Holiday in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
City in South Africa — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇿🇦
Country
South Africa
Type
City
Best time to travel
September to April (Spring/Summer, 20-28 °C). July-November for whales. Mild year-round, sunnier than Cape Town.
Budget/day
60-120 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Gqeberha (PLZ, approx. 14-17 h with a stopover in Johannesburg or Cape Town). No visa required for Germans (up to 90 days).
Deals for Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth):
What makes Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) special as a destination?
Gqeberha — known as Port Elizabeth until 2021 — is South Africa's 'Friendly City' on Algoa Bay on the Indian Ocean. The city is the gateway to the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park and the famous Garden Route, combining beach holidays with Big Five safaris without health risks. The Addo Elephant National Park — just 70 km away — is home to over 600 elephants as well as lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. It is the only park in the world where the 'Big Seven' (the Big Five plus Southern Right Whale and Great White Shark) can be spotted. Algoa Bay itself is a paradise for marine mammals: Southern Right Whales calve here from July to November, dolphin pods can be seen year-round, and the nearby St. Croix Island hosts the largest colony of African Penguins. The Boardwalk complex at Kings Beach offers entertainment right on the beach. The historic Donkin Reserve in the city center — with the iconic lighthouse and pyramid — overlooks the entire bay. Sardinia Bay and Hobie Beach offer some of the most beautiful city beaches in South Africa.
What are the top highlights in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)?
The top highlights in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) include Addo Elephant National Park, Algoa Bay Whale Watching, African Penguins, Sardinia Bay, Donkin Reserve.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Addo Elephant National Park
Over 600 elephants and the 'Big Seven': malaria-free safari just 70 km from the city — perfect for families.
Algoa Bay Whale Watching
Southern Right Whales calve from July to November directly in the bay: whale watching from the coast or by boat.
African Penguins
St. Croix Island hosts the largest colony of African Penguins: boat tours from the harbor.
Sardinia Bay
Pristine beach with crystal clear water: Gqeberha's most beautiful beach away from the hustle and bustle.
Donkin Reserve
Historic park with iconic lighthouse and pyramid: panoramic view over the entire Algoa Bay.
Garden Route
Gqeberha is the eastern gateway to the famous Garden Route: 300 km coastal road with forests, lagoons, and bridges.
Hotels in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
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Reise-SIM für Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)?
The best time to visit Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is September to April (Spring/Summer, 20-28 °C). July-November for whales. Mild year-round, sunnier than Cape Town.. 20-28 °C, warm and sunny with occasional wind In winter: 12-20 °C, mild and dry, pleasant year-round
Recommended travel time
September to April (Spring/Summer, 20-28 °C). July-November for whales. Mild year-round, sunnier than Cape Town.
Summer
20-28 °C, warm and sunny with occasional wind
Winter
12-20 °C, mild and dry, pleasant year-round
How much does a holiday in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) cost?
Budget travellers: 30-55 €/day, mid-range: 60-120 €/day, luxury: 130-400 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30-55 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60-120 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
130-400 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)?
Flight to Gqeberha (PLZ, approx. 14-17 h with a stopover in Johannesburg or Cape Town). No visa required for Germans (up to 90 days).
Book a package holiday to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
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Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
No visa required — Germans are visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for 30 days beyond departure + have a blank page.
Self-drive in Addo — the park is perfect for self-drive safaris. Rental cars from Gqeberha are affordable, roads in the park are good.
Malaria-free — Addo and Gqeberha are completely malaria-free. No prophylaxis needed — perfect for families with children.
Watch the wind — Gqeberha is known as the 'Windy City'. Sardinia Bay and Hobie Beach are more sheltered than Kings Beach.
Start the Garden Route — from Gqeberha westward through Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness to Cape Town: the ultimate road trip.
What should you eat in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)?
Typical specialities in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): Braai — South African grilling is a way of life: Boerewors (farm sausage), Sosaties (skewers), and Mielie (corn on the cob) over an open flame., Biltong — air-dried meat (mostly beef or game): South Africa's national snack, available everywhere and perfect for road trips., Potjiekos — slow-cooked stew in a cast-iron pot: lamb or game with vegetables, African comfort food., Bobotie — Cape Malay casserole with spiced minced meat and egg-milk topping: South Africa's official national dish., Melktert — South African milk tart: tender shortcrust pastry with creamy milk-egg filling and cinnamon — perfect with rooibos tea..
These specialties you must try!
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