WORLD CUP VENUE PORT ELIZABETH

Located on the Indian Ocean about halfway between Cape Town and Durban, Port Elizabeth has about 1 million inhabitants. The city is charmingly set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay. There are any number of scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences, long golden beaches, historic heritage and a unique coastal climate in and around the city.

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. Port Elizabeth enjoys more sunshine hours and fewer rainy days than any other coastal city in South Africa.

The city has a moderate climate all round the year 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 - ideal for holidaying!

Greater Port Elizabeth is an ideal base for exploring the Eastern Cape: the famous Garden Route, Settler Hinterland and Sunshine Coast are all within reach. In winter, catch the supertubes at the world famous surf spot in Jeffrey´s Bay, about an hour from Port Elizabeth.

Attractions

No 7 Castle Hill Museum

Regarded as the oldest surviving Settler cottage in Port Elizabeth. The house dates back to 1827, and has been restored to reflect the history and elegant lifestyle of earlier days. This picturesque family dwelling located in Castle Hill Road, Central, has yellow-wood floors and beams, a restored slate roof and is furnished in the style of the mid-Victorian period. The doll house, lace displays and kitchen are worth a peek.

Bayworld Museum

Culture and natural history blend at the Main Museum of Bayworld. Commence an exciting journey through time as also through the fascinating world around. Marvel at the diversity of museum displays, from prehistoric dinosaurs to ethnic beadwork as well as a variety of historical treasures that will keep you intrigued for hours. Note to be missed exhibits include the 15m skeleton of the last southern right whale harpooned in Algoa Bay, a life-sized reconstruction of the giant prehistoric dinosaur known as Algoasaurus. Another marvel is a replica of the Dias Cross and a 5m bronze cannon dated 1640 recovered from a Portuguese galleon wrecked near P. E

Oceanarium

The dolphin and seal presentations which take place daily are very popular. Exhibits within the Oceanarium include an underwater observation area in the aquarium, a dolphin research centre, various smaller tanks for 40 different species of bony fish, as well as two larger tanks housing sharks and stingrays.

Snake Park

It is the oldest snake park in Africa. A wide variety of reptiles such as tortoises, snakes and crocodiles can be viewed at the Snake Park. Rare and threatened species including Madagascar ground boas are housed safely in realistically landscaped glass enclosures. Reptile demonstrations take place daily.

Beaches

Clean and beautiful beaches are the greatest assets of Port Elizabeth. Water temperatures vary between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius during summer and 14 to 19 degrees Celsius during winter and so the waters are always welcoming. The sea conditions are generally calm in the bay, except when the South Easterly wind is blowing. Apart from the more "mainstream" sports, a temperate climate, unspoilt beaches and the warm seawater make this city perfect for thrilling watersports opportunities. All beaches are patrolled by fully-trained professional life guards.

Algoa Bay has 40 km of magnificent beaches and, with its perfect combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes; it is one of the best sailing venues in the world.

The Southern Beaches offer safe and sheltered swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, boardsailing, excellent waves and surfing opportunities as well as interesting inter-tidal sealife.

The Northern Beaches offer vast stretches of sand and dunes ideal for long beach walks and also provide superb angling and swimming opportunities.