Hotels in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth: Eastern Cape Gateway on Algoa Bay

Port Elizabeth — officially renamed Gqeberha in 2021 — sits on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape, roughly 770 km east of Cape Town along the N2 coastal highway. The city of around 1.3 million is anchored by a working harbour and backed by the Baakens River Valley, where Victorian terraces climb the hillside above the beachfront strip. The 2010 Fifa World Cup brought the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to North End, cementing the city's profile as a regional sports and events hub.

Where to Stay in Gqeberha

Most hotels cluster along Marine Drive and the Humewood beachfront, within 2 km of King's Beach and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World. The Central and Greenacres districts offer mid-range and business-oriented properties closer to the CBD and Greenacres Shopping Centre. Travellers heading to Addo Elephant National Park — 72 km north via the R335 — often overnight here before or after safari drives.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the beachfront; a car is essential for Addo day trips.
• Climate: Rainfall spreads evenly year-round; pack a windproof layer for the bay's south-easterly winds.
• Airport: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport sits 3 km from the city centre with direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town.