Gqeberha — still widely known as Port Elizabeth, or P.E. — sits on Algoa Bay on South Africa's southeastern coast, facing the Indian Ocean. Its urban coastline is known for blue-flag beaches, and the city works as a gateway for the Eastern Cape's outdoor and safari tourism. It also has a reputation as a windy city, so a location that shelters you from the wind or puts you close to what you came for matters more here than in many coastal towns.
For a visitor, the practical choice comes down to the beachfront suburbs east of the centre and the central city itself. The beachfront is where most of the accommodation is concentrated, with the central business district offering a smaller, more urban base. This guide covers the areas worth considering, what kind of traveller each suits, and how the budget, mid-range and splurge options differ.
1. Summerstrand
Summerstrand is the upmarket seaside suburb, developed along the beachfront south of the Baakens River. It suits first-time visitors and families who want to be close to the sand, and it is where much of the city's mid-range accommodation sits. You find guest houses, bed and breakfasts and self-catering units here, many within a short walk of the beach.
It is also the most convenient base for the wider beachfront cluster of attractions: the Boardwalk, the casino, the university, the golf course and the airport are all in close proximity. Some properties sit only a short distance from the beach, so ask about the exact walk before you book.
2. Humewood
Humewood is the other beachfront area, grouped around Kings Beach and Windermere Road. It suits budget travellers and backpackers as well as anyone who wants a beach base with easy access to the aquarium. The accommodation here leans towards hostels and guest houses, with a few larger hotels close to the sand.
Its main practical advantage is walkability: Kings Beach, Bayworld Aquarium and the beachfront are within easy reach of the properties on and around Windermere Road. If you are relying on foot rather than a car, this is one of the simpler areas to base yourself in.
3. Central
Central is the city's central business district, on the western side of the beachfront areas and around the Donkin Reserve. Accommodation is limited to a small number of hostels and one long-established hotel on Belmont Terrace, at the northern end of the Donkin Reserve.
The trade-off is distance: you are away from the beaches and will need transport to reach them. In exchange, you are in the historic core, near the Donkin Memorial and the reserve, with views over the reserve towards the ocean from the northern end.
4. Walmer
Walmer is an inland suburb west of the beachfront, close to the airport. It suits travellers who want a quieter, more residential base and those passing through quickly, since at least one property here offers free transfers to and from the airport. The accommodation is guest-house style, including a country-house property on Prospect Road.
You are not on the beach here, so plan on driving or taking transport to the coast and the centre. In return you get a calmer setting and quick access to the airport.
5. Humerail
Humerail sits between the centre and the beachfront, close to the harbour side of the city. It suits travellers who want a small, low-key base within reach of both the centre and the beaches. Accommodation here is limited, with guest-house style options rather than large hotels.
Its position makes it a compromise: you are not on the sand, but you are closer to the beachfront than the central business district is. A car makes this area considerably easier to use.
6. Cape Recife
Cape Recife is the far southern end of the coastline, within the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. It suits travellers who want nature on the doorstep and are happy to be away from the city's built-up areas. The accommodation is in the form of log cabins within the reserve.
This is the least connected of the areas listed here. You will need your own transport for everything, from groceries to the beachfront, and the reserve setting means fewer services immediately around you.
7. Seaview
Seaview lies outside the city's urban edge to the west, in a coastal setting. It suits travellers who want a quiet, out-of-town stay and do not mind a longer drive to reach Gqeberha's beaches and centre. Accommodation is limited to individual guest-house style properties.
Treat this as a countryside base rather than a city one: a car is essential, and you should expect to travel for restaurants, shops and the main sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels and backpackers, mostly in Humewood and Central, offering dorm beds and some private single and double rooms. This is the cheapest tier, and staff at these places can often arrange safari trips to Addo and Schotia, including travel to and from the parks.
- Mid-range: Guest houses, bed and breakfasts and self-catering units, concentrated in Summerstrand and Humewood, with some in Walmer, Humerail and Seaview. Expect private en-suite rooms, family units and apartments, often with kitchenettes, pools, off-street parking and Wi-Fi.
- Splurge: Larger hotels and country-house style properties, including beachfront hotels in Summerstrand and Humewood and a luxury country house in Walmer. Expect spacious en-suite rooms, pool decks, restaurants and, in some cases, sea views.
Best area for a first visit
Summerstrand is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the beachfront suburb closest to the beach, the Boardwalk, the casino, the university and the golf course, and it has the widest choice of mid-range accommodation. If you would rather be within walking distance of Kings Beach and the aquarium, Humewood is the alternative.
Which area is best if I want to walk to the beach?
Summerstrand and Humewood are the beachfront areas, and properties in both are described as being within a short walk of the sand, in some cases only 60 to 200 metres. Central, Walmer, Humerail, Cape Recife and Seaview all require transport to reach the beach.
Where should I stay if I am on a tight budget?
Central has the lowest dorm rates, while Humewood combines budget beds with a beachfront location.
Can I base myself in Gqeberha for a safari?
Yes. Addo and Schotia Safari Parks are roughly 30 miles away, and budget hostels in Humewood can arrange trips that include travel to and from the parks. The parks are not within the city, so you will need either an organised trip or your own transport.
Do I need a car?
It depends on the area. Summerstrand and Humewood are workable on foot for the beachfront, and Walmer has properties offering free airport transfers. Central, Humerail, Cape Recife and Seaview are better with a car, and Cape Recife and Seaview in particular are away from the city's services.
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