South Africa

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Along Algoa Bay, the beaches of Gqeberha sit right beside a city full of life. This is where you pick up your 4x4, look out over the ocean and set off towards Addo or the Garden Route.

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Discover everything about this location.

The city has more than a coastal story to tell.

At Donkin Reserve, you can look out over the city. The monument, lighthouse and artworks along Route 67 connect this place to the history of Gqeberha and South Africa.

Cape Recife and the coastline around Schoenmakerskop reveal another side of the area. Here, rocky shores, beaches and protected natural areas alternate along the coast. Sea conditions change from day to day, so follow local guidance when swimming or walking.

From your first night in the city to your first safari.

Gqeberha is a practical starting point for a journey through the Eastern Cape. You can fly in, pick up your 4x4 and ease into your trip with a relaxed first night.

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One city, two familiar names.

Gqeberha was formerly known as Port Elizabeth and is still commonly referred to as P.E.

Today, Gqeberha is the name of this important seaport and the most populous city in the Eastern Cape.

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Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

    • Gqeberha is in South Africa.
    • The city is in the Eastern Cape province.
    • Gqeberha was formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
    • The city is also commonly called P.E.
    • Gqeberha is an important seaport.
    • It is the most populous city in the Eastern Cape.
    • The city is the seat of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.
    • This is the second-smallest metropolitan municipality in South Africa by area.
    • Different self drive journeys can start from Gqeberha.
    • Addo Elephant National Park, Baviaanskloof and the Garden Route are a short distance away.

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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