Explore Port Elizabeth: The Friendly City on Algoa Bay

Afrikaans name: Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth

Photo © michaeljung - Fotolia.com

Eastern Cape

Port Elizabeth was founded in 1820, with its first permanent population made up of British settlers. The city is situated on Algoa Bay, though its connection to European exploration dates back much further — to 1497, when Vasco da Gama sailed past the coastline. Today, Port Elizabeth forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was constructed specifically for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Often called the “Windy City” because of the strong coastal winds, Port Elizabeth is also affectionately known as the “Friendly City.”

Much of the local economy revolves around the harbour and the motor industry. The port includes one of the largest vehicle loading facilities in the southern hemisphere. Other significant industries in the region include pharmaceuticals, leather, paper, and various food processing operations.

Tourism has become increasingly important to Port Elizabeth. The city is considered the gateway to many of the Eastern Cape’s top attractions. Within the city itself, visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, with King’s Beach and Hobie Beach being among the most popular. Addo Elephant Park lies just 72 km away. Other notable attractions include Fort Frederick, the Horse Memorial, the Bayworld Snake Park, and the Campanile Memorial — where those with stamina (and no fear of heights) can climb 204 steps for spectacular views of the city.

Port Elizabeth

Photo © Joyce van Stan - Fotolia.com

References and further reading

Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 89

Things ewe never kn ewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Published: 2015 - Page: 179

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 70

The Dive Sites of South Africa - Author: Anton Koornhof - Published: 1992 - Page: 80

Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 103

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 196

Reader s Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 134

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 193

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 193

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 96

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 76

go! - Issue 142 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 104

go! - Issue 140 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 54

go! - Issue 139 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 34

go! - Issue 136 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 104

go! - Issue 103 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 102

go! - Issue 088 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 45

Getaway - Vol 32 No 12 - Author: - Published: 2021 - Page: 101

Getaway - Vol 30 No 12 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 27

Getaway - Vol 30 No 10 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 54

Getaway - Vol 30 No 06 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 82

Getaway - Vol 29 No 09 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 18

Getaway - Vol 29 No 01 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 64

Getaway - Vol 28 No 11 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 20

Farm Stall to Farm Stall - Author: Jennifer Stern - Published: 2014 - Page: 111

Farm Stall to Farm Stall - Author: Jennifer Stern - Published: 2014 - Page: 61

Country Life - Issue 286 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 38

Country Life - Issue 273 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 85

Country Life - Issue 251 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 83

Country Life - Issue 245 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 36

Country Life - Issue 227 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 56

Country Life - Issue 224 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 62

Country Life - Issue 212 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 40

Conolly s Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 131

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 138

Birdwatching around Port Elizabeth - Author: Eastern Cape Wild Bird Society - Published: 1985 - Page: 1

A Field Guide to the Eastern Cape Coast - Author: R. Lubke, F. Gess & M. Bruton - Published: 1988 - Page: 414

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism

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