We spent a week in Port Elizabeth and didn’t go to a fraction of the tourist spots. While driving to Jeffreysbay, we realised how much we still had to do and see! Here are a few things (there is SO much more to do there) that I would like to do the next time we go on holiday there, the plan is to go once a year or two:

Seaview Predator Park

Seaview Predator Park is a privately owned, 120-hectare animal park, overlooking the sea in the beautiful area of Seaview, just west of Port Elizabeth.

Seaview Predator Park invites you to become ‘part of the pride’, as you come face to fur with our lions, tigers, and many other beautiful wild animals. Self-drive through the park in your own vehicle (4X4 vehicles not needed) and you’re bound to see our giraffe, zebra or buck just near your car.

Seaview Predator Park promotes conservation by rehabilitating wild animals and birds, which are housed in our sanctuary area.

Enjoy a light meal or refreshments at our hilltop restaurant or make use of our self-catering braai/ picnic area. Our lions are are fed every Sunday, at 12 noon, for public viewing.

Pearson Conservatory

1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory was built for the cultivation of exotic plants, water lilies and beautiful orchids. Named after Mr Henry Pearson, Mayor of P.E. on sixteen occasions, member of the Legislative Assembly, Treasurer-General of the Cape 1880-81 and Colonial Secretary in 1889. It was he who suggested the establishment of the conservatory for the cultivation of exotic plants. It was declared a national monument in 1983.

St Croix Motor Museum

The St. Croix Motor Museum, Mowbray Street, Newton Park displays a private collection of vintage and classic vehicles dating back to 1901.

Campanile Memorial

The Campanile was erected to commemorate the landing of the 1820 Settlers and is situated at the entrance to the railway station and docks in Strand Street, the spot were it is said the settlers landed in Port Elizabeth. The architects were Jones & McWilliams with construction starting in 1920 and it was completed in 1922.
The Campanile Memorial has a climb of 204 steps that takes one to the Observation Room, offering a magnificent view of the harbor and surroundings, more than 52m above the city.

The Campanile contains the largest carillon of bells in the country in addition to its chiming clock. When it’s song time, the tower tops ring out with a carillon of 23 bells, conjuring nostalgic cries of history.

Route 67 starts at the Campanile and there has since been new art additions added around the tower to include the history leading up to the settlers arrival and up to South Africa’s democratic dawn.

Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, Port Elizabeth, which is located along Belmont Terrace, Central, is a stone fort built in 1799 by the British Forces to defend the mouth of the Baakens River.
Built in 1799 on a natural citadel, Fort Frederick stands guard over a magnificent view of Algoa Bay. Named after Frederick, Duke of York and Commander of the British Army, it was built by troops sent to Algoa Bay to prevent a possible landing of French troops to assist the Graaff-Reinet rebels during the Napoleonic wars, the inception of British occupation of the colony.

The ‘landing with fresh water’, as Algoa bay was referred to, is at the mouth of the Baakens River, which stretches from just above the harbour to the western outskirts of Port Elizabeth. By the arrival of the 1820 settlers, no retributive shot had been fired from Fort Frederick, as the case is to this day.

The over-200-year-old fort contains a powder magazine and a blockhouse, which has lost its timber upper storey; and was originally defended by two 8-pounder guns and one 5.5 inch Howitzer and now contains a selection of muzzle-loaders dating from the later part of the eighteenth century.

On the north side of the fort lies the grave of Captain Francis Evatt, Commandant of Fort Frederick between 1817 and 1847. Captain Evatt is known to have overseen the arrival of the Settlers in 1820.

Fort Frederick is also one of the initial buildings of Port Elizabeth, which sprang up around the fort.

Prince Alfred’s Guide Memorial

Commemorates the men of Port Elizabeth’s Volunteer Regiment who died in various campaigns.

Prince Alfred’s Guide Museum

The Prince Alfred’s Guard Museum grew out of a fusion of a military museum formerly housed in the Donkin Reserve complex and the regimental museum of the Prince Alfred’s Guard Regiment.
The Prince Alfred’s Guard (PAG), is a City Regiment which was founded in 1856 as the Port Elizabeth Volunteer Rifle Corps. Its name changed by Royal assent after it provided a Royal Guard for Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, on his visit to the City in 1860.

The Victorian Drill Hall, in which the museum is housed, is one of the finest surviving examples of its type. It was opened in 1880 and has been the regiment’s headquarters ever since. The building, a National Monument, has been extensively restored and partly converted to museum use.

Old Railway Station Museum

Built on Market Street in the year of the opening of the railway from Port Elizabeth, it is reputed to be one of the oldest railway stations in South Africa. At this quaint museum, two vintage locomotives, a variety of coaches, period furniture and equipment capture the atmosphere of the early days of steam. The building houses a residence, waiting room and tea-room in addition to the station office. Open Tue. to Thur. 10h00 to 13h00 and 14h00 to 15h30.
Built on Market Street in the year of the opening of the railway from Port Elizabeth, the Old Railway Station Museum is reputed to be one of the oldest railway stations in South Africa.

