Standing on the sand dunes of Sardinia Bay, I watched the sun disappear from the horizon and saw a magnificent play of colours in the sky. That moment made me realize this city had far more to offer than most travel guides describe. There are plenty of things to do in Port Elizabeth South Africa, from wildlife reserves to ocean adventures. The coastal town is one of the friendliest in the country, and it is also one of the windiest. Its charm grows on you the longer you stay.
- Best time
- May to December for whale watching; year-round for game reserves
- Where to stay
- Summerstrand area for beach access, or near the city centre for walking tours
- Perfect for
- First-timers * Wildlife lovers * Beach goers
- Don't miss
- A whole day at Addo Elephant National Park
Here is what I would tell someone visiting PE for the first time.
Rent a car for freedom
You really want to rent a car to get around. Game reserves and the Sardinia Bay dunes are much easier to reach with your own wheels.
Source · Checked this myself
Plan a full day for Addo
Addo Elephant National Park is huge and animals are most active early morning and late afternoon. Pack a lunch and stay the whole day.
Source · Checked this myself
Book Sardine Run well ahead
The Sardine Run needs to be booked up to two years in advance. Some spots open later, but don't wait too long if you are serious.
Source · Checked this myself
Addo Elephant National Park
This is the third largest national park in South Africa and the number one thing to do in PE.
- Less than an hour from downtown Port Elizabeth
- Guaranteed to see elephants roaming around
- Divided into 8 areas including Addo Main Camp and Colchester
- Self-drive or guided game drives available
Addo Elephant National Park stretches like a fan around the city and also includes the islands St. Croix, Brenton, and Bird Island. We started our day trip at Matyholweni Camp in the southern part. Driving loops we saw elephants, warthogs, water buffalos, ostriches, zebras, kudus, meerkats, turtles, and antelopes. At Addo Main Camp we took a game drive with a guide at 12:00, but the guide was not very talkative and the animals were taking a midday nap. The restaurant at Main Camp was below expectations. We spent the afternoon driving on our own and filled our cameras with pictures. Admission is 307 Rand (around 19€). A two-hour guided game drive in an open vehicle costs from 389 Rand (about 25€). Matyholweni Camp opens 07:00-17:00 (gate open until 18:30), Addo Main Camp from 07:00-19:00. Plan to spend a full day here.
Opening hours and prices
Admission 307 Rand (about 19€). Guided 2-hour game drive from 389 Rand (about 25€). Matyholweni Camp: 07:00-17:00, gate until 18:30. Addo Main Camp: 07:00-19:00.
Bring your own food
The restaurant at Main Camp is not great. Pack a lunch and snacks for the day.
Getting to Addo by car
It is less than an hour drive from downtown Port Elizabeth. A rental car is the best way to reach the park.
Go early in the morning or late afternoon - that is when the animals are out and the light is best for photos.
Kragga Kamma Game Reserve
A private game reserve just 25 minutes from the city centre, perfect for a half-day trip.
- Only 25 minutes from Port Elizabeth city centre
- See zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs in a separate enclosure
- Self-drive or join a guided game drive in an elevated safari vehicle
- Guide provides lots of information and stories
Kragga Kamma Game Reserve is a private zoo with a manageable size. You can visit it in half a day or just 2-3 hours. We saw zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and many other animals. The cheetahs live in a separate enclosure. Unlike Addo, the guide here was very talkative and shared plenty of facts and stories. You can either drive your own car or take a guided game drive. Admission is 100 Rand (around 6.30€) and a two-hour guided drive costs 265 Rand (about 17€). The reserve opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
Admission and opening times
Admission 100 Rand (about 6.30€). Guided 2-hour game drive 265 Rand (about 17€). Open daily 08:00-17:00.
Short drive from city centre
It is a 25-minute drive from downtown Port Elizabeth. Easy to combine with other activities.
If you want a quick wildlife fix without the long drive, Kragga Kamma is the place.
Penguin Rescue Station
Like in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth has a rescue station for wounded penguins.
- Injured penguins are brought here to recover and are released back into the wild
- Feeding times at 11:00 and 14:45
- Guided tours available if enough volunteers are present
- Some penguins with permanent injuries stay here
The Penguin Rescue Station (SANCCOP) takes in wounded penguins and helps them regain their strength. As soon as they are well enough, they get released into the wild. A few penguins have serious permanent injuries and call the station their new home. The guided tours are very informative and I highly recommend them, but they only happen when there are enough volunteers. Do not miss the feeding of the penguins at 11:00 in the morning and again at 14:45. Admission is 40 Rand (about 2.50€) and the station is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00.
Opening hours and entry fee
Admission is 40 Rand (about 2.50€). Open daily 09:00-16:00.
Close to other attractions
Combine this with a walk through the city centre or a visit to Donkin Reserve since they are not far apart.
Arrive around feeding time - that is when the penguins are most active and you get the best experience.
Donkin Reserve
The colourful park named after the city's founder offers a fantastic view over Algoa Bay.
- Named after city founder Rufane Shaw Donkin
- Fantastic view of Algoa Bay
- Carpet of colourful mosaics flowing into a stone pyramid in front of a lighthouse
- The lighthouse was built in 1861
If you search for photos of Port Elizabeth, you cannot miss the colourful images of Donkin Reserve. The park sits on a hill and gives you a great view of the bay. The main feature is the Stone Pyramid Monument, which Donkin dedicated to his late wife Elizabeth. In front of the pyramid stands a lighthouse built in 1861. The reserve is also part of Route 67, which ends here with 67 stairs and murals representing changes in South Africa's history. It is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Free and open to everyone
Donkin Reserve is a public park with no entrance fee. You can visit any time during daylight hours.
Combine with Route 67
Route 67 starts at the Campanile and ends at Donkin Reserve. Walk the full route to see the art pieces and murals.
Come in the late afternoon - the light makes the mosaics glow and the view is stunning.
How much is entry to Addo Elephant National Park?
Admission is 307 Rand (about 19€). A guided two-hour game drive costs from 389 Rand (about 25€).
Can I see penguins in Port Elizabeth?
Yes, the Penguin Rescue Station (SANCCOP) is open daily 09:00-16:00, admission 40 Rand. Feeding happens at 11:00 and 14:45.
Is Kragga Kamma Game Reserve worth a visit?
Yes. It is small but has cheetahs, giraffes, and rhinos. Guided drives are informative and cost 265 Rand for two hours.
How do I get to Sardinia Bay?
Drive to the bay area. The entrance is buried under sand dunes - you have to climb over them to reach the beach.
When is the best time for the Sardine Run?
The Sardine Run typically happens around June and July. Book the adventure up to two years ahead with a tour operator like Expert Tours.
What is Route 67 in Port Elizabeth?
Route 67 is a series of art pieces and murals celebrating Nelson Mandela's 67 years of work. It starts at the Campanile and ends at Donkin Reserve with 67 stairs.