Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth

Nelson Mandela Bay, home to Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch is the only metropolitan area that was allowed by the former president to bear his name. By adopting his name, the metro strives to align itself with the “spirit of freedom” eminent in the life and life-long philosophy of this great man.

The estimated population of Nelson Mandela Bay comprises over 1, 5 million, making it South Africa’s fifth largest city in terms of population and the second largest in terms of area.

If your interest is sea life, go on a boat trip and experience close encounters with our “in-bay” seals, whales, dolphins and even ragged-tooth sharks. If lazing on the beach is your idea of fun then this is the place to be. Nelson Mandela Bay received the “Cleanest Metro in South Africa Award 2002″ and “Blue Flag Status” has again been awarded to Humewood Beach for the 2002/3 season. This is an international award only given to those beaches that meet excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards.

In addition, the city and environs offer a wide selection of attractions; the sheer diversity of which will excite and delight one. These include a rich historical heritage as well as nature-based eco-offerings, activities and experiences. The area supports the most diverse array of vegetation types in South Africa; six of the country’s seven terrestrial biomes (bio geographic areas) are represented in the Eastern Cape!

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal and the Francolin’s call heralds each new dawn. Safe from the relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace.

Port Elizabeth bears the rich legacy of a city in an area which saw the first meetings of Khoisan, British, Dutch, German and Xhosa people. As the landing place of the 1820 Settlers, it boasts some of the finest architectural attractions in South Africa. This is an historical, cultural and scenic orientation tour, showing Port Elizabeth from its interesting origin to the present modern day splendour.