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Beachcombing and bushwhacking at Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro's beaches are a major attraction.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is the only metropolitan area Nelson Mandela permitted to use his name.
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro's location on South Africa's south-eastern coast has earned it the reputation of being a coastal city with a superb climate. This, combined with its 40-kilometre Indian Ocean beachfront and expanses of malaria-free bush, makes the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro tourism proposition a very attractive one.
Named after Nelson Mandela, the renowned freedom struggle icon and South Africa's former President, the metro is the only one in the Eastern Cape and incorporates Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch.
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro attractions are plenty, with the warm waters of Algoa Bay providing perfect swimming, angling, kite- and wind-surfing, snorkelling and canoeing conditions. The bay's numerous reefs and shipwrecks make it popular with scuba divers, while its abundance of marine life, including dolphins, whales and sharks, provides for exciting excursions.
Architecture buffs will be spoilt for choice with the metro's wide range of architectural profiles, including Victorian, art nouveau and art deco buildings. Port Elizabeth's city centre contains one of the largest clusters of art deco buildings in the country.
The metro also features numerous museums, detailing the histories of local people and early European pioneers, as well as several art galleries. Port Elizabeth houses a unique aviation art gallery, which is reputed to be among the best in the world.
There's no shortage of cultural experiences in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro - a number of African craft markets are available as well as tours into the area's townships, which include traditional dancing, singing, food and a visit to a local shebeen (traditional tavern).
Further inland, the cityscape gives way to open plains and pockets of African bush that offer Big Five game viewing in a malaria-free setting. Bush walks and game drives are available at the various reserves, which include the world famous Shamwari Game Reserve.
From beachcombing and historical tours to cultural experiences and 'bundu bashing' - there's never a dull moment in South Africa's ‘friendly city'.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
The Eastern Cape Tourism Board:
Tel: +27 (0)43 701 9600
Email: info@ectourism.co.za
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism:
Tel: +27 (0) 41 582 2575
Email: info@nmbt.co.za
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to Port Elizabeth International Airport. If you’re driving; from Johannesburg take the N1 south and then the N9 after Colesberg. Pick up the N10 at Middleburg to Port Elizabeth. From Cape Town and Durban, take the N2 east and west respectively to Port Elizabeth.
Tours to do
A city tour, heritage and historical tour, township tour, wildlife tour, or ghost tour of the metro’s Central Hill suburb, which is believed to be haunted.
What to pack
Sunhat, sunblock, swimming costume, snorkelling gear, walking and hiking shoes, game viewing gear including binoculars and field guide, and your camera.
What to eat
Home grown oysters and citrus fruits, seafood and traditional African cuisine.