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Port Elizabeth - Culture |
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Port Elizabeth enjoys more sunshine hours and fewer rainy days than any other coastal city in South Africa. The city boasts a moderate climate all year round with sea temperatures ranging from 16 degrees C in Winter to 23 degrees C in Summer. The average temperature for Summer and Winter are 25 degrees and 17 degrees respectively - truly an ideal place to holiday!
Port Elizabeth's population comprises over one million, making it South Africa's fifth largest city in terms of population and the second largest in terms of area. The city is an important centre for the automobile industry and is a major transport hub; its well equipped airport, harbour and port linking Southern Africa with other national and international destinations.
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Port
Elizabeth, set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, is located on the
south eastern coast of Africa, and is a major tourist destination better
known as the Friendly City! The city offers the best mix of
eco-attractions as a holiday destination with a rich diversity: scenic
nature trails and wildlife experiences, long golden beaches, historic
heritage and a unique coastal climate. The calm waters of Algoa Bay, its
shores lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, make Port Elizabeth a Mecca for
all beach and watersport activities.
Greater
Port Elizabeth is often referred to as the Gateway City to the Eastern
Cape: the famous Garden Route, Settler Hinterland and Sunshine Coast.
PE
has many historical attractions, one the most interesting being the
Historic Donkin Heritage trail, which allows the visitor to follow in the
footsteps of the 1820 Settlers on their journey of discovery and
settlement. This 5 km trail visits 47 historical sites and architectural
delights in the Old Hill area of central PE. Within the city there are
some beautiful parks with well landscaped gardens, two of the larger ones
are: St Georges Park, which covers 73 hectares and is home to the world
famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, the oldest Bowling Green in South
Africa, Prince Alfred's Guard Memorial and the 1882 Victorian Pearson
Conservatory. The other Park being the 54 hectare Settler's Park in the
city centre, which is a nature lover's paradise, as it boasts beautiful
flora and fauna. Overseas tourists will be happy to hear that even at the
seaside you can enjoy the awe inspiring wildlife of Africa, as there are a
number of wildlife reserves in the area around PE. Just 73 km from the
city is the exclusive, private Shamwari Game Reserve which is home to the
"Big Five" of Africa. Early morning and evening game drives are
available. Then there is the Addo Elephant Park, dedicated to the
preservation of the Eastern Cape Elephant and the Cape Buffalo. There are
other smaller reserves which are just as delightful and will prove a
memorable African experience. The area is Malaria Free.
One
of PE's greatest treasures are the clean beaches and warm water, making it
an ideal water sport centre. The combination of calm waters and fair
breezes are perfect conditions for sailing, and the safe beaches allow for
swimming, surfing, body boarding and any kind of water sport. Scuba diving
enthusiasts can choose form a number of great spots with lots to see, such
as ship wrecks, coral reefs and beautifully coloured fish in the warm
waters with up 30 metres visibility. There are one day courses available
as well as boat charters and gear for hire.