The Donkin Reserve offers a stunning view over the city and Algoa Bay. If you're planning things to do in Port Elizabeth, you'll find a mix of wildlife, beaches, and history. Many travelers skip this coastal city, but it has its own charm. The downtown area has improved in recent years, and the national parks are just a short drive away.
- Don't miss
- Addo Elephant National Park
Things I'd tell a friend
A few insider picks from my time in Port Elizabeth.
Why Sardinia Bay is worth the climb
The entrance to Sardinia Bay is buried under sand dunes, so you have to climb steep hills to reach the beach. It's a workout, but the views and the sandboarding are free. Bring your own board or just a piece of cardboard to ride down.
Source · Checked this myself
How to save on game drives
At Kragga Kamma Game Reserve, self-driving is cheaper at 100 Rand, but the guided game drive at 265 Rand comes with a guide who really knows the animals and shares great stories. It's worth the extra money.
Source · From experience
Best time for the Penguin Rescue Centre
The penguin feeding happens at 11:00 and 14:45 every day. It's the best time to see the birds up close and hear the staff explain their stories. Guided tours depend on volunteer availability, but feeding is always on.
Source · Local advice
Addo Elephant National Park
Less than an hour from downtown Port Elizabeth, Addo is the third largest national park in South Africa and the top place to see elephants in the region.
- Guaranteed elephant sightings - you will see at least one
- Divided into 8 areas including Addo Main Camp and Colchester
- Also includes St. Croix, Brenton, and Bird Islands in Algoa Bay
- Admission 307 Rand, 2-hour game drive from 389 Rand
Addo Elephant National Park sits less than an hour from Port Elizabeth. It's the third largest national park in South Africa and stretches like a fan around the city. The park is split into 8 areas, and the two best for land wildlife are Addo Main Camp and Colchester. The park also protects parts of Algoa Bay and several islands. Many visitors start at Matyholweni Camp in the south. From there you can drive loops and spot elephants, warthogs, water buffalo, ostriches, zebras, kudus, meerkats, turtles, and antelopes. Guided game drives happen at noon from Addo Main Camp, but the quality varies - our guide wasn't very talkative. The on-site restaurant is basic, so pack a lunch. To get the best light for photos, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The park opens at 07:00 and closes at 19:00 at Main Camp, while Matyholweni Camp closes at 17:00 (gate open until 18:30). Plan a full day here.
Game drive quality can vary
Not all guided game drives are equal. We had a quiet guide who didn't share much information. If you want a more engaging experience, consider self-driving or try Kragga Kamma instead.
Admission and hours for Addo
Admission is 307 Rand (about 19€). A 2-hour game drive in an open elevated vehicle costs from 389 Rand (about 25€). Addo Main Camp is open 07:00-19:00, Matyholweni Camp 07:00-17:00 (gate open until 18:30).
Less than an hour drive from the city
Addo Elephant National Park is located less than an hour from downtown Port Elizabeth. Drive yourself or join a tour - a rental car is the easiest option.
Plan to spend a whole day - different animals are active at different times.
Spend the night near Addo for an early start into the park.
De Old Drift Guest Farm
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Wonderful Breakfast
Stellenhof Country Estate
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Donkin Reserve
Named after the city's founder, Donkin Reserve is a hilltop park with a huge mosaic, a pyramid, and a lighthouse that offers panoramic views.
- Colorful mosaic carpet flowing into a stone pyramid
- Lighthouse built in 1861 - climb it for 10 Rand
- Fantastic view over Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay
- Part of Route 67, which celebrates Nelson Mandela's life
Donkin Reserve sits on a hill in the city center and was named after Rufane Shaw Donkin, the founder of Port Elizabeth. The main feature is a large mosaic that leads up to a stone pyramid dedicated to Donkin's wife, Elizabeth. Next to the pyramid stands the old lighthouse, built in 1861. You can climb the lighthouse for 10 Rand per person - it's a narrow scramble up ladders, but the view from the top shows the whole city and the bay. The park is also the end point of Route 67, a series of public art pieces and quotes that honor Nelson Mandela's 67 years of work. The reserve is an open space where locals sit and enjoy the scenery. Nearby you'll find the Campanile, the Opera House, and other historic buildings. The walking tour of downtown usually includes Donkin Reserve, and guides can tell you stories about the city's past.
