Things To Do
in Port Elizabeth

A massive local sandwich typically filled with fries, steak or polony, sauces and salad — best tried at popular takeaway shops in Summerstrand and central Gqeberha.

Must-Try!

South African-style barbecue featuring boerewors and steaks; biltong (air-dried cured meat) is sold widely at delis and markets.

Snoek, hake, crayfish and local shellfish prepared grilled, fried or in stews — served in beachfront restaurants and seafood shacks.

A spiced minced meat bake with an egg-based topping, sometimes found on restaurant menus as a traditional South African option.

Beachfront stalls and kiosk vendors sell casual eats like fish and chips, Gatsby sandwiches and takeaway coffee — great for a relaxed seaside meal.

Weekend markets around the city offer baked goods, artisanal foods, crafts and small street-food vendors; ideal places to sample local produce, biltong and sweet treats.

Polite greetings are appreciated — a handshake and eye contact are common in urban settings. Use respectful forms of address with elders and community leaders.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in townships and informal settlements; many people appreciate being asked first.

Be aware of South Africa’s history and avoid making assumptions; show respect for local customs, religious practices and languages (Xhosa, Afrikaans and English are commonly spoken).

Casual wear is fine for beaches and day trips; dress more conservatively for formal visits, churches or community events.

Tipping is customary: around 10–15% in sit-down restaurants if service is not included; small change for cafe waitstaff and R5–R20 per bag for porters. Taxi drivers are not always tipped, but rounding up the fare is common; tour guides often expect a tip if service was good.

Major cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; carry cash (rand) for markets, small vendors and rural areas. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly used; ATMs are common but use those in secure locations and be cautious with card skimming.

December–February: warm to hot weather (mid-20s to low 30s °C), ideal for beach time, swimming and water sports; expect higher domestic tourist numbers and busy beaches on holiday weekends.

March–May: mild temperatures and fewer crowds; good conditions for coastal walks, wildlife viewing and photography with softer light.

June–August: cooler and windier with temperatures often in the mid-teens °C; sea temperatures drop and evenings can be chilly — wildlife viewing in Addo can be excellent as animals congregate near water.

September–November: pleasant temperatures, wildflowers emerge in reserves like Van Stadens and Cape Recife, and bird migration increases birdwatching opportunities.

Coastal trails with lighthouse views, dunes and birdwatching opportunities; moderate difficulty and excellent coastal scenery.

Trails through indigenous forest, river gorges and fynbos; good for hiking, birding and seeing wildflowers in season.

Easy coastal walks across dunes and along the shoreline; ideal for sunrise photography and quiet beach hiking.

Guided bush walks available in and around Addo for close-up nature experiences with trained guides — check park rules and seasonal availability.

Rugby is very popular across the Eastern Cape; local clubs and provincial teams draw enthusiastic crowds and community support.

Cricket matches and club competitions are common, particularly in summer months at local grounds.

Widely played and followed at both community and professional levels, with local teams competing in regional leagues.

Due to long beaches and reliable swells, surfing and bodyboarding are popular among locals and visiting enthusiasts.