Port Elizabeth Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General & Logistics
What is the city’s new name? It is officially Gqeberha, though many locals and travel sites still use Port Elizabeth or “PE.”
How do you pronounce Gqeberha? It uses a Xhosa click; the “Gq” is a tongue-click against the roof of the mouth. Many locals just say “PE” to avoid confusion.
What is the city’s nickname? It’s known as “The Friendly City” and “The Windy City.”
Is it worth visiting? Yes, especially as a gateway to the Garden Route and for its world-class, malaria-free safaris.
How many days do I need? 2 to 3 days is usually enough for the city itself, but add more for nearby game reserves.
When is the best time to visit? January to March offers the warmest beach weather.
Is it windy? Yes, particularly in summer (December/January).
What is the “off-season”? June to August is winter; it’s cooler and rainier but great for whale watching.
Does PE have an airport? Yes, Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ).
Can I fly direct from abroad? Most international travelers fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town first.
Is there public transport? Minibus taxis exist, but they aren’t recommended for tourists. Stick to Uber or car rentals.
Should I rent a car? Highly recommended for visiting game reserves and hidden beaches like Sardinia Bay.
Is Uber available? Yes, Uber is widely used and generally safer than street taxis.
What is the “Boardwalk”? A major entertainment complex in Summerstrand with a casino, shops, and restaurants.
Are there good malls? Baywest Mall and Walmer Park are the two largest and safest for shopping.
Is the tap water safe? Usually yes, but check local news for “boil water notices” as infrastructure can sometimes fluctuate.
What is “Loadshedding”? Scheduled power outages. Download the “EskomSePush” app to track them.
What currency is used? The South African Rand (ZAR).
Do I need cash? Most places take cards, but small cash is good for tipping car guards.
What are “Car Guards”? People in high-vis vests who watch your car in public lots. A tip of R5–R10 is standard.
Safety & Practicality
Is Port Elizabeth safe? It’s considered one of the safer large cities in SA, but “South Africa safe” still requires high vigilance.
Can I walk at night? No. Even in “safe” areas like Summerstrand, it is better to take an Uber after dark.
Are the beaches safe? During the day, main beaches like Hobie and Kings are very safe due to crowds and security.
Which areas should I avoid? Avoid the northern townships (unless on a tour) and the CBD/Central area after business hours.
Is it safe to drive at night? Generally yes, but keep windows up and doors locked.
What is “Smash and Grab”? A crime where windows are broken to grab valuables. Keep bags in the trunk, not on seats.
Are there sharks? While they exist in the ocean, attacks are extremely rare. Use beaches with lifeguards.
Is the city malaria-free? Yes, Port Elizabeth and all surrounding game reserves are malaria-free.
What should I do if I get a flat tire? Try to get to a gas station or public area before stopping.
Is Central PE safe for a walking tour? Only do this during the day, preferably with a guide for Route 67.
Activities & Sightseeing
What is the #1 thing to do? A safari at Addo Elephant National Park.
How far is Addo from the city? About 30–45 minutes by car.
Can I do a self-drive safari? Yes, Addo is perfect for self-driving in a regular car.
What is Kragga Kamma? A smaller, private game park closer to the city (15 mins) where you’re guaranteed to see rhino and cheetah.
What is Route 67? A collection of 67 public art pieces symbolizing Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service.
Where is the best view? The Donkin Reserve lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the harbor.
What is the “Pyramid”? A stone pyramid at Donkin Reserve built by Sir Rufane Donkin for his wife, Elizabeth.
Which beach is best for swimming? Humewood Beach (Blue Flag status) and Kings Beach.
Where is the best surfing? Pollock Beach (“Pipe”) is the local favorite.
What is Shark Rock Pier? The iconic pier in Summerstrand, great for photos and sunset walks.
Can I see penguins? Yes, visit SAMREC (SANCCOB) penguin rehabilitation center at Cape Recife.
Where can I see whales? They migrate past the coast between June and December.
What is Sardinia Bay? A stunning, “wild” beach with massive dunes; great for hiking.
Is there a museum? The Bayworld museum complex features a maritime museum and snake park.
What is the South End Museum? A museum detailing the forced removals during Apartheid.
Can I hike in PE? Yes, the Sacramento Trail in Schoenmakerskop is a beautiful coastal hike.
What is the “Island Nature Reserve”? A spot for forest walks and picnics just outside the city.
Are there boat tours? Yes, Raggy Charters offers whale and dolphin watching in Algoa Bay.
