• Cape St Francis

    Named after the patron saint of sailors, St Francis Bay was first discovered in 1575 by the Portuguese. It's become somewhat exclusive but still has one of the finest surf spots in the world according to King/surf bum Geoffrey and other surf rats.
  • Jeffreys Bay

    Until fairly recently, Jeffreys Bay was not much more than a couple of rocks that made good sunset perches. Then, in the 1960's, waves were discovered by local surfers and since then, the town has become increasingly popular. Especially amongst backpackers.
  • Thornhill

    A little dorp not far from J'Bay, with plenty of unspoilt nature all around.
  • Kenton-On-Sea

    Tthis quiet little paradise is off the beaten track. Ain't much to write home about the town itself. But who cares when the surroundings are so divine… Nature freaks should get off the bus and do their thang.
  • Port Alfred

    Port Alfred is a charming little town with a graceful architectural integrity not often found in South African seaside towns. Port Alfred is a very quaint and unassuming place with heaps to do. Actually, we're very fond of it – and not just 'cos the beer's cheap. There is one backpackers in town.
  • HamburgEC

    Tucked away at the end of a dirt road, Hamburg is an enchantingly dilapidated little village that nestles on an exquisite estuary.
  • East London

    East London is the largest river port in South Africa and is the gateweay to the Wild Coast
  • Sundays River

    The Sundays River is a river in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa that is said to be the fastest flowing river in South Africa. The Khoisan people originally named this river Nukakamma (Grassy Water) because the river’s banks are always green and grassy despite the arid terrain that it runs through. The source of the 250 kilometres long river is in the Compassberg Mountains (the highest mountains in the former Cape Province) near Nieu-Bethesda.
  • St Francis Bay

    This little village on the outskirts of Jeffreys Bay is architectually very pleasing with all the white washed homes having thatched roofs. There is a new backpackers in town which is a great palce to stay as they offer great accommodation and have a lot of entertainment on tap.

You are here: | All regions | Sunshine Coast | Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is the 5th largest, and reportedly the safest, city in South Africa. It's surrounded by good beaches and has consistently good surf conditions.There are some fantastic backpackers in this city and if you are on the Baz Bus a stop over in PE is manditory.

PE the friendly city

Too many travellers treat PE as an overnight stop.
Un-lemming your life.
Stay.
Have a look around. Visit the King George VI Art Gallery with its collection of South African art, pottery and sculpture, the City Hall, Market Square with its open air market, the Port Elizabeth Museum, St George's Park (home of SA's first cricket club), the Oceanarium and the Snake Park.
Oh! Yes. There's also great windsurfing. No prize for guessing why...

If you don't have much time and want to experience real African wildlife this is a good stop as the Big Five are easily accessible in a malaria free environment.
You can choose between the Addo Elephant Park, Schotia Lion Park or Shamwari - all of which are easily accessible on a variety of day trips.

NOTE: The Baz Bus only gets into PE at 9.30pm (at the earliest) and leaves again at 7am. So don't make the mistake of missing this town just because you didn't get off the bus, Gus.

It's just a short trip to the Addo Elephant Park (guaranteed ellies) or to Shamwari Game Reserve where the Big Five lurk.

Lying on the shores of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth is South Africa's 3rd biggest port.

Port Elizabeth is a major transport hub, so it's easy to get to most places from here. There's an airport, good road links, a train station and a major bus station. You can pick up or leave rental cars here too.

Places to Stay

  • Lungile Backpackers

    Lungile backpackers in PE is perched on top of a hill in an attractive house overlooking the city and the ocean, Lungile is just three minutes walk from Port Elizabeth's main beach.
  • PE Backpackers

    In Central PE and close to restaurants, shops and public transport, PE Backpackers is situated in a gracious old Victorian house.

What to do

Transport

  • AroundAboutCars

    People from PE are smooth operators when it comes to finding a soul mate to share their ride.
 Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)

Kruger Inn Backpackers
Kruger Inn Backpackers is a community inside a nature reserve, on the border of the Kruger National Park.
(Marloth Park,Mpumalanga)

Bloukrans Bungy
This is the Rolls Royce of all bungy jumps. And at 216m it’s the highest too. Ask any backpackers hostel in the area for more info and bookings.
(Bloukrans,Garden Route)

Two Oceans Aquarium
An awesome way to spend your day. Lose yourself in the oceans and meet the denizens of the deep.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)

Acts Backpackers
Situated 15km from White River, Acts Backpackers is the ideal base to venture out for scenic drives to Blyde River Canyon, Sabie, Hazyview, Pilgrims Rest, and Graskop.
(White River,Mpumalanga)

Seal Point Lodge and Backpackers
Bruce's elusive beauties are found around here…
(Cape St Francis,Sunshine Coast)

Gary’s Surf School
Get in on the surf action.
(Muizenberg and Kalk Bay,Cape Town)

Cape Town Backpackers
Cape Town backpackers says it all in the name......
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)

Cape Surf Hostel
Get your board and get out there…
(Northern Beaches,Cape Town)

2B Happy
Yeoville is cosmopolitan, vibrant melting pot of people and cultures.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)

The Wild Farm Backpackers
A backpackers overlooking Wilderness.
(Wilderness,Garden Route)