Combine with a walking tour
A guided walking tour of downtown Port Elizabeth covers Donkin Reserve, the Campanile, the Opera House, and other historic sites. It's a great way to hear the stories behind the buildings.
Lighthouse climb costs only 10 Rand
Climbing the Donkin Lighthouse costs just 10 Rand per person. It's one of the cheapest ways to get a bird's-eye view of the city.
Located in downtown Port Elizabeth
Donkin Reserve is in the central area, within walking distance of Market Square and the Campanile. It's easy to reach on foot if you're exploring downtown.
Climb the lighthouse for the best view in town.
Stay in the city center to walk to Donkin Reserve and other downtown attractions.
Treetops Guesthouse
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle (free)
- Non-smoking rooms
- Exceptional Breakfast
Paxton Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Bar
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Kragga Kamma Game Reserve
A private game reserve just 25 minutes from the city center, Kragga Kamma is small enough to visit in half a day and offers close-up views of African wildlife.
- Home to zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs in a separate enclosure
- Self-drive or join a guided game drive in an elevated vehicle
- Half day is enough - 2 to 3 hours
- Admission 100 Rand, guided game drive 265 Rand
Kragga Kamma Game Reserve is a private reserve located just 25 minutes from Port Elizabeth city center. It's much smaller than Addo, making it a good option if you have limited time. You can visit in half a day or even just 2-3 hours. The reserve has zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and many other animals. Cheetahs live in a separate enclosure. You can either drive yourself in your own car or join a guided game drive in an elevated safari vehicle. Unlike the experience at Addo, the guide at Kragga Kamma was full of information and stories, making the drive worthwhile. The reserve opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Admission is 100 Rand (about 6.30€), and the 2-hour guided game drive costs 265 Rand (about 17€). It's a good choice for families or anyone who wants a quick wildlife experience close to the city.
Self-drive is cheaper than guided
Driving yourself costs only 100 Rand entry. The guided game drive adds 265 Rand per person, but the guide provides excellent commentary. Decide based on your interest in animal facts.
Small reserve - half day is enough
Kragga Kamma is manageable in 2-3 hours. You don't need a full day like at Addo. It's perfect if you have a morning or afternoon free.
25 minutes from the city center
The reserve is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Port Elizabeth. It's an easy trip if you have a rental car.
The guide here knows his animals - it's worth the extra cost for a game drive.
Choose accommodation near the reserve for a quick morning visit.
Kragga Kamma Game Park
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Sardinia Bay
Sardinia Bay is Port Elizabeth's best beach for sandboarding, sunsets, and a proper workout climbing over dunes to reach the water.
- Climb steep sand dunes to access the beach - free sandboarding on the way down
- Snorkel at Duck Pond, a protected rock pool area
- Footlong sausages from Günter's Wurst Wagen on weekends (24 Rand)
- Watching the sunset from the dunes is unforgettable
Sardinia Bay, often called Sards by locals, is a beach that makes you work for it. Over the years, sand dunes have swallowed the entrance, so you have to climb steep hills of sand to get to the shore. It's a glute workout, but the reward is a beautiful beach with excellent sandboarding. If you bring a sandboard, a piece of Masonite, or even cardboard, you can slide down the dunes for free. The beach also has a spot called Duck Pond, where rock pools are protected from waves - perfect for snorkeling with a mask. On weekends and holidays, Günter's Wurst Wagen parks nearby and sells footlong cheese-filled sausages for 24 Rand. Many people come in the evening to watch the sunset from the dunes. One local tip: bring a picnic and enjoy dinner on the dunes as the sun disappears over the horizon. It can get windy, so dress accordingly.
Sandboarding is free - bring your own board
The dunes at Sardinia Bay are perfect for sandboarding. You don't need a fancy board; a piece of cardboard works. No rental shops, so bring your own or buy a cheap bodyboard.
The beach access requires climbing dunes
The entrance area is covered by sand dunes, so you have to walk over steep sand to reach the water. It's a short but tiring walk. Wear shoes you don't mind getting sandy.
Drive to Sardinia Bay from the city center
Sardinia Bay is about 15 minutes by car from downtown Port Elizabeth. There's a parking area, but note that parts of the road and lot have been overtaken by sand.
Bring your own board and hit the dunes for free sandboarding.