Can I scuba dive? Yes, PE is known as the “Water Sport Capital” with several reef sites.
What is “Settlers Park”? A nature valley in the middle of the city, but it’s best visited in groups for safety.
Food & Dining
What is the best street for food? Stanley Street in Richmond Hill is famous for its trendy restaurants.
What is a “Braai”? A South African BBQ; it’s a way of life here.
Where can I get good seafood? The Fat Fish or Blackbeards.
What is “Something Good”? A popular roadhouse/restaurant at Pollock Beach with a great vibe.
Where is the best steak? Blue Waters Café or any of the local steakhouse chains like Spur (for families).
What is a “Bunny Chow”? Curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread (try it at local cafes).
Where can I get craft beer? Bridge Street Brewery or Richmond Hill Brewing Co.
Is tipping expected? Yes, 10%–15% is the standard at restaurants.
What is “Biltong”? Dried, cured meat—a must-try South African snack.
Best place for breakfast? Grass Roof (near Sardinia Bay) or Bocadillos.
What is “Koesisters” or “Koeksisters”? Sweet, syrupy traditional pastries.
Can I find vegan food? Yes, most upscale restaurants in Walmer and Richmond Hill have options.
What is Amarula? A cream liqueur made from the marula fruit; try it over ice.
Is the coffee culture good? Yes, check out Mastertons (local coffee roasters since 1924).
Where to go for a “sundowner”? Barney’s Tavern on the beachfront is a classic choice.
Day Trips
How far is Jeffreys Bay? About 1 hour west; world-famous for surfing.
Can I visit a township? Yes, but only with an organized tour like Emzini Tours.
What is “St Francis Bay”? A beautiful town 1.5 hours away known for its white houses and canals.
Where is the world’s highest bungee jump? Bloukrans Bridge, about 2 hours from PE.
What is Tsitsikamma? A stunning national park 2 hours away, famous for the Storms River suspension bridge.
Can I visit a luxury game reserve? Yes, Shamwari and Amakhala are nearby high-end options.
Is there a “Valley of Desolation”? Yes, in Graaff-Reinet, about 3 hours north.
What is Bathurst? A quirky town nearby with the “World’s Largest Pineapple.”
What is Grahamstown (Makhanda) known for? Its history, schools, and the National Arts Festival in July.
How far is the Garden Route? PE is technically the eastern end/start of the Garden Route.
Culture & People
What languages are spoken? English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa are the most common.
How do I say “Hello”? “Molo” in Xhosa or “Howzit” in South African slang.
What is a “Robot”? The local term for a traffic light.
What is a “Shop”? Often called a “Café” if it’s a small corner store.
Are people friendly? It’s called the Friendly City for a reason; locals are generally very welcoming.
What is the local sport? Rugby is huge. Try to catch a game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
What is “Ironman”? PE hosts the Ironman African Championship every year (usually March/April).
Is there a nightlife scene? It’s quieter than Cape Town, but Richmond Hill and the Boardwalk have bars.
Can I volunteer? Yes, SANCCOB often takes volunteers for penguin rescue.
What is the “Canoe Trail”? The Sundays River offers great canoeing nearby.
Accommodation
Where is the best area to stay? Summerstrand for beach access or Walmer for leafy suburbs and restaurants.
Are there hostels? Yes, Lungile Backpackers and Island Vibe are popular.
Are Airbnb options good? Yes, there are many high-quality apartments in Summerstrand.
What is “The Humewood”? A historic and popular hotel near the beach.
Can I stay inside Addo? Yes, SANParks offers chalets and campsites inside the park.
Random & Essential
What should I pack? A windbreaker (the wind is real), sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
Is there a lot of traffic? Compared to Joburg or Cape Town, almost none.
Can I get a SIM card? Yes, at the airport. Vodacom and MTN have the best coverage.
What is the emergency number? 10111 for police.
Are there many mosquitoes? Not many, but some near rivers.
Is the sun strong? Extremely. South African sun burns very quickly.
Can I swim with dolphins? You can see them on boat tours, but swimming with them isn’t a standard “activity.”
What is “Apple Express”? A historic narrow-gauge steam train (check if it’s running during your visit).
Is the city “dying” as some travelers say? There are infrastructure challenges, but the tourism hubs and suburbs remain vibrant.
Will I see the Big Five? If you go to Addo or a private reserve like Amakhala, your chances are very high.