From the Addo Elephant Park to a six-course beer tasting inspired by the city’s vibrance, this is how you should be spending your time in Port Elizabeth…
The #SAfricansTravelToo travel team made a comeback (we never left!) and this time around Port Elizabeth and the Easter Cape province was more than happy to be our proud hosts. With travels made possible by SA Express and Radisson Blu PE, we’ve come to learn that PE remains one of Mzansi’s distinctly down-to-earth city (and also the 2nd largest – in regards to area that is).
Whether it’s magnificent views you’re after, Dubai-like instagram pics, a craft beer experience or simply the best places to eat, it’s a city best seen on foot (most of the time) and this is how you should be spending your time in and around Port Elizabeth.
Stay
Raddison Blu at Summerstrand is a favourite as the staff pay close attention to detail, the spa is excellent and the rooms are spacious with contemporary décor – it’s a feel-good stay. Also, the hotel’s morning omelettes are the best ever.
Beyond the striking aesthetic, there's impeccable service and an exquisite on-property restaurant/bar.
Thanks for being amazing this weekend #radissonblupe! #wedotourism #myEC #adventureprovince #ECPTA #FlySAExpress #Weflyforyou #25yearsofconnections #SAfricansTravelToo pic.twitter.com/9SyIl9JG2e
— Papi Mabele (@PapiMabele) April 15, 2019
The Marine
There are penguins and then there are penguin sanctuaries. Found gliding through the waters around the remote St Croix Island, just east of Port Elizabeth, the african penguins – are drawn to the warm(-ish) water found on this coastal front. Raggy Charters Marine organises expeditions for close encounters – the curious creatures are known to swoop in, keeping a mere metre’s distance from boats and yachts alike, to interact safely (from a distance).
Eat
Bridge Street Brewery: The PE-based micro-brewery and cafe style eatery, elevates simple dishes with their creative approach to using local, sustainable ingredients. The tapas style menu naturally changes frequently, not only to retain its seasonal produce but also means that we can visit time and time again for a whole new experience. Current plates on the menu that must be tried are Bowman Cider Roast Pork Belly with apple chutney, a side of onion rings and your choice of a side and a seriously inviting set apple crumble served with Bowman Cider Sorbet. Pair all of this with their famous beer tasting board and you’re sorted!
Went Sandboarding.
Never again ???? pic.twitter.com/DcJyQLbJqO
— Papi Mabele (@PapiMabele) April 13, 2019
Discover
Port Elizabeth has plenty to discover, but one significant highlight of its permanent exhibitions for those with an interest in conceptual art is their “Route 67”. Dubbed by many as the first large great piece of art dedicated to Nelson Mandela , Route 67 consists of 67 Public Art Works symbolising Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to the Freedom of South Africa and includes 67 steps leading up the second largest flag in Africa. The artworks were designed by local artists from the Eastern Cape. If you’re into way more than just artistic walks, you’ll love Sunday’s River.
We traveled about 30 minutes outside of PE where we found Sandboarding at Sunday’s River. Once here they took us across the Sundays River to the sand dunes and afforded us the opportunity to sandboard for about 3 hours. Water sports follow the same principal which takes place in the river at an additional higher cost. Not just that, but they’re able to teach clients how to wakeboard and water-ski on the Sundays River.
Yhuu guys! Besideles screaming like a girl, the #adventureprovince has been nothing short of amazing. Thrilling adventure through #myEC arranged by @Lyontours
#myEC #ECPTA #SAfricansTravelToo@flySAExpress@MsLeloB @king_zimela pic.twitter.com/WPDVM2svhg
— Papi Mabele (@PapiMabele) April 14, 2019
On your way from Sunday’s River, take a short left and you’ll end up at the Addo Elephant National Park. Home to more than 600 elephants the Addo Elephant National Park, despite having ‘elephant’ in the name, also extends right down to the ocean and currently protects some very important islands in Algoa Bay too, namely St Croix and Bird Island. We spent half a day at this majestic park followed by a hearty lunch at it’s esteemed on-site restaurant.
Out sunboarding at the Sundays River Adventures in Colchester. #MyEasternCape has a lot of hidden gems.
Celebrating #25yearsofconnections with @flySAExpress pic.twitter.com/AUAei4K5f4
— Papi Mabele (@PapiMabele) April 13, 2019
All of these excursions were arranged by Lyon Tours should you wish to duplicate ours or create your itinerary.
How epic was our #SAfricansTravelToo weekend in #myEC!?
I'm giving away 8x return flights to any of @flySAExpress destinations (excl Lubumbashi, DRC) to celebrate #25yearsofconnections. To enter, simply tell me what 2 activities did we take part in when exploring the EC? pic.twitter.com/bmxw9LPetc
— Papi Mabele (@PapiMabele) April 17, 2019
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