Port Elizabeth, Hot South African Cruise Port

Cultural Excursions – Algoa Bay, Xhosa Heroes, Apple Express, Kwela

May 22, 2009 Kate Nivison

Cultural activity in Port Elizabeth, aka PE, has boomed in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. PE is now an up-and-coming Indian Ocean cruise destination.

Port Elizabeth is used to the naming game. The Elizabeth in question was the beloved wife of a former governor, but it now has an official Xhosa name, Ibhayi. PE, on the spectacular Eastern Cape Coast, is South Africa’s fourth largest urban area, and a focal point for Xhosa culture. Its 1.5 million inhabitants call it the Windy City because of its situation on a huge bay where the Cape Coast turns north. From here, sailing ships could pick up the trade winds to India – hence Algoa Bay.

PE is also known as ‘The Ten Minute City’ because its historic centre is so compact. Even with recent rapid population growth and a sprawling building booming, it’s still true that most of Port Elizabeth’s attractions are within easy reach for cruise-goers on a tight one-day schedule. However, there is little in the way of ‘joined up’ public transport, so it’s probably best to opt for organised excursions rather than go it alone.

Algoa Bay

Beautiful Algoa Bay itself, with its deep-water sheltered port, is now officially called Nelson Mandela Bay after the city’s most famous son. There’s always something happening on the beach front, where attractions include:

Miles of fine beaches, especially Humewood, Hobie, Pollok and King’s Beach which attract sports-mad South Africans for the sailing and all kinds of water sports.
International sports festivals such as Ironman, and in-shore or deep-sea fishing.
Family and cultural events along the main sea front – Beach Road and Marine Drive.
Outdoor eating most of the year; wonderful seafood with fine South Africa wines and lagers.

Xhosa Heroes, Historical Centre and Museums

PE Central is the place to get a feel for the town’s early history, and with Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Thabo Mbeki and Miriam Makeba being from this area, there is also plenty for those interested in the Apartheid Years:

The new Red Location Apartheid Museum, on Settler’s Way, is very thought-provoking.
Bayward Museum, on Marine Drive includes No 7 Castle Hill, a settler’s cottage dating from 1830.
City Hall is the mid-19th-century focus of the PE Central, and the nearby Donkin Reserve has other reminders of times past.

Township Visit with Kwela Music

A third of PE’s residents live in townships and some of these, such as New Brighton, Kwazahele and Zwide are open for bookable excursions. Tours typically include a market visit, a community-run school and craft centre, with dancing from the children, lots of good humour, local snacks and Kwela music (remember ‘A-Wimaweh’?) Donations for community projects are always welcome.

The Apple Express

An atmospheric narrow gauge railway, operational since 1903, offers scenic views inland, especially from Van Stadens Bridge, the highest narrow gauge rail bridge in the world. It starts at Humewood Station and is a favourite cruise excursion with a real party atmosphere.

Visitors feel at home in Port Elizabeth, with its wide skies, great beaches, low crime rates and vibrant Kwela music – which could be why they also call it The Friendly City.