Previously named Port Elizabeth, the coastal city of Gqeberha in South Africa is the biggest on the Eastern Cape. There is a great diversity of things to do in Gqeberha, including visiting the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, strolling the manicured grounds of St. George’s Park, and exploring the Donkin Heritage Trail, which links historic buildings and monuments. Nearby, you’ll find national parks and game reserves, including Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Private Game Reserve, with plenty of tour operators in the city offering half-day and full-day safari excursions.
January is a sweet spot—the weather is dry with an average high of 79°F (26°C), the swimming is great, and the number of visitors drops off after the holidays. If you’d prefer more temperate weather, opt for August or September when the spring brings cooler days but still plenty of sunshine. August is also when humpback whales come to play in the bay, and whale-watching tours offer peaceful days on the water.
Taxis are easy to find around the city and tend to be affordable—although you should always agree on a price before getting in the car. For traveling outside the city, renting a car is typically the most convenient way to get around, as long as you’re comfortable driving on the left side. The Intercape bus company also has routes running to many of the country’s major cities and larger towns.
The Athenaeum art center on Athol Fugard Terrace is a hub for Gqeberha’s growing cultural scene. The space, housed in a well-kept Victorian mansion, remembers Gqeberha’s history and celebrates its future. From local productions in its small theater space to cultural festivals to art shows, the Athenaeum always offers something new—check its website for upcoming events and current exhibitions.
