Beaches & Big Five safaris nearby
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Gqeberha · Friendly city on the Sunshine Coast
Gqeberha, long known as Port Elizabeth, anchors the Eastern Cape's 'Friendly City' with warm-water beaches and easy access to malaria-free Big Five reserves. It's the gateway to the Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park.
Top sightsSights
Addo Elephant National Park
A malaria-free Big Five park with hundreds of elephants, an hour away.
Hobie Beach
A safe, Blue Flag city beach for swimming and watersports.
Route 67
A public-art trail of 67 works honouring Mandela’s life.
Donkin Reserve
A historic hilltop with a lighthouse and city views.
St Croix & marine tours
Boat trips to see penguins, dolphins and whales in season.
What to eatFood
Fresh calamari
The local "chokka" squid, a regional specialty.
Braai seafood
Grilled catch along the beachfront.
Cape Malay curry
A mild, fragrant curry from the coast.
Good to know
- It’s the western end of the classic Garden Route drive.
- Addo is a great malaria-free safari for families.
- The Sunshine Coast is mild and swimmable much of the year.
Getting there
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) links Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Next city
Stellenbosch