Car Hire Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa / Port Elizabeth Car Rentals / Vehicle Hire Port Elizabeth

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Articles & Attractions

- Hire Car Cape Town Airport

- South Africa Car Rentals

- Travel the wine routes with Cape Town car hire

- Self-drive tours with South Africa car rentals

- Driving in Port Elizabeth

- Road Map from Johannesburg to Durban

- Drive the scenic route Durban to Cape Town

- Reasonable Car Rental Rates Cape Town South Africa

- Travel advice for Durban

- Travel advice for Port Elizabeth

Car Hire Port Elizabeth

Driving in Port Elizabeth

Driving in Port Elizabeth is a great way to get around the city and to its exciting offerings. This “20 minute city” is relaxed and easy to drive in, as well as being a stranger to traffic snarls. Locals maintain that it takes twenty minutes (or less) to get from one side of the city to the other. Although it can get windy, PE (Port Elizabeth) is rated as having one of the top four coastal city climates in the world. PE is known as “the Friendly City”, “The Windy City”, and also as the watersports centre of South Africa. Temperatures for both weather and water are moderate all year round, which allows for watersports to take place almost daily, every season of the year.

If you’re keen to spend some time on the beach or get stuck into watersports, you’ll likely do quite a bit of driving in Port Elizabeth. There is a substantial selection of great beaches to choose from, and each one has its “specialty”. Some are good for swimming and tanning, and others are suited to surfing or other activities such as diving, sailing, bodyboarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Some of the beaches with big dunes are popular for sandboarding and hang gliding. Internationally recognised Blue Flag beaches include Humewood Beach, Hobie Beach and Kings Beach. Blue Flag status is awarded to beaches that are clean, safe and have good facilities for beachgoers.

If the skies do cloud over and you want a break from the beach; eating out, shopping and cultural activities are all on PE’s cards. The Greenacres mall, the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World and St. Georges Park are all fantastic places to visit. Greenacres is a large and popular shopping mall. Indulge in a show or watch a movie at the Boardwalk Casino Complex. It also offers great shopping and a striking Tivoli Gardens Showcase. The wonderful St. Georges Park offers lovely gardens and two art galleries. Attend the “art in the park” market (a monthly event), browse the art galleries, or take in a cricket match. History enthusiasts may be keen to do the 5km Donkin Trail, a fascinating walk following in the footsteps of the 1820 British settlers who arrived in PE. Another place to explore is Central Hill, full of settler history and monuments.

The greater Port Elizabeth area is host to some excellent game and nature reserves. The renowned Addo Elelphant National Park is a must-do day trip, and well worth a stay-over if you have time. Addo is famous for its Big Seven; the Big Five plus whales and the Great White Shark. Birdwatchers will be keen to take a drive to the Cape Recife Nature Reserve to use its bird hide and enjoy outstanding bird watching. Don’t miss the lovely walks available at the Chelsea Conservancy, Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve and the Sylvic Nature Reserve and Bushy Park.

The Bayworld Museum Complex is an essential stop when driving in Port Elizabeth. Visit the museum with its natural and cultural history and take a look at some of the interesting exhibits. The Oceanarium is popular for its dolphin and seal shows and the Snake Park for its variety of reptiles, including some rare species. Browse through a 19th century Settler cottage at the 7 Castle Street Museum. The attractions of PE