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Road tripping around the Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth – surrounding areas
Game reserves are close to Port Elizabeth.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Apple Express train runs across the highest narrow gauge bridge in the world, Van Stadens Bridge.
Port Elizabeth's surrounding areas offer so much to explore just a few hours either side of this fun host city. To the west of PE is the Garden Route and to the east, the Sunshine Coast, Frontier Country and more than a million hectares of malaria-free game reserves. Take a break from supporting your team to experience the Eastern Cape countryside.
The areas surrounding Port Elizabeth include a number of nature reserves, including the Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve, 35 km from town. It's a 500-hectare sanctuary that celebrates the region's indigenous flora and fauna. There's a visitors' centre, nursery and picnic site. Two short walks are on offer: a forest walk and a river walk.
Nature trails are a popular way to explore the area and they vary in difficulty. The 8 km-long Sacramento Trail takes a coastal route along the vegetated dunes of the Sardinia Bay Reserve. You could also overnight at the scenic Woody Cape Nature Reserve, which stretches from Sunday's River Mouth to the Bushman's River. The reserve incorporates one of the largest coastal dune fields in the world.
If you're looking for a safari experience, make your way to the Addo Elephant National Park, Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Kwantu Private Game Reserve and a host of other wild places.
Further inland you'll find the Arts Festival town of Grahamstown (the festival takes place in July) about 120 km north-east of Port Elizabeth. Another notable stop-over is the town of Graaff Reinet in the foothills of the Sneeuberg Mountains. The Valley of Desolation and the Camdeboo National Park are within easy reach of Graaff Reinet.
Grahamstown is in close proximity to the charming seaside towns of Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea, where there are more sand, sea and water sports on offer. And of course, international surfing capital, Jeffrey's Bay, is also within easy reach.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
Donkin Reserve
Lighthouse Building
Central Port Elizabeth
Tel: +27 (0) 41 585 8884
Fax: +27 (0) 41 585 2564
Email: info@nmbt.co.za
How to get here
Fly in to Port Elizabeth from abroad or from South Africa’s main airports in Durban, Johannesburg or Cape Town. Alternatively you can get there by road along the N2.
Around the area
There’s so much to see including the Addo Elephant National Park, the Valley of Desolation, Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve and the seaside towns of Kenton-on-Sea and Jeffrey’s Bay.
Tours to do
Travel the Garden Route.
Get around
Having your own car to explore the surrounding areas is a good idea. Alternatively take an organised bus tour.
What will it cost
Prices range depending on your chosen activities. Accommodation at the Addo Elephant National Park starts at approx R150 per person per night. Prices for forest cabins begin at approx R495 per person per night.
Length of stay
Spend 3 to 4 nights in Port Elizabeth and then go on a journey of exploration through the Eastern Cape.
Where to stay
Enquire about accommodation at the various national parks and game reserves. The nature reserves also offer camping and rustic accommodation.
What to eat
Seafood if on the coast and a traditional South African braai (barbeque) are always good options.
What's happening
The Grahamstown Festival happens annually in July - one of the most important arts and culture events in the country.
Best buys
Xhosa crafts