Gqeberha, known until 2021 as Port Elizabeth (and still often called “PE”), is a relaxed beach city on the wide sweep of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. Nicknamed “the Friendly City” and “the Windy City,” it is the main city of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro and a major port and car-manufacturing center, with warm-water beaches, a long beachfront, one of the best dolphin and seabird boat trips in the country, and a rich, sometimes painful history: the township of New Brighton was a center of the anti-apartheid struggle. For most travelers, though, Gqeberha’s biggest draw is its location. It sits at the eastern end of the Garden Route, less than an hour from Addo Elephant National Park, and close to a ring of malaria-free private game reserves, so you can fly in, see elephants and the Big Five the same afternoon, and finish on the beach. The new name, from the isiXhosa name of the Baakens River, is pronounced roughly “Xeh-beh-ha,” with a click at the start; the airport is now Chief Dawid Stuurman International. Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere: summer (December to February) is warm and breezy, and winter (June to August) is mild, with rain spread fairly evenly through the year.
Right now in Gqeberha
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Top tours in Gqeberha
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Gqeberha at a glance
- Best months: October to April for beach weather; March to May and September to November for mild days and fewer crowds. Winter is mild and good for safaris in Addo and the private reserves.
- Time needed: one or two days for the city and beaches; three to five days with Addo or a private reserve.
- Getting there: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) is about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the beachfront, with flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. By road, Gqeberha is about 760 km (470 miles) from Cape Town and 170 km (106 miles) from Storms River.
- Costs (as of October 2026): Addo’s conservation fee is R492 (about US$30) per international adult per day until 31 October 2026, rising to R565 (about US$34) from 1 November 2026.
- Before you go: visas, money and the SANParks Wild Card are covered in our South Africa travel guide.
Gqeberha areas and who each one suits
Summerstrand and Humewood
The main beachfront strip south of the center, along Marine Drive, has the most hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, the Boardwalk casino and entertainment complex, and the city’s best swimming beaches: Kings Beach, Humewood and Hobie Beach, with its pier. It is the most convenient base, close to the airport and lively in summer.
Central and the Donkin Reserve
The historic center on the hill above the harbor has the Donkin Reserve, a lighthouse and a stone pyramid built in 1820 by the colony’s acting governor in memory of his wife, the Route 67 public art trail and Victorian buildings. It’s interesting by day; take a guided walk, and use ride-hailing after dark.
Walmer and Newton Park
Leafy suburbs with guesthouses, malls and restaurants, between the airport and the beaches. Quiet and practical for travelers with a car.
Cape Recife and Sardinia Bay
At the southern tip of the city, the Cape Recife Nature Reserve has a lighthouse, coastal walks and a seabird rehabilitation center. West of it, Sardinia Bay has wild dunes, rock pools and the Sacramento Trail. Good for walkers and nature lovers.
New Brighton and the northern areas
The townships north of the center, including New Brighton and Motherwell, are home to much of the city’s population and its history of resistance. Visit with a local guide, starting at the Red Location Museum.
Top things to see in Gqeberha
The beachfront and Hobie Pier
Walk or cycle the promenade from the harbor to Pollok Beach, swim at the lifeguarded beaches of Kings and Hobie, and join locals for sundowners at the beachfront restaurants. Algoa Bay is warmer than the Atlantic, around 17–22 °C (63–72 °F) depending on the season, but the wind is often strong in the afternoons, so mornings are best for the beach.
Algoa Bay marine safaris
Boat trips from the harbor look for bottlenose and common dolphins, often in large pods, Cape fur seals, African penguins around St Croix Island, which has one of the largest African penguin colonies, and Cape gannets on Bird Island. Southern right and humpback whales pass from about June to November, and Bryde’s whales may be seen year-round. Licensed operators run trips of about two to four hours. See our boat trips guide.
Red Location Museum
In New Brighton, the award-winning Red Location Museum tells the story of the struggle against apartheid in the Eastern Cape, in a building designed around “memory boxes.” Visit with a guide who can show you the surrounding township and its history.
Donkin Reserve and Route 67
The Route 67 trail, of 67 public artworks marking Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service, leads from the Campanile near the harbor up to the Donkin Reserve, with its lighthouse, pyramid and a giant South African flag. The view stretches across the bay.
South End Museum and Bayworld
The South End Museum recalls the multicultural neighborhood whose residents were forcibly removed under the Group Areas Act. Bayworld, at Humewood, combines a natural history museum and a snake park.
Cape Recife and the seabird center
Walk the trails of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve to the lighthouse and look for shorebirds; the seabird rehabilitation center at Cape Recife, run by the conservation organization SANCCOB, cares for injured and oiled penguins and seabirds.
From Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha
People lived along Algoa Bay for many thousands of years before Portuguese navigators passed in the 15th century. The modern town grew from a British fort, Fort Frederick, built in 1799, and from the arrival of about 4,000 British settlers in 1820, when Sir Rufane Donkin named the settlement Port Elizabeth after his late wife. The port and later the car factories brought workers from across the region, and in the 20th century the city became a stronghold of the trade union movement and the anti-apartheid struggle, with New Brighton producing many of its leaders. In 2001 the city joined neighboring towns to form the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, and in 2021 it took the isiXhosa name Gqeberha, from the Baakens River.
