Addo & Port Elizabeth – South Africa

PE and surrounds at a glance

Port Elizabeth lies at the eastern end of the famous Garden Route and makes a natural starting point from which to explore this beautiful corner of South Africa. A mere one hour drive from the city is Big Five territory in the malaria free reserve of Addo and adjacent Shamwari. It is worth spending at least two nights in the wildlife area before driving westward toward Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.

A rose by another other name will smell as sweet, and with the many names given to the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, it remains an ever-blossoming rose attracting many visitors. Simply called P.E. by the laid back locals, the area is also known as “The Friendly City”, “The Windy City” and “The Bay,” or “Die Baai” by many Afrikaans speakers. Whatever you decide to call Port Elizabeth, it remains a delightful city placidly awaiting your visit.

As a coastal city, with the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean lapping against the city’s coastline, Port Elizabeth is becoming increasingly known as “The Water Sport Capital of Africa.” The alluring coastal waters span across Algoa Bay’s beautiful and protected beach shore for more than 40 km. Famously know as one of the world’s best spots for sailing, Algoa Bay boasts world class scuba diving sites, fishing, wind-surfing and much more.

Located on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth you will find the famous Addo Elephant National Park. From rocky shorelines, across plains and valleys, and into mountain areas each with their own unique biodiversity; this is the only site in the world where the Big 7 can be viewed. Do not pass up the remarkable opportunity to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, whales and great white sharks in their natural habitat. The Addo Elephant National Park is known to have the world’s largest concentration of elephant herd; more than 450 of these gigantic land mammals roam the protected terrain of Africa.

The best season to visit Port Elizabeth and Addo

Port Elizabeth and its surrounding areas are known to have a subtropical or oceanic climate. Light rain is consistent throughout the year. Known to possess the worlds forth most moderate climate; Port Elizabeth winters are mildly cool and summers are moderately warm. Spring blooms into colour around the end of August into September, with temperatures rising in October. Summer brings peak temperatures of 24-30°C (75-86°F) during November to March. The cooler temperatures start in April with the autumn leaves falling, ushering in the winter months during June to August.

Advice from Safari Russ:

“This portion of the Eastern Cape Province is packed with history of early pioneers and settlers. Besides the spectacular coastline, many farms have been consolidated and naturalised back to wonderful wildlife parks. This destination offers the best of both beach holidays and a malaria free safari”

More about the Experience

SELF DRIVE DESTINATION: Port Elizabeth is known as a 20 minute town which is extremely convenient for the self-driving traveler. The coastal towns are the perfect location to kick start your journey along the Garden Route or explore the surrounding regions of Port Elizabeth.

WATER PARADISE: To all the avid water sport lovers, Port Elizabeth is the ideal destination in Africa. Known as the Water Sport Capital of Africa, the coastal town offers an array of water activities to keep you fit and happy throughout your stay. Dive, sail, fish, jet ski in the warm Indian Ocean or relax and unwind along the seashore. Visit the Oceanarium and marvel at the dolphins as they leap through hoops, you may even get a chance to pet them.

WILDLIFE DIVERSITY: Port Elizabeth and the surrounding areas are extremely diverse in wildlife. The array of vegetation in the area contains five of the seven typographic terrains found within South Africa, and because of this, both land mammals and bird species thrive in this region. Addo Elephant National Park protects the densest concentration of elephants in the world; as well as 400 Cape buffalo and more than 48 endangered black rhino. Keep your eyes open for the last remaining population of flightless dung beetles, and remember, these beetles do have right of way whenever you are driving through the park.

Greenlife Safaris Testimonials

"Greenlife Safaris has helped us plan three life changing trips through Southern Africa. What sets them apart is that they were by our side, just a call away and helped us with a few things like when we blew out 2 tires on the rental car out in the bush and when we left some valuables in a hotel safe."

Deberie Gomez-Grobe USA
"Greenlife organized our safari and we couldn't be more happy with the way things worked out. From the initial planning stages when Russ responded immediately to all my questions about our personal requirements and how we were going to keep it within my budget".

Joe Wild USA
“Best Safari company, very professional, passionate team who cares about you and the environment and makes your safari dreams come true.”

Nicolas De Jongh Canada