Found in Eastern Cape, South Africa – Port Elizabeth, also known as the Nelson Mandela Bay, is the most populated city in the province and stands as a major seaport.
Port Elizabeth Webcam View of Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Being the sixth most populous city in South Africa, it has plenty to offer, serving as the cultural, economic, and financial center of the Eastern Cape region. The economy primarily strives on automotive assembly, manufacturing, and export industries.
The city is also a major South African destination for investment and over the last decade, it has secured around $20 billion in direct foreign investment.
As a tourist location, the port is just as popular. Shark Rock Pier, which is a prominent installation on the shoreline of Port Elizabeth, is the city’s most famous landmark. It is also a tourism gateway for South Africa’s national’s arts festival, outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, and numerous nature conservancies. Port Elizabeth was one of the host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The city has a lot of history, with the first signs of civilization going at least 10’000 years back, where hunters and gatherers settled, and around 2000 years ago, these early settlers were assimilated by agriculturalist populations ancestral to the Xhosa people.
The 1500s saw European settlers and a long history of ownership and development. In 2001 the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality was formed, the neighboring towns of Uitenhage and Despatch, and the surrounding agricultural areas were included with the Port Elizabeth.
The name has been chosen in honor of the former President Nelson Mandela. The combined metropolitan area around 2006 has amassed an estimated 1.3 million.
More tourism-wise, the climate in the region is rather pleasant. Staying around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius year-round, only reaching the lower temperatures during the summer months, making it a great destination for a winter vacation, as the winter months are the warmest, yet still not becoming overbearing.
Port Elizabeth can also boast its beautiful beaches, of which the best will be found near the suburbs of Summerstrand and Humewood. For example, the Kings Beach is a 1.6 kilometers long strip with plenty of room for runners, dog-walkers, and those that want to play beach games on the sand. It is also home to a rather small water park, called Super-Tubes.
Another noteworthy location, the Pollock Beach – is a gorgeous swimming and surfing area, and has a small tidal pool, which is ideal for children. These beaches are only a few minutes from the airport, with malls and restaurants nearby as well.
If you are in love with animals, the Nelson Mandela Bay will be a treat to explore. To start off, you are able to go on an island cruise, that will let you feast your eyes on whales, dolphins, and penguins. Operating in the Algoa Bay, rich in wildlife and history, it contains half of the worlds remaining endangered African Penguins.
If such animals interest you, you might not find a better cruise to take, but if you are keener on spending some time with land animals, the Addo Elephant National Park is a wonderful tour that will educate you on the biodiversity and unique ecosystem of the area.
Although the name focuses on the Elephant, the institution host a sight not seen anywhere else in the world, known as the Big 7. During the guide, you’ll meet the Southern right whale, the great white shark, elephant, black rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo. A list of truly magnificent animals, that are not commonly found around the world.
Of course, if you’re just looking for a calm, nice getaway with options for some exotic experiences, you won’t be disappointed, as the city provides just as many wonderful modern corners to find yourself in. From excellent hand-brewed coffee to beautiful golfing courses inserted right in the South African nature and much more.
But if you’re still stuck at home waiting for the next chance to go on an adventure, feel free to use one of the free webcams you can find on this site!
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