With the holiday season approaching and new coastal routes from FlySafair, are you planning a seaside getaway? Port Elizabeth, known as "The Friendly City," offers a variety of activities that won't break the bank. With the launch of the Nelson Mandela Bay Pass, visitors can experience more for less. First Car Rental is here to help you explore Port Elizabeth with our list of the top 10 budget-friendly activities.
1. Walk the Iconic Route 67
Route 67 is a vibrant and culturally significant path that winds through the heart of Port Elizabeth. This route features 67 public artworks symbolizing the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to the liberation of South Africa. As you walk, you'll pass some of Port Elizabeth's oldest monuments, art galleries, and parks. Hire an economy car from First Car Rental Port Elizabeth to easily reach the starting point of this iconic route.
2. Hop on the Beer Route
Craft beer enthusiasts will love the Hop on Beer Tour, which takes you to three microbreweries in Port Elizabeth. The tour includes 11 craft beers and introduces you to the unique culture of beer enthusiasts. Enjoy the unique flavors at Dockside Brewery, Beer Yard, and Bridge Street Brewery. Rent a car from First Car Rental to safely explore this flavorful route.
3. Visit the Valley Market
Hosted in The Old Tramways Building in Baakens Valley on the first Saturday of the month, The Valley Market offers an assortment of musical performances, artisanal foods, boutique wines, and craft beers, all supplied by local exhibitors. It’s a perfect spot to experience the local culture. Rent a car from First Car Rental Port Elizabeth to make your visit to the market convenient and enjoyable.
4. Sunset Cruise on the Sundays River
Experience the tranquility of a sunset cruise on the Sundays River, located on the estuary of the scenic Sundays River at the southern tip of Addo Elephant National Park. With spectacular sand dunes and breathtaking views of Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay, the river offers the perfect setting for a calm and memorable cruise. Hire a car from First Car Rental to easily access this peaceful retreat.
5. Meet the Locals on a Township Tour
Take a drive into the townships of Port Elizabeth, where you can interact with locals and experience authentic Xhosa hospitality. Taste home-brewed beer, enjoy a traditional Xhosa meal, and visit the historic Red Location Apartheid Museum. Rent a car from First Car Rental to explore these vibrant communities and gain a deeper understanding of local culture.
6. See Elephants at the Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park offers the best elephant viewing opportunities in South Africa, along with a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna, and flora. It is the only national park in South Africa that offers the 'Big 7'—elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales, and great white sharks. Hire an SUV from First Car Rental to fully explore this expansive park.
7. Hike the Sacramento Trail
The popular Sacramento Trail is an 8km route that traverses the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve, featuring spectacular seascapes, landscapes, and, depending on the season, remarkable displays of dune vegetation and wildflowers. The trail starts at the bronze cannon at Schoenmakerskop and travels along the coast into the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. Rent a car from First Car Rental to reach the starting point of this beautiful hike.
8. Horseback Riding in Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve
Canter along deserted beaches and meander on trails through Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve, where you might catch a glimpse of a bushbuck, duiker, vervet monkey, and a variety of birdlife. The horseback riding experience caters to all levels of riders and is available 7 days a week. Book a car rental from First Car Rental to enjoy a day of horseback riding in this picturesque reserve.
9. Picnic on the Beach
No visit to Port Elizabeth is complete without a stop at one of its many beautiful beaches. Pack a picnic basket and head to the city’s clean, undeveloped beachfronts, perfect for exploring on foot and best of all—they’re free. Rent a car from First Car Rental to explore the best picnic spots along Port Elizabeth's coastline.
10. Enjoy South Africa's Longest Double Zipline
For thrill-seekers, the Adrenalin Addo double zipline is the highest, longest, and fastest in South Africa. The 500m long, twin-cable zipline starts 70m above the Sundays River and reaches speeds up to 80km/h. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience you won't want to miss. Hire a car from First Car Rental to get your heart racing at this incredible adventure spot.
