Why you need to holiday in PE this festive season

Port Elizabeth doesn’t always make the cut for obvious family holiday options, but it’s well worth looking into the wind-sept city that boasts numerous blue-flag beaches, heritage landmarks, and whale and rare seabird spotting with a splash of metropolitan glitz… And it’s even more convenient to get there now. Mango Airlines offers direct flights from Lanseria to Port Elizabeth; where you can look forward to sipping on an ice cold Zulu Blonde craft beer  or enjoy a refreshing pink G&T and snack on a scrumptious tapas box – surely the journey is just as important as the destination!

Here are our top picks and family activities you can look forward to in Port Elizabeth.

Under R500

Sandboarding on the scenic dunes of Jeffrey’s Bay is always a fun family day out. If you can stand, you can sandboard, it’s easy to learn and fun for all ages. It’s something different to do, it’s active and you’ll make some great memories with this family outing and the pics will be great for the ‘gram too.

If this is a little too adventurous for you, then you can try a relaxing river cruise along the majestic Sundays River, pass the Alexandria Coastal Dune field, see local birdlife feeding in their natural habitat, and stop at one of the highest sand dunes for spectacular views. Leisurely enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Port Elizabeth. Explore one of South Africa’s oldest cities with a local guide and learn about local history.

Also read: The best safari lodges in Port Elizabeth

Under R2,000

Embark on an unforgettable tour around Port Elizabeth harbour with their Whale, Dolphin and Penguin boat cruise, and marvel at the wonders of nature as you spot these intriguing sea creatures.

Enjoy a full day with a local guide exploring the third-largest national park in South Africa with the Addo Elephant National Park Full-Day Tour. The Addo Elephant National Park is home to the Big 5, has one of the densest elephant populations in Africa, and offers unrivalled biodiversity.

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