South Africa is known for having some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and due to that, there are numerous outdoor activities suited to each area, such as trail activities in Knysna, surfing in Durban, vertical jumps in Johannesburg, and cable-car rides in Cape Town. However, this overview doesn’t really help those who are heading to only one destination for their entire vacation. So, for more in depth activities overviews, we’ve asked some of our accommodation owners what they recommend specifically for their regions. Keep reading to discover the top local hangouts in Port Elizabeth, as well as some other fun facts.

Belvedere Cottages owner, Roy Bouwer, offers up his opinion on popular eateries and activities that visiting families can enjoy.

1. Favourite thing about the area:  

My favourite thing about the area is that we’re completely unique – Nelson Mandela Bay is noted for representing a large portion of South Africa’s biological diversity, and it is here that five of the seven South African Biomes co-exist. Most visitors, including  locals, love the contrasting scenery in their photographs, of the Forest, Fynbos, Grassland, Nama-Karoo, and Thicket Biomes. The area also has a wide variety of endemic species which don’t exist anywhere else on earth – and no other city in the world has this kind of claim to fame! We’re also the only city that has the Big 7 – the Buffalo, Elephant, Great White Shark, Humpback Whale, Leopard, Lion, and Rhino.

2. When the weather is good, I recommend:

As mentioned above, we have a very unique outdoors, and many find it worthwhile to explore the 8km long Sacramento Trail. It’s a looped circuit which takes you through rocky scenery and lush coastal scrubs and fynbos through the Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. The bronze cannon at Schoenmakerskop points to the tragically sunken Portuguese galleon (the Sacramento) that was wrecked against the shore in June 1647 – it is here you start your hike. You’ll follow the winding dirt road down to the shore, where you’ll discover the Sacramento Monument – a cairn and plaque that were erected for the lives lost in the wreck – of the 72 wreck survivors of the wreck, only four lived to see their homeland the following year. Past this monument you’ll enter the Sardinia Bay Marine Reserve, filled with numerous crevices that shelter marine life such as anemones. Take a slow hike to the fynobos-filled ridge and begin your return journey.

3. When the weather is bad, I recommend:

We have wonderful art galleries, and places such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, the Ron Belling Art Gallery, and the Epsac Community Art Centre, are all fantastic to wander through.

4. Some great places to eat:

The Rose Garden Tea House @ Floradale Nurseries serves fantastic breakfasts and lunches, and has an outdoor play area for children.  They’re located at the corner of Pine Road and William Moffet Express Way, and it is worthwhile taking a walk through the attached Floradale Nurseries.

Posh The Eatery, is set along Stanley Street, and has a French-bistro feel. They serve food all day long, and are known for having a laid-back atmosphere, coupled with a classy setting and friendly service.

The Two Olives is a tapas-styled restaurant set in Stanley Street. The Mediterranean atmosphere and tasty cuisines keep locals returning time and again, and they’ve been well-received by tourists looking to tantalise their taste buds.

5. Where to take the kids:

I’d highly recommend the Kragga Kamma Game Park. It’s known for lush coastal forest and grassland scenery, while being home to numerous herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Bontebok, and many other species. All the animals roam freely and as this owner operated animal-friendly park permits no hunting or other disturbance of the game, visitors have plenty of chances to get close up views and great photographs. You don’t need a 4×4 to take a drive through the park to view the wildlife, meaning you can see wildlife no matter the weather. If you want a very intimate experience, a 2-hour guided tour will be beneficial, as you’ll have a professional guide who can give you plenty of information titbits, from interesting information on the animals, to the history of the area.

6. Where the locals hang out:

You’ll generally find the locals relaxing at the Yacht Club in the harbour basin, overlooking all the moored yachts – and they serve the best fish & chips in the city!!!

7. The best kept secret:

The Red Location Museum, as it offers a world-class experience right on our doorstep.

Belvedere Cottages
Roy Bouwer is the owner of the beautiful, historic cottages Belvedere Cottage, Belvedere Mews, Doncaster Cottage and Doncaster Mews. His love of history and beautiful things is reflected in these cottages. With his years of experience in the hospitality business, Roy has managed to bring these settler cottages into the 21st century. Together with his partner, he turned the garden of Belvedere Cottage and the little courtyards of the other cottages into the most enchanted little oases in the middle of the city. Upon arrival he welcomes you with such enthusiasm that you have the feeling that it is not the first time you have come to stay over. Depending on the purpose of your visit, he will share his knowledge of Port Elizabeth with you, making sure that your time in the Friendly City is used to its utmost and turning your stay into an unforgettable experience. Roy is also the creator of the above mentioned Rose Garden Tea House @ Floradale Nursery, which is popular with tourists and locals alike.

Know of any other great Port Elizabeth hang-outs or attractions?

Main image courtesy of flowcomm (Flickr)