with its natural and cultural history Museum, Oceanarium and Snake Park. Located on the beachfront in the heart of PE, the Bayworld Oceanarium is home to Cape Fur seals, penguins, a giant octopus, raggedtooth sharks and tropical fish. Over at Snake Park, unsurprisingly, you can visit the snakes as well as geckos, juvenile crocs and tortoises. If you want to see a 15 metre Southern Whale up close, check out the giant skeleton in the museum which is also home to a dinosaur hall, PE's maritime history and various interesting cultural exhibits.
If you fancy a bit of game viewing (well you are in Africa...), there are a couple of game parks nearby. Addo Elephant National Park (7am to 7pm, R130) is just an hour from PE and conveniently situated in a malaria-free area. A sanctuary to over 450 elephants including 350 African Elephants, the park also boasts Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino (very rare), the black-backed Jackal, a variety of antelopes and the unique Dung Beetle. Do a spot of DIY game-driving or prebook a guided game-drive in an open-top truck (R200). For a bit of a splurge, head to the privately-owned Shamwari Game Reserve (luxury lodges from R4925 pp per night) for the ultimate in 5 star luxury combined with a Big Five African safari adventure. Also in a malaria-free location, award winning Shamwari has superb conservation initiatives so sit back in your open top jeep and enjoy the ride.
Home to the Billabong Surfing Festival held every July, Jeffrey's Bay is synonomous with surfing, sunshine and top-notch beaches. Rated amongst the top ten surfing locations in the world, Jeffreys Bay truly is a surfers paradise. Just an hour's drive from PE, pack your wetsuit (it is winter in South Africa after all), wax your board and catch some waves. Seriously, all equipment can be hired and if you're a surf-virgin, check out the surf schools in 'J' Bay - Africa's surf captial. To look the part, kit yourself out from the many surf factory shops in town.
Nightlife in Port Elizabeth
PE doesn't have the most pounding nightlife but there is a little bit of something for everybody and we're sure you'll manage to keep yourselves entertained.
For a bit of music with your beer, head over to the Hobie Beach Yacht Club for live gigs, the Captains Bar & Grill for hip hop and reggae, the Danskraal for the big namaes in the Afrikaans music sence or the Ekhaya Pub for African jazz. In fact, if the sounds of African jazz appeal, you could consider a tour of some of the hottest jazz spots in PE's township.
Alternatively, for a lively pub, head for Barney's Tavern, for a great club, head for the Gondwana Cafe and for a quiet drink overlooking the water try the News Cafe on the boardwalk or Finnezz with its great views over Algoa Bay.
