Port Elizabeth is a Big 7 destination, and it offers the unique opportunity to experience both the bush and the beach.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is renowned as one of the most pristine reserves on the planet and has the accolades to prove it. Addo Elephant National Park is another must on the itinerary - in this 164 000 hectare reserve, you'll find 500 elephants as well as Cape buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope. There's also Kwantu Private Game Reserve, Pumba Private Game Reserve and a host of others in the surrounding areas.

 

Port Elizabeth is something of a nature-lover's paradise. A visit to Seaview Game & Lion Park and an excursion to Bayworld are definites on the itinerary. There are also a number of city parks and hiking trails set in tranquil surroundings (such as Settlers' Park). Why not take a cruise to the St Croix Island Marine Reserve and see the breeding colonies of endangered African penguins, seals and whales? Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve is also just 35 km from the bay and is known for its indigenous flora and fauna.

Visit the Snake Park and Tropical House within the Port Elizabeth Museum Complex of our Bayworld, situated opposite the main beach in Port Elizabeth. Our Snake Park crawls with a wide variety of exotic and indigenous snakes, from tiny adders to monstrous pythons, all housed safely in cages behind glass.

Bayworld Snake Park – If herpetology is your passion, try visiting the Snake Park inside the Bayworld Complex. Here you can meet and greet a menagerie of reptiles including tortoises, snakes, and crocodiles. You can even see the rare and endangered Madagascar Ground Boa.

Also watch the endangered West African Dwarf crocodile lying semi-submerged in his pool, lizards basking warmly on rocks in the sun, tortoises slowly chewing their greens and enjoy the interesting colourful bird life.

Or visit our museum, a fascinating variety of historical treasures and curiosities will keep you intrigued for hours.