Port Elizabeth in Pictures
A glimpse of what awaits you in the Friendly City
From sun-drenched Summerstrand beachfronts to charming Walmer guesthouses, find your perfect accommodation in the Friendly City, Gqeberha.
Accommodation Options
Unique Areas
Pristine Coastline
Search from hundreds of accommodation options across Nelson Mandela Bay
Each neighbourhood offers a unique character and experience for visitors
The jewel of PE's beachfront. Walk to pristine beaches, the iconic Boardwalk Casino, and enjoy world-class sunsets right from your doorstep.
Beachfront Boardwalk FamilyA historic coastal suburb home to Bayworld and Humewood Beach. Rich heritage architecture meets the vibrant pulse of the ocean.
Historic Oceanarium CultureA quiet, leafy suburb minutes from the airport. Ideal for business travellers and families who prefer suburban tranquillity with easy access to everything.
Quiet Airport SuburbanThe creative heart of PE. Boutique restaurants, craft coffee shops, galleries, and vibrant nightlife make this the place for trendsetters.
Nightlife Dining TrendyUntouched natural beauty with secluded beaches, coastal hiking trails, and the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. A paradise for nature lovers.
Nature Secluded HikingGateway to Addo Elephant National Park. Perfect for safari enthusiasts, river adventures on the Sundays River, and wide-open dune landscapes.
Addo Safari RiverClick on a location pin to learn more about each area
Click on any pin to see details about that neighbourhood, including accommodation types and average prices.
Port Elizabeth is packed with world-class experiences right on your doorstep
Home to over 600 elephants, Addo is one of South Africa's premier Big Five reserves. Just an hour's drive from the city centre.
Visit SANParks →The Boardwalk precinct offers a casino, cinema, shopping, restaurants, and beautiful beachfront walks in the heart of Summerstrand.
Pristine, unspoilt beaches with coastal hiking trails through the nature reserve. Watch for dolphins from the shoreline at sunrise.
A collection of 67 public artworks honouring Nelson Mandela's 67 years of public service. A cultural journey from the Campanile to the hill.
NMB Tourism →A private game reserve within the city offering close encounters with giraffe, rhino, zebra and many other species in a natural bushveld setting.
Humewood's beloved marine and cultural complex featuring an oceanarium, museum, and snake park. A must for families visiting PE.
Visit the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds and meet rescued African Penguins being rehabilitated for release.
SA Tourism →Beyond PE, the Eastern Cape offers the Wild Coast, Tsitsikamma, and countless hidden gems. Plan your wider regional adventure from Gqeberha.
Eastern Cape Travel →Answer four quick questions and we'll recommend the perfect area and accommodation type for your trip
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* Estimates based on average 2025/26 prices for the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Actual costs may vary. Travellers on a tight budget — including grant recipients timing short breaks around their monthly R370 payment — often run a quick SASSA SRD status check before booking, so they know the grant has landed. A same-day R370 status check also helps avoid surprise cancellations if the payment is still pending.
PE enjoys mild weather year-round, but each season has its own charm
Peak season with warm seas, long days, and buzzing beaches. Book early as popular spots fill up fast during the holiday season.
Warm water lingers while crowds thin out. Ideal for surfing, hiking, and enjoying PE at a relaxed pace. Great value accommodation.
Mild by South African standards. Fewer tourists means better rates and intimate wildlife viewing at Addo. Whale watching begins.
Wildflowers bloom, whale season peaks, and the city comes alive before summer. An underrated gem for savvy travellers visiting PE.
A glimpse of what awaits you in the Friendly City
Real experiences from travellers who've stayed in Port Elizabeth
Your options for exploring the Nelson Mandela Bay metro
PE's airport is just 5 km from the city centre with daily flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Car hire desks are in the arrivals hall.
The most flexible way to explore. All major rental companies operate from the airport. Roads are good and parking is generally easy and affordable.
Uber and Bolt operate throughout the metro area. Metered taxis are available at the airport and major hotels. Budget R150-300 for typical cross-city trips.
The Algoa Bus Company runs scheduled routes. For a scenic experience, take the heritage tram along the beachfront during summer months.
Planning your journey to the Eastern Cape? The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism website has comprehensive visitor guides and route planners.
Port Elizabeth's accommodation sector is powered by dedicated small business owners. From family-run B&Bs in Walmer to beachfront guesthouses in Summerstrand, these entrepreneurs are the backbone of local tourism. Many small accommodation providers have benefited from tourism and SMME funding programmes that help grow the hospitality industry in the region.
Whether you're a visitor looking for the perfect stay or a local exploring your own province, every booking supports jobs and livelihoods in the Nelson Mandela Bay community.