Addo or a private reserve?
Both are malaria-free and close to the city. Addo, a national park, lets you self-drive at your own pace for a modest conservation fee, with SANParks rest camp accommodation and optional guided drives; elephants are almost guaranteed, but the park is busy at weekends. Private reserves such as Shamwari, Kariega and Amakhala cost much more but include guided game drives in open vehicles with rangers who can go off-road, meals and often a stay in a luxury lodge; they suit travelers on a short trip who want the best chance of the Big Five with no driving. Many travelers combine a day in Addo with a night at a private reserve.
Other things to do in Gqeberha
- Sardinia Bay and the Sacramento Trail: a coastal hike of about 8 km (5 miles) past a 16th-century shipwreck site and rock pools.
- Diving and snorkeling: reefs and wrecks in Algoa Bay, best in calm conditions. See our diving guide.
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing: the reliable wind makes Hobie Beach and the bay a favorite.
- Sport: rugby and soccer at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup, and cricket at historic St George’s Park.
- Sand dunes: sandboarding in the huge dunes of the Sundays River mouth at Colchester, near Addo.
- Settlers Park: a nature reserve in the Baakens River valley in the middle of the city, with walking trails, birds and wildflowers.
- Fort Frederick: the small stone fort built by the British in 1799, the oldest building in the Eastern Cape, with views over the harbor.
- Golf and horse riding: coastal courses at Humewood and beach rides at Sardinia Bay.
Food and drink
Gqeberha’s restaurants focus on seafood and steaks, with beachfront bars, craft breweries and cafés in Walmer and Richmond Hill, the city’s food and nightlife district near the center. Try calamari, line fish and oysters, and Eastern Cape specialties such as umngqusho, a dish of samp and beans. Sundays River Valley citrus is grown nearby. Tip 10–15% in restaurants.
Day trips from Gqeberha
Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park, run by SANParks, is about 70 km (43 miles) north, roughly an hour’s drive to the main gate, or 45 minutes to the southern Matyholweni Gate. It is home to hundreds of elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino and more, in a malaria-free area. Self-drive or join a guided game drive.
Private game reserves
East and northeast of the city, malaria-free private reserves such as Shamwari, Kariega, Amakhala and Schotia offer Big Five game drives with lodge stays or day visits, many within 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive.
Jeffreys Bay
About an hour west, Jeffreys Bay is a world-famous surf town known for the long right-hand point break at Supertubes. See our surfing guide.
The Garden Route
Tsitsikamma and the Garden Route start about two hours west; many travelers begin or end a Garden Route road trip in Gqeberha.
Nearby destinations
Getting there and getting around
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ)
The airport, run by ACSA, is close to the city, about 10 minutes from Summerstrand. It has direct flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, and rental car desks.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) are the easiest way to move around the city. A rental car is best for Addo, the private reserves, Jeffreys Bay and the Garden Route. Public buses are limited for visitors. Guided tours run from the city to Addo and the townships.
By road and coach
The N2 links Gqeberha with the Garden Route and Cape Town in the west and with East London and the Wild Coast in the east. Intercity coaches and the Baz Bus serve the city.
When to go and how long to stay
Gqeberha has a mild climate, with rain spread through the year and no long dry season. Summer (December to February) is warm, around 25–26 °C (77–79 °F), with strong afternoon winds and the busiest beaches. Autumn (March to May) is often calm and pleasant. Winter (June to August) is mild, around 20 °C (68 °F) by day, with cool nights. Spring (September to November) is windy but brings whales and flowers.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Rain days (≥1 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 °C (78 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 5 |
| Feb | 26 °C (79 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5 |
| Mar | 25 °C (77 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 6 |
| Apr | 23 °C (74 °F) | 14 °C (56 °F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6 |
| May | 22 °C (72 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) | 5 |
| Jun | 21 °C (69 °F) | 8 °C (47 °F) | 52 mm (2.0 in) | 5 |
| Jul | 20 °C (68 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) | 51 mm (2.0 in) | 6 |
| Aug | 20 °C (68 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7 |
| Sep | 20 °C (69 °F) | 11 °C (51 °F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7 |
| Oct | 21 °C (71 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 6 |
| Nov | 23 °C (73 °F) | 14 °C (58 °F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 7 |
| Dec | 24 °C (76 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6 |
| Year | 23 °C (73 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 592 mm (23 in) | 71 |
Figures are the South African Weather Service’s 1991–2020 normals for Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport, as published by the World Meteorological Organization.
Events worth planning around
- Ironman African Championship (usually March or April): roads around the beachfront close.
- Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival (Easter): beachfront music and family events.
- Whale season (about June to November).
Dates change each year; check with the organizers.
How long to stay: 1, 3 and 5 days
- One day: the beachfront, Donkin Reserve and Route 67, and an Algoa Bay boat trip.
