Port Elizabeth, the Eastern Cape's biggest town and its major transport hub, seems to have something of an identity crisis. It's known by South Africans as 'PE', by locals as the 'friendly city', by marketeers as part of the 'Sunshine Coast' and by local government as the core of 'Nelson Mandela Bay', an area incorporating the city centre, the nearby industrial area of Uitenhage and the huge, sprawling townships that surround both. In keeping with this, its buildings are a hodgepodge of styles and have a dishevelled charm: monuments at once to its growth period (1880s) and boycott-era stagnation (1970s).

While many consider Port Elizabeth no more than a charmless, convenient place to rest and stock up on supplies, it does offer some geat bathing beaches. Take a look also at the interesting South End and Port Elizabeth museums or explore the vibrant shebeen (drinking establishment) scene of the surrounding townships.

Climate are moderate all year round with rain scattered throughout the year. The summers are warm with a very temperate humidity level. Winters are mild and pleasant.