Three cool things to do with your family in Port Elizabeth

If you’re planning a visit to Port Elizabeth (now known as Nelson Mandela Bay) this holiday, firstly, you clearly have excellent taste. I mean, besides for the exquisite beaches, amazing nature reserves and friendly locals, Port Elizabeth also offers visitors a chance to get to know the city’s history. There’s something for everyone! Check out these three cool things to do with your family in Port Elizabeth:

The Beach
Always the beach. Whether you’re looking for a safe place to sun tan, or a shady area near the waves, to watch your kids play around in the sand, the beaches in Port Elizabeth are the perfect place to park your umbrella. The coastal region of Nelson Mandela Bay offers you 40kms of beautiful, golden beach! Kings Beach extends from the harbor wall to Humewood and is ideal for swimming and body surfing. Hobie Beach, which is in the vicinity of the Boardwalk and Shark Rock Pier, is a hot spot for volleyball enthusiasts and is the venue for the annual “Splash Festival”.

The History
My family and I are a sucker for a good adventure. We have spent countless hours exploring Port Elizabeth’s rich cultural heritage sites, such as the Fort Frederick, South End Museum and the Donkin Heritage Trail. The Donkin Reserve and Lighthouse building are famous monuments, and we’ve spent many a school history tour learning about these attractions and how they’ve played an integral party of the establishment of our city. But my most favorite monument of all has to be the Campanile. This historical building, erected to commemorate the landing of the 1820 Settlers, is situated at the entrance to the railway station and docks in Strand Street. It is 50m high and has a climb of 204 steps! The magnificent view of the harbor, once you’ve reached the top is priceless!

The Wildlife
While residing in Port Elizabeth is not exactly deemed as “outback living” we have our fair share of wildlife and nature. On the outskirts of Nelson Mandela Bay, you’ll be pleased to find an array of hot spots that showcase the natural beauty that the Eastern Cape has to offer. Some of these include Van Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve, Settler’s Park, Maitlands Nature Reserve, Baviaanskloof Wildnerness Area and Groendal Wilderness. You are also spoilt for choice, if gaming is your thing. Nelson Mandela Bay boasts an amazing selection of stunning game reserves and game drives that might bring you face to face with a member of the Big 7! For more, check out Addo Elephant National Park, Kragga Kamma Game Park and the Seaview Predator Park.

But hey, don’t take my word for it! You should totally give our friendly city a go, this coming Summer season! For more information do check out the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism website, where you can find more deets on a NMBT pass card that will give you free access and many great discounts to many of these attractions!