- Cape St Francis
Named after the patron saint of sailors, St Francis Bay was first discovered in 1575 by the Portuguese. It's become somewhat exclusive but still has one of the finest surf spots in the world according to King/surf bum Geoffrey and other surf rats.
- Jeffreys Bay
Until fairly recently, Jeffreys Bay was not much more than a couple of rocks that made good sunset perches. Then, in the 1960's, waves were discovered by local surfers and since then, the town has become increasingly popular. Especially amongst backpackers.
- Thornhill
A little dorp not far from J'Bay, with plenty of unspoilt nature all around.
- Kenton-On-Sea
Tthis quiet little paradise is off the beaten track. Ain't much to write home about the town itself. But who cares when the surroundings are so divine… Nature freaks should get off the bus and do their thang.
- Port Alfred
Port Alfred is a charming little town with a graceful architectural integrity not often found in South African seaside towns. It's a quaint and unassuming place with heaps to do. Actually, we're very fond of it – and not just 'cos the beer's cheap.
- HamburgEC
Tucked away at the end of a dirt road, Hamburg is an enchantingly dilapidated little village that nestles on an exquisite estuary.
- East London
East London has three backpacking hostels which all offer something different. It is a great place to stop before the Wild Coast or Garden Route.
- Gonubie
Rocking surf, dune boarding, diving and plenty of hiking.
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is the 5th largest, and reportedly the safest, city in South Africa. It's surrounded by good beaches and has consistently good surf conditions.
Friendly, windy and sometimes charming
Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s third biggest port and lies on the shores of Algoa Bay. It is called the Friendly City by some, and the Windy City by others. Too many travellers treat PE as an overnight stop. Stop to have a look around. The city offers pockets of unexpected charm and old and new rub shoulders as Victorian mansions step down hills to the seafront where shopping malls take their place and Miami-style palms line the pavements. There are outstanding swimming beaches, good windsurfing (great wind!), sailing and scuba diving. If you’re running out of time and haven’t yet experienced real African wildlife this is a good stop as the Big Five are easily accessible in a malaria free environment. It’s just a short trip to the Addo Elephant National Park, (guaranteed ellies) or to Shamwari Game Reserve where the Big Five lurk. Schotia Lion Park is also nearby.
Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s third biggest port and lies on the shores of Algoa Bay. It is called the Friendly City by some, and the Windy City by others. Too many travellers treat PE as an overnight stop. Stop to have a look around. The city offers pockets of unexpected charm and old and new rub shoulders as Victorian mansions step down hills to the seafront where shopping malls take their place and Miami-style palms line the pavements. There are outstanding swimming beaches, good windsurfing (great wind!), sailing and scuba diving. If you’re running out of time and haven’t yet experienced real African wildlife this is a good stop as the Big Five are easily accessible in a malaria free environment. It’s just a short trip to the Addo Elephant National Park, (guaranteed ellies) or to Shamwari Game Reserve where the Big Five lurk. Schotia Lion Park is also nearby.
An overnight Baz Bus stop
Port Elizabeth is a major transport hub, so it’s easy to get to most places from here. There’s an airport, good road links, a train station and a major bus station. You can pick up or leave rental cars here too.
The Baz Bus stops off here every night in both directions. The Baz Bus only gets into PE at 9. 30pm (at the earliest) and leaves again at 7am. so like it or not Port Elizabeth will be a place that you will hang your hat.
Places to visit
• King George VI Art Gallery : houses a permanent collection of 19th and 20th Century British art, Oriental miniatures and a large collection of South African art, pottery and sculpture. • Nomakwezi Craft Centre : Offers visitors traditional, contemporary beadwork & clothing with an innovative African Flair in Peel Street, Central. • Aya’s Art Studio : handcrafted, utilitry & decorative contemporary African ceramics in Gunguluza Street, New Brighton. • One of the country's biggest snake parks.
• King George VI Art Gallery : houses a permanent collection of 19th and 20th Century British art, Oriental miniatures and a large collection of South African art, pottery and sculpture. • Nomakwezi Craft Centre : Offers visitors traditional, contemporary beadwork & clothing with an innovative African Flair in Peel Street, Central. • Aya’s Art Studio : handcrafted, utilitry & decorative contemporary African ceramics in Gunguluza Street, New Brighton. • One of the country's biggest snake parks.
The legend of Prester John
Opposite the Post Office in Market square is a monument to the mythical king who supposedly ruled over the three Indies somewhere near Ethiopia. It was his reputation that helped drive explorers to find the sea route to India. In 1165 a letter supposedly written by Prester John, describing his country as a land of natural riches, marvels, peace and justice, was given to the Byzantine emperor and to the Holy Roman emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Thus began the quest for the wealth of Prester John. King John II of Portugal specifically instructed the expeditions of his time to discover this fabulous kingdom. The legend endured until the 18th century and died only after the Scottish explorer James Bruce had travelled through Ethiopia.
Opposite the Post Office in Market square is a monument to the mythical king who supposedly ruled over the three Indies somewhere near Ethiopia. It was his reputation that helped drive explorers to find the sea route to India. In 1165 a letter supposedly written by Prester John, describing his country as a land of natural riches, marvels, peace and justice, was given to the Byzantine emperor and to the Holy Roman emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Thus began the quest for the wealth of Prester John. King John II of Portugal specifically instructed the expeditions of his time to discover this fabulous kingdom. The legend endured until the 18th century and died only after the Scottish explorer James Bruce had travelled through Ethiopia.
Waves
There’s a surf report every morning on Radio Algoa, but here are some words on waves and winter surf from an expert:
There’s a surf report every morning on Radio Algoa, but here are some words on waves and winter surf from an expert:
Locals should enjoy this…
The following article appeared in the October issue of Skyf, the PE magazine edited by Hagen Engler (Cosmic). If you’re South African, chances are you’ll appreciate 10 Reasons Why Cape Town Can Get Lost. ( We had to censor it a bit.)
The following article appeared in the October issue of Skyf, the PE magazine edited by Hagen Engler (Cosmic). If you’re South African, chances are you’ll appreciate 10 Reasons Why Cape Town Can Get Lost. ( We had to censor it a bit.)
Places to Stay
- 99 Mile Travel Lodge
Flashpacking again…? Why not?
- Helicharter Backpackers
Mad about helicopters? This place is for you.
- Ikhayalam Lodge
Ikhayalam Lodge appeals to the quieter traveller.
- Jikeleza Lodge
Jikeleza offers advice on everything and do bookings for anything, to anywhere.
- Kings Beach Backpackers
A friendly, warm and welcoming backpackers.
- Lungile Backpackers
Perched on top of a hill in an attractive house overlooking the city and the ocean, Lungile is just three minutes walk from the main beach.
- PE Backpackers
In Central PE and close to restaurants, shops and public transport, PE Backpackers is situated in a gracious old Victorian house.
- The Hippo Backpackers
A great backpacking hostel in the centre of Port Elizabeth.
What to do
- Bay Tourism and Tours
A great variety of local tours are on offer here.
Transport
- AroundAboutCars
People from PE are smooth operators when it comes to finding a soul mate to share their ride.
