Getting to know Gqeberha
Gqeberha — officially renamed from Port Elizabeth in 2021, though you'll still hear many locals use the old name — is the largest city on the Eastern Cape and one of South Africa's most underrated urban destinations. It sits at the western end of Algoa Bay, enjoys an average of 300 sunny days a year, and has warm Indian Ocean water that stays swimmable year-round.
Its nickname, the Friendly City, is genuinely earned. Gqeberha has none of Cape Town's pretension or Joburg's frenetic energy. It's an easy city to navigate, accommodation is affordable, and it works brilliantly as a base for exploring a long stretch of the Eastern Cape coast and interior.
The beaches
Gqeberha's beachfront stretches for kilometres from Hobie Beach in the south to King's Beach in the north, and most of it holds Blue Flag certification. The water is warmer than Cape Town — rarely below 18°C even in winter — making it genuinely swimmable for most of the year. Summerstrand is the most popular suburb for beach-focused stays, with good restaurants and accommodation all within easy walking distance of the shore.
Addo Elephant National Park
This is the non-negotiable day trip from Gqeberha. The main entrance is about 70 km north of the city — roughly an hour's drive — and the park protects the densest population of African elephants on earth. Unlike Kruger, Addo is malaria-free and compact enough to see significant wildlife on a half-day self-drive. The park has also expanded to include marine sections where Southern Right Whales, great white sharks, and African penguins can be spotted — making it theoretically possible to tick seven of the Big Seven in a single visit.
Things to do in the city
- 🏟️Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium — built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it's an impressive piece of architecture and the view from the parking area over the bay is worth the stop alone.
- 🏛️Donkin Reserve and Pyramid — the heritage heart of the city, with Victorian architecture, a lighthouse, and good views over Algoa Bay.
- 🎰Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex — not just for gambling; it's the best concentration of restaurants and bars on the beachfront and good for a casual evening out.
- 🦁Kragga Kamma Game Park — a small private reserve inside the city boundary; ideal for families who want a Big Five experience without driving all the way to Addo.
- 🏄Surfing at Pipe — one of the more consistent beach breaks in the Eastern Cape, right on the city beachfront and easy to access any time of day.
Best neighbourhoods to stay
Summerstrand is the top pick for most visitors — close to the beach, walkable, and well-served by restaurants and coffee shops. Humewood is similar but a touch quieter. Walmer and Mill Park are leafier, more residential suburbs closer to the airport if you're transiting, while Newton Park gives you quick access to the N2 for early starts toward Addo or the Garden Route.
Where to eat
The Summerstrand beachfront has a solid concentration of restaurants covering everything from sushi to casual grills. Gqeberha also has a strong coffee culture — you won't struggle to find a decent flat white before a morning surf. For the best meal of your trip, find a self-catering Roomly stay with a braai, pick up meat from a local butcher, and do it yourself. It's not an exaggeration to say it will beat most restaurants you'll eat at.
Using Gqeberha as a base
This is where the city really earns its keep. Within two hours' drive you can reach Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay, Port Alfred, the Tsitsikamma National Park, Makhanda (Grahamstown), and multiple private game reserves. It's one of the best-positioned cities in South Africa for a car-based road trip, and the airport (PLZ) has direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Best time to visit
Gqeberha is a genuine year-round destination. December to February is peak beach season. June to August brings whale watching in Algoa Bay and cooler mornings that make game drives at Addo noticeably more productive. September and October are arguably the sweet spot — warm weather, decent surf, whales visible from the beach, and no school-holiday crowds.
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