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Lodges in Port Elizabeth - Essential Travel Info
South Africa Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth | game lodges, lodges, back packer lodges in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape South Africa
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Lodges in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape South Africa (3 Results)
Havelock Cottage- Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape South Africa LodgeGuest house accommodating 24 people and dormitory sleeping up to 67 people.
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Hacklewood Hill Country House- Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape South Africa LodgeWarm, personal service in a charming Victorian manor, built in 1898 and furnished with an eclectic mix of period furniture and exquisite fabrics. 8 Individually decorated bedrooms with en suite Victorian bathrooms and breathtaking garden views. Superb cordon bleu cuisine. Children 16+. Also members of Exclusive Getaways and Leading Independent Hotels.
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Jikeleza Lodge International Backpackers Hostel- Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape South Africa LodgeJikeleza Lodge is set in the historical heart of Port Elizabeth, within walking distance of restaurants, pubs, cinemas, shops, nightspots and the beach is only 10 min away. Clean comfortable accommodation in double rooms and dormitories. Free pick up from anywher in P E, sandboarding, water sports and various tours arranged.
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Geography: The large city of Port Elizabeth is situated on South Africa's southeastern coastline. The "Friendly City" overlooks Algoa Bay and together with Despatch and Uitenhage forms part of Nelson Mandela Bay.
History: The history of the bay goes way back to the Khoe, who occupied the area and grazed their cattle along the Bakens River. A few centuries later, the Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias was the first European to venture into the bay in 1488. The city of Port Elizabeth was officially founded in 1820 when the British settlers landed in the bay. The acting governor of the Cape at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin ordered that a village and port be developed there and he named the new establishment after his wife Elizabeth who had died in India. The city rapidly developed into a manufacturing and industrial centre and as a few car manufacturers built factories in the area by the late 1930's, it became known as the 'Detroit of South Africa'. Today Port Elizabeth is still a centre for industry and the Coega Harbour Development pays testimony to this.
Arts and Culture: Port Elizabeth has a rich and varied cultural history. In the city, some of the cultural sites include monuments like the Horse Memorial and the two World War I memorials at St George's Park. Some historical buildings that are worth a visit include the City Hall, the City Library and the many restored private homes, the oldest being The Rectory at No.7 Castle Hill. For the visitor interested in museums, the exhibits at the Port Elizabeth Museum cover the natural and cultural history of the area, while fine art can be found at the King George VI Gallery. The townships surrounding Port Elizabeth are steeped in history, tradition and culture and visitors can take in the township experience by booking a tour with an operator.
Science and Nature: Nelson Mandela Bay is renowned for its brilliant year round weather, many hours of sunshine, its beautiful beaches, and is the gateway to more than a million hectares of malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserves. Also, many tourist routes emanate from here including the Sunshine Coast, Frontier Country, the Kouga-Tsitsikamma-Garden Route as well as the Karoo Heartland Route.
Entertainment: Port Elizabeth, or PE as it is known, is an excellent value-for-money family holiday centre and the relaxed atmosphere and clean and safe beaches make it an ideal getaway. The city offers great family entertainment, and the kids will love the dolphin and seal presentations at the Oceanarium, as well as the sights at the Snake Park. Another popular PE attraction is The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World in Summerstrand where families can be entertained, try gaming, eat at the many restaurants or go shopping. The city has an abundance of places to keep you occupied, including cinema complexes, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. PE is renowned for its cleanliness and Nelson Mandela Bay received the 'Cleanest Metro in South Africa Award 2002', while the international award for excellence in safety, amenities and cleanliness known as 'Blue Flag Status' has again been awarded to Humewood Beach. There are many unspoilt golden beaches along this 40km stretch of the coastline and these include King's, Hobie, Pollock, Brighton, Blue Water Bay, St George's Strand, Wells Estate, Maitlands, Beachview and Van Stadens.
Sport: Owing to its fabulous beaches, PE has become somewhat renowned for its beach and water sports, and the Bay is regarded as one of the world's best sailing spots. Water sport aficionados will love the scuba-diving opportunities with views of colourful coral, reefs and interesting shipwrecks. On top of the water, windsurfing, surfing and jet skiing are just some of the exciting water activities on offer. Other outdoor activities include walks and trails through the pristine Groendal Wilderness Area.
Did you know? The famous Apple Express is one of only two operational narrow-gauge steam trains in southern Africa, and crosses the highest narrow-gauge bridge in the world at the Van Stadens River Bridge.
South Africa Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth | game lodges, lodges, back packer lodges in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape South Africa