- Three days: add a day in Addo and a township tour with the Red Location Museum.
- Five days: add two nights at a private reserve or in Jeffreys Bay.
Where to stay in Gqeberha
- Summerstrand and Humewood: beachfront hotels and guesthouses near restaurants.
- Walmer: guesthouses near the airport in quiet suburbs.
- Near Addo: lodges and guest farms in the Sundays River Valley and Colchester, for early game drives.
- Private reserves: all-inclusive lodges with game drives.
Typical costs in Gqeberha
| Item (as of October 2026) | Rand | About US dollars |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| Addo conservation fee, international adult, per day (to 31 Oct 2026 / from 1 Nov 2026) | R492 / R565 | $30 / $34 |
| Algoa Bay marine boat trip | about R900–1,400 | about $54–84 |
| Ride-hailing, airport to Summerstrand | about R60–120 | about $4–7 |
| Main course in a mid-range restaurant | about R120–220 | about $7–13 |
| Day visit with game drive at a private reserve | about R1,800–3,500 | about $110–210 |
| Mid-range hotel room, per night | about R1,100–2,200 | about $66–130 |
The Addo fees are official SANParks figures (2025/26 and 2026/27 tariffs; fees change every November); other prices are typical ranges. Conversions use about R16.60 to US$1.
Safety in Gqeberha
Gqeberha is generally relaxed, and the beachfront and main tourist areas are busy and well used, but take normal big-city precautions.
- Getting around: use ride-hailing apps at night and don’t walk alone after dark, especially in the central business district and quiet parts of the beachfront. Visit townships with a local guide.
- Valuables: keep phones and bags out of sight, and leave nothing in parked cars.
- Sea and wind: swim at lifeguarded beaches between the flags; rip currents and strong winds are common. Sharks are present in Algoa Bay; avoid swimming at dawn, dusk or in murky water.
- Water and power: in late September 2026, electrical faults disrupted water treatment and supply in parts of the metro; by October 5, supply had been restored to most affected areas, and the municipality asked residents to use water sparingly. National load-shedding has been suspended, but local unplanned outages occur.
- Malaria: none; Gqeberha, Addo and the Eastern Cape reserves are malaria-free.
- Emergencies: call 10111 for the police and 10177 for an ambulance, or 112 from a mobile.
Practical tips for Gqeberha
- Names: you’ll see both Gqeberha and Port Elizabeth on maps and signs; the airport code is still PLZ.
- Wind: plan beach time and boat trips for the morning.
- Plugs and money: type M and N sockets at 230 V; cards accepted almost everywhere.
What to pack for Gqeberha
Bring a windbreaker, layers for cool evenings, swimwear, a sun hat, SPF 50 sunscreen and sunglasses, neutral-colored clothes and binoculars for Addo, and comfortable walking shoes for coastal trails. See our hiking shoes guide.
Gqeberha travel FAQ
Is Gqeberha the same as Port Elizabeth?
Yes. The city was officially renamed Gqeberha in 2021; it is part of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, and the airport is now Chief Dawid Stuurman International (PLZ).
How do you pronounce Gqeberha?
Roughly “Xeh-beh-ha,” starting with an isiXhosa click; most visitors simply say “Gqeberha” as best they can, and locals also still say “PE.”
How far is Addo Elephant National Park from Gqeberha?
About 70 km (43 miles) to the main gate, an hour’s drive; the southern Matyholweni Gate is about 45 minutes away.
Is Gqeberha malaria-free?
Yes. Gqeberha, Addo and the Eastern Cape’s private game reserves are malaria-free.
What is there to do in Gqeberha?
Beaches, Algoa Bay dolphin and penguin boat trips, the Red Location and South End museums, Route 67 and the Donkin Reserve, and day trips to Addo, private reserves and Jeffreys Bay.
When is the best time to visit Gqeberha?
October to April for the beach, and March to May or September to November for mild, quieter days. It’s mild enough to visit year-round.
Can you see penguins in Gqeberha?
Yes, on boat trips around St Croix Island in Algoa Bay, and at the seabird rehabilitation center at Cape Recife.
Is Gqeberha safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free. Use ride-hailing at night, keep valuables hidden and visit townships with a guide.
How far is Gqeberha from Cape Town?
About 760 km (470 miles) via the Garden Route, roughly nine hours’ driving, or an hour and a quarter by plane.
Is the water in Gqeberha safe to drink?
Tap water is treated, but supply can be interrupted in some areas; follow local notices and keep bottled water as a backup.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 6 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 6 October 2026. Addo conservation fees (2025/26 and 2026/27) and gate information: South African National Parks (SANParks); water and power interruptions: the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; load-shedding status: Eskom; exchange rate: the European Central Bank; climate: the South African Weather Service’s 1991–2020 normals for Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport via the World Meteorological Organization. The renaming, attractions, marine wildlife, distances, events and typical prices are general references and flagged for checking. For entry rules and money, see our South Africa travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · Wikidata (CC0)