For a stay in Port Elizabeth, culture, art and history offer different areas of focus. The wider destination of Nelson Mandela Bay also adds coastal scenery and wildlife viewing.
Route 67 and the Donkin Reserve
Route 67 runs from the city centre, up the steps at St Mary’s Terrace, to the Donkin Reserve and the Great Flag on the hill. In the wider destination of Nelson Mandela Bay, Route 67 comprises 67 public artworks. The number symbolises Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of commitment to South Africa’s freedom. The route thus links named stops with an artistic and historical theme.
In the wider destination of Nelson Mandela Bay, the Donkin Reserve offers views of Gqeberha, the harbour and Algoa Bay. Guided tours of Route 67 are available from the Donkin Visitor Information Office in the lighthouse building; check availability before your visit.
Architecture and history
The colonial-style City Hall stands on Vuyisile Mini Square. The building dates from the mid-19th century; its clock tower was added in 1883. City Hall was recognised as a National Monument in 1973. A replica of the Diaz Cross also stands in the square. It commemorates Bartholomew Diaz’s arrival in Algoa Bay in 1488.
No. 7 Castle Hill, on Castle Hill Road in Central, was completed in 1825 and opened as a museum in 1965 after renovation work. Features of the house include yellowwood floors and beams, as well as a restored slate roof. Exhibits include a doll’s house, lacework and a kitchen. If you plan to visit the museum, check current visitor information in advance.
Art collections and regional perspectives
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum features South African art, particularly from the Eastern Cape, British art and international prints. The collection of Oriental art includes Indian miniatures and Chinese textiles. The collection therefore offers several ways to explore art history, from South African and regional works to international prints and art objects.
In the wider destination of Nelson Mandela Bay, the coast and wilderness complement the cultural highlights. Algoa Bay, the coastal region of Nelson Mandela Bay, has 40 kilometres of beaches. Kragga Kamma Game Park includes coastal forests and grassland. Wildlife species there include white rhinos, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes and zebras; individual sightings are not guaranteed.
Kragga Kamma Game Park offers guided game drives and self-guided wildlife viewing. These are two different ways to observe wildlife; check current availability in advance if you plan to take a game drive, as operator arrangements may change.
Another cultural highlight in the wider destination of Nelson Mandela Bay is the Drostdy Museum in Uitenhage, at 50 Caledon Street. It documents the historical development of Uitenhage and the surrounding districts. Its exhibitions include toys, porcelain and clothing; the museum also houses an archival library. Within the wider destination, you can therefore choose between art collections and a museum devoted to regional history.
Discover more destinations: Uitenhage, Clarendon Marine.
Return to the wider travel overview: Nelson Mandela Bay.