Shark Rock Pier and Boardwalk
The Boardwalk at Hobie Beach is a hub of shops and restaurants, and Shark Rock Pier is the place to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
- Shops and restaurants line the Boardwalk at Hobie Beach
- Shark Rock Pier offers great sunset views
- Ice cream from the little parlour on the pier - from 7 Rand
- Free musical fountain show every evening
The Boardwalk at Hobie Beach was one of the first places I visited after arriving in Port Elizabeth. It's a long strip of shops and restaurants right on the sand. From there you can walk out onto Shark Rock Pier, a concrete pier that extends into the ocean. It's a popular spot for sunset - many people come here in the evening to watch the sky change colors. The little ice cream parlour at Shark Rock Pier has been there for years and serves gelato, sorbet, and soft serve. A single cone starts at 7 Rand, and a double scoop in a sugar cone costs up to 28 Rand. If you're here in the evening, don't miss the musical fountain show at the Boardwalk. On weeknights it starts at 7pm, and on weekends it runs at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. Grab a milkshake from Wimpy (29 Rand) and watch the fountains dance to music. It's a free family-friendly event.
Sunset from the pier is a must
Head to Shark Rock Pier about 30 minutes before sunset. The view of the sun dipping into the ocean is one of the best in PE. Afterwards, walk over to the Boardwalk for the fountain show.
Musical fountains are free
The fountain show at the Boardwalk costs nothing. Bring a takeaway drink and sit on the benches. On weekends there are three shows: 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm.
Ice cream and fountain schedules
Ice cream is sold daily from the parlour on the pier, prices from 7 Rand to 28 Rand. The musical fountains run weeknights at 7pm, weekends at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm.
Grab a milkshake and watch the musical fountains after sunset.
Stay near Hobie Beach for easy access to the Boardwalk and pier.
The Kelway Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Beachwalk Bed And Breakfast - #Solar Energy #No Loadshedding
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Penguin Rescue Centre
Port Elizabeth has its own marine bird rescue centre where injured penguins are treated and released back into the wild.
- Rescues tired, dehydrated, and injured marine birds
- Penguin feeding at 11:00 and 14:45 daily
- Penguin releases happen regularly - check their Facebook page
- Open daily 09:00 - 16:00
The Penguin Rescue Centre, also known as SAMREC (SA Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre), is located in Port Elizabeth. It takes in penguins and other marine birds that are stranded, injured, or exhausted. The staff nurses them back to health and releases them when they are strong enough. Some birds with permanent injuries stay at the centre permanently. The guided tours are informative, but they only happen if enough volunteers are available. The feeding times are the highlight: penguins are fed at 11:00 and 14:45 every day. You can also follow the centre's Facebook page for updates on upcoming penguin releases. The building is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. It's a small but rewarding stop - especially for families with kids.
Feeding times are fixed at 11:00 and 14:45
If you want to see the penguins being fed, arrive before 11:00 or 14:45. The feeding happens daily and is the best opportunity to see the birds up close.
Open daily from 09:00 to 16:00
The centre is open every day. Admission is affordable - from 20 Rand for children/pensioners to 30 Rand for adults (prices may change). Guided tours depend on volunteer availability.
Located in Port Elizabeth, drive or take a taxi
The rescue centre is within the city area. You can drive or take a rideshare. Check your map for the exact location near the coast.
Time your visit for the 11am feeding - it's the highlight.
What is the best time of day to visit Addo Elephant National Park?
Early morning and late afternoon are best. Animals are more active when the sun is low, and the light is good for photos.
How much does it cost to climb the Donkin Lighthouse?
Climbing the Donkin Lighthouse costs only 10 Rand per person.
Is Sardinia Bay free to visit?
Yes, Sardinia Bay is a public beach with free entry. Sandboarding, snorkeling, and sunset watching are all free activities.
Can you see penguins at the rescue centre every day?
The Penguin Rescue Centre is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Penguin feeding happens at 11:00 and 14:45. Guided tours depend on volunteer availability.
How long does it take to visit Kragga Kamma Game Reserve?
Kragga Kamma is small and can be visited in 2 to 3 hours, making it a good half-day activity.
Are the musical fountains at the Boardwalk free?
Yes, the musical fountain show at the Boardwalk is free. On weeknights it starts at 7pm, on weekends at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm.
