Looking for the best things to do in Gqeberha during the summer months? Read on for Gqeberha attractions….
Gqeberha is a vibrant city in South Africa that comes alive during the summer months, with a real laid back, coastal feel. This city is never really in a hurry – life slows down to a gentler pace and a more mellow vibe – absolutely perfect to destress after a hectic year!
With its great weather, some of the country’s most stunning beaches, and abundant activities, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
Here is a guide to the 10+ best things to do in Gqeberha during summer:
Beach activities:
Visit one of Gqeberha many beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include Hobie Beach, Humewood Beach, and Kings Beach, all of which were awarded Blue Flag status for the exceptional way in which they are conserved and protected through strict ethics that honour the environment.
These beaches offer something for everyone, from swimming and sunbathing to surfing and kayaking.
To the south, Sardinia Bay beach and Maitlands offer broad stretches of pristine white sand, perfect for long walks and lazy days, with heaps of space for everyone.
Take a boat trip to St. Croix Island. This small island is located just off the coast of Gqeberha and is home to a number of historical and natural attractions. Visitors can learn about the island’s fascinating history, visit the penguin colony, and even go swimming with sharks.
Look for whales, dolphins and more. Algoa Bay is not only the Bottlenose dolphin capital of the world, but also one of a handful of the world’s Whale Heritage Sites. Here, you have an excellent chance of seeing these magnificent marine mammals en masse.
Gqeberha family activities:
Visit Bayworld. This popular tourist attraction is home to a variety of animals, including penguins, and snakes. Visitors can also learn about the marine environment at the aquarium and oceanarium.
Visit SANCCOB (the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) to see and learn about penguins and their rehabilitation.
Take a ride on the Flying Dutchman. This iconic Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the city and coastline. It’s a fantastic way to see all that Gqeberha has to offer from a unique perspective.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) outdoor activities:
Go on a safari in Addo Elephant National Park. Less than half an hour’s drive from the city, this world-renowned park is home to a large population of elephants as well as a variety of other animals, including lions, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards.
Choose a private Game Reserve, such as the mountaintop Bellevue Forest Reserve, for a more intimate bush spoil at their Elephants Lodge. Guided game drives and walks can be tailored to your preference, including the renowned and extremely popular Giraffe Walk.
Hike in the Sundays River Valley. This beautiful valley is home to a number of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Visitors can hike through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along scenic rivers.
A short drive from Gqeberha is a number of smaller river mouths, each with healthy natural dune ecosystems. Visit the Gamtoos River mouth to the south to discover a pristine estuary full of estuarine and marine birds such as gulls, terns and herons.
Cultural attractions:
Visit the Donkin Reserve. This historic park is home to the iconic Donkin Memorial, which was built in the early 1800s to commemorate the arrival of the first British settlers in Gqeberha. The park also offers stunning views of the harbour and coastline.
Visit the Nelson Mandela Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president. Visitors can learn about Mandela’s childhood, his fight against apartheid, and his presidency.
Food and drink:
Image by bridgesward from Pixabay
Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Port Elizabeth’s many beachfront restaurants. Some of the most popular restaurants include The Boathouse, Ocean Basket, and Pollock Beach Bar and Grill.
Sample the local cuisine at one of Gqeberha many markets. Some of the most popular markets include the Greenacres Market and the Saturday Market. These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, prepared foods, and artisanal crafts.
Unique experiences:
If you’re the sort of person who enjoys the idea of luxury villas in Gqeberha, you’re in luck! One of the country’s unique experiences, is an overnight stay at the Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa, within the protected Cape Recife Nature Reserve. A pocket of virgin coastal fynbos forest, the reserve protects numerous bird and animal species as well as a wealth of botanical treasures. The exclusive-use, beautifully appointed two-bedroomed luxury villa is located on the beachfront next to the iconic Cape Recife Lighthouse.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ocean, direct access to the beach, and a variety of amenities and activities. This is the ULTIMATE Gqeberha beachfront accommodation.
Go sandboarding down the dunes of Sardinia Bay. This popular activity is a wonderful way to get your adrenaline pumping and enjoy the stunning scenery of Sardinia Bay.
10+ Things to Do in Port Elizabeth for an Unforgettable Summer
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous safari experience, or a cultural immersion, Gqeberha has something to offer everyone during the summer months. So, now that you have read about just a few of the dozens of exciting things to do in Gqeberha, start planning your trip today to experience all that this vibrant coastal city has to offer during the summer months!
