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Addo Elephant National Park

The Addo Elephant National Park (area 14,551ha/35,941ac) lies 72km/45mi north of Port Elizabeth between the Zuurberg range and the valley of the Sundays River. It was established in 1931 to preserve the last eleven South African bush elephants from extinction (there are now some 450 elephants in the reserve). The valuable Cape buffalo has also been preserved here. Other animals to be seen in the park include black rhinos and numerous species of antelope (bushbucks, kudus, red hartebeests, elands, Cape grysboks, duikers, etc.). Among nocturnal animals found here are porcupines, anteaters and bush pigs. 185 species of birds have been recorded, including Cape thick-knees, bronze-naped pigeons, ostriches, little swifts, quails, wattled starlings, Cape red-shouldered glossy starlings and kites. The bush in the park consists of low-growing trees and climbing plants. The dominant plant is the spekboom bush, the elephants' main source of food. The best place to see elephants is at one of the six waterholes in the park. For bird-watchers there is an observation platform at the entrance to the park.

Accommodation for visitors is available in rondavels, cottages, chalets and a camping site, and there are a restaurant and a shop. Day visitors are also welcome. The park can be explored by visitors in their own car. There is also an area surrounded by an elephant-proof fence in which they can walk freely.

Jeffrey's Bay

This town is a mecca for active travellers who are up for fun activities. Not far from the centre of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is an ideal place for the whole family. Surfers usually come here for the many surfing spots, boasting fabulous breaks. There are also many beaches which are safe for swimming. Those not into water sports can enjoy golf, tennis, squash, horseback riding, cycling and hiking. The seashells are also famous here, and you can find the Shell Museum opposite Main Beach, where local craftsmen offer delicate shell art for sale.

Oceanarium

The Oceanarium has a large number of aquarium tanks in which fish and other marine creatures live in near natural conditions, but its great attraction is the dolphin show presented daily.

Zuurberg National Park

The Zuurberg National Park (area 20,777ha/51,319ac) lies in the Winterhoek Mountains 12km/71\2mi north of the Addo National Park. It is a hilly region with deep rocky ravines in which rare and beautiful plants flourish. There are expanses of fynbos scrub, including the low-growing sugarbush. Among the animals to be seen in the park are numerous antelopes and gazelles, including mountain reedbucks and rheboks, as well as baboons, caracals and jackals. Kudus are to be found both within and outside the park. Mountain zebras and hippopotamuses have been re-established here.

Port Elizabeth Museum

Visitors who have more time at their disposal should pay a visit to this museum complex, situated on the coast to the south of the city center. The main building contains the departments of archaeology and anthropology.

April - September

January - February -> 25(°C) - Summer
July - August -> 7(°C) - Spring

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