At this quaint museum, two vintage locomotives, a variety of coaches, period furniture and equipment capture the atmosphere of the early days of steam. The building houses a residence, waiting room and tea-room in addition to the station office.

Donkin Reserve Pyramid and Lighthouse

Donkin Reserve, located off Belmont Terrace, Central, and overlooking the city, was proclaimed an open space in perpetuity by Sir Rufane Donkin.
The Donkin Reserve, Pyramid and Lighthouse includes a Stone Pyramid Monument with a touching inscription erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth, after whom the city was named, as well as palm-lined walkways and benches.

The Pyramid is approximately 10 meters high and the sides at the base measure about 8 meters each.

Mastertons Coffee and Tea Specialists Pty Ltd

Established in Port Elizabeth in 1924, we’re the oldest coffee roastery in the Eastern Province and one of the oldest in South Africa.
Established in Port Elizabeth in 1924, we’re the oldest coffee roastery in the Eastern Province and one of the oldest in South Africa.

7 Castle Hill Historical Museum

No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1825 and is one of the oldest surviving Settler cottages in Port Elizabeth.
No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1825 and is one of the oldest surviving Settler cottages in Port Elizabeth. Following renovations, No. 7 Castle Hill, was opened as a Museum in 1965.

The interior presents a picture of domestic life as enjoyed by an English middle class family in mid-19th Century Port Elizabeth. This picturesque family dwelling located in Castle Hill Road, Central has Yellowwood floors and beams, and a restored slate roof. The doll’s house, lace displays and kitchen is particularly impressive.

No 7 Castle Hill transports children back in time, where their imagination can run wild as they explore the old furniture, kitchen equipment, collect water from the well, old toys and dolls, the fairy garden and complete a treasure hunt and make friends with the No 7 family in the display room!

SAMREC SA Marine Rehabilitation Education Centre

SAMREC is Port Elizabeth’s new marine bird rehabilitation and education centre situated in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. The centre’s purpose isn’t just to rescue and rehabilitate, but to also inform and educate the public through their different programs.
SAMREC is Port Elizabeth’s new marine bird rehabilitation and education centre situated in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. The centre’s purpose isn’t just to rescue and rehabilitate, but to also inform and educate the public through their different programs.

Tour our marine rehab and education centre and experience nature through sight, sound and touch.

Visitors can experience the hospital and see the volunteers in action helping to save our environment, in particular the endangered African Penguin.

Dive Expert Tours

We, Silke and Rainer Schimpf, offer an unforgettable adventure in and on the Indian Ocean. We are the only one offering the Big8 (Dolphin, Whale, Shark, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard) in one package. Since 1999, we are the specialists in the: Penguin watching Dive Safaris – Trips of a lifetime Whalewatching Big8 Sardine Run Shark Diving Reef Diving Bird Watching and Expeditions on the Ocean anywere in ZAR. We take care of adventure tourists, film & photo crews and Marine Logistics in and around Port Elizabeth and along the entire South African coast.

Sundays River Ferry

Enjoy a guided river cruise on the Sundays River Ferry and explore the beauty of the Sundays River Estuary.
Enjoy a Guided Cruise on THE SUNDAYS RIVER FERRY and explore the beauty of the Sundays River Estuary.

Memories are made whilst cruising up stream and learning about the interesting history of this area and the
Sundays River. Take the most spectacular pictures of the Mackay Bridge – now closed to vehicular traffic – see the
Hills/ “Koppies” of the Addo Elephant National Park in the distance, we are only 4km away where the NEW entrance through the Southern entrance to the Addo Elephant National Park, at Camp Matyholweni. We are a mere 35 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth on the N2, towards Grahamstown. Come and explore the majestic Alexandria Coastal Dunefields and experience the magnificent scenery from the dunes across Algoa Bay as well as the abundant bird life.

Storms River Adventures

Stormsriver Adventures is a rurally based eco adventure company situated in the heart of the majestic Tsitsikamma Forest region aptly named The Garden of the Garden Route. The company diverse adventure adventure activities which include the world renowned Canopy Tour, Tsitsikamma Forest Tour.
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour

The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest on the Garden Route.

Woodcutters Journey:

Join us on a journey down the old Storms River pass on the Garden Route, and experience the indigenous forest from the comfort of a specially designed vehicle.

The Green House:

Self catering accommodation, Tsitsikamma, Stormsriver Take advantage of our amazing two-bedroomed self-catering house in the heart of Stormsriver Village. This is ideal for a family of four or two couples wanting a special getaway treat. Here you are surrounded by nature with many exciting outdoor adventure opportunities literally on your doorstep!

You can read all about the Monsters’ first visit to the coast holiday in Port Elizabeth here:
Part 1 ~ Our scenic trip to Port Elizabeth
Part 2 ~ Monsters’ first visit to the beach
Part 3 ~ Bayworld
Part 4 ~ Jefferysbay and shell searching day
Part 5 ~ PE SAAF Museum
Part 6 ~ Addo Elephant National Park
Part 7 ~ Homeward bound