The City on the sea, with very little traffic, a host of blue-flag swimming beaches, sunny boulevards, fine dining, and easy access to some incredible Game Reserves – Port Elizabeth (aka PE) is surely underrated?
PE or ‘the friendly city’ as it’s also referred to, is situated in the Eastern Cape and fast becoming a very cool City. It’s full of quirky bars and eateries, and evening markets offering live entertainment accompanied by delicious cuisine which we hear should not be missed!
Port Elizabeth also acts as a gateway to some stunning game reserves, many of which are home to the Big 5 and also malaria free which ensures their popularity. Addo Elephant National Park is the jewel of the Eastern Cape and the 3rd largest reserve in South Africa. As the name suggests, it is teeming with elephants so if it’s elys you want to see you won’t be disappointed but we can assure you there will be lots of other wildlife too. Thanks to the mountainous area surrounding Addo, it’s also a really beautiful Park with dramatic landscapes, rolling hills and hidden valleys. Because of its location, you could technically arrange a day trip into Addo from PE but we do recommend you spend a few nights there to fully experience it.
In terms of accommodation, you can choose between a self-catering option, meaning most game drives are conducted in your own vehicle, which is very popular and easier than you think, or if you fancy a spoil and prefer to be taken care of, then you can consider one of the inclusive lodges in the area.
For those seeking a more intimate game experience, there are plenty of amazing private reserves dotted around the province. Choosing the right lodge however, can be a little overwhelming so allow us to guide you and share some of our own personal experiences.
It’s very common for self-drivers to end their journey in PE after exploring the Garden Route, and with the airport only a stone’s throw from the city centre, you can easily hop on a plane bound for your next destination.
