Popular: South Africa · Cape Town · OR Tambo · Dolphin Bay · Lesotho
Eastern Cape, South Africa · ZA
The Friendly City, on the shores of Algoa Bay
History & Heritage
Fort Frederick was built in 1799 by British troops during the Napoleonic Wars, predating the town itself, to guard the mouth of the Baakens River. In 1820, Sir Rufane Shaw Donkin presided over the landing of about 4,000 British settlers at Algoa Bay, founding the town and naming it after his late wife, Elizabeth. Donkin declared the reserve of land around his memorial to her would stay 'open to all in perpetuity' — the origin of the still-open Donkin Reserve.
The city grew into a major port and industrial centre, earning the nicknames 'The Friendly City' and 'The Windy City'. Under apartheid, non-white residents were forcibly removed from areas like South End; Steve Biko was interrogated and tortured here in 1977 before his death in detention.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality was formed in 2001, and the city hosted matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. On 23 February 2021, the city's name change from Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha, the isiXhosa name for the Baakens River, was officially gazetted.
Key Historical Places
A pyramid monument built by Sir Rufane Donkin in 1820 for his late wife, with an 1861 lighthouse alongside it.
↑ Combine with a walk of Route 67's public artworks, which start here.
A bell tower commemorating the 1820 Settlers' centenary, with a 23-bell carillon and a 204-step climb to an observation floor.
↑ Go for the harbour view from the top.
Hosted South Africa's first-ever Test match in March 1889; home ground for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Timeline
Must-See Attractions
A historic hilltop reserve with an 1820 pyramid memorial, 1861 lighthouse, and the start of the Route 67 art trail.
National monument since 1938
A beachfront casino, hotel and retail complex in Summerstrand.
Summerstrand
A walking trail of 67 public artworks symbolising Nelson Mandela's 67 years of service.
Starts at Donkin Reserve
A day-trip gateway to South Africa's third-largest national park, offering the Big Seven.
30-45 min drive
The Port Elizabeth Museum, Snake Park and the 1827 No. 7 Castle Hill Victorian house museum.
Humewood/Beach area
Accommodation
A 58-room hotel on Marine Drive in Summerstrand, Gqeberha, about 190 m from Shark Rock Pier, with three restaurants and an ocean-view pool
Self-catering suites for two around a sunny braai terrace in Summerstrand, Gqeberha, a 600 m walk from the beach, with gated parking
A ten-room bed and breakfast in a renovated heritage house in Summerstrand, Gqeberha, 60 m from the beachfront, with full breakfast included
A seven-room guest house on a quiet street in Walmer, Gqeberha, near the airport, with a pool, two self-catering units and meals by booking
Restaurants & Dining
A well-reviewed Gqeberha restaurant.
A popular bayfront dining spot.
A fine-dining restaurant known for beef diane and line fish.
A well-reviewed Spanish tapas restaurant.
Activities & Experiences
A self-guided 5km trail linking 51 places of historical interest from 1820 onward.
A 203-hectare private reserve with white rhino, cheetah, giraffe and zebra.
The bay hosts humpback, southern right and Bryde's whales, plus dolphins and African penguins.
Nelson Mandela Bay's coastline offers around 40km of golden beaches.
Events & Entertainment
A women-only run and walk raising awareness against gender-based violence, one of seven South African legs.
Book mixed tickets and experiences for your trip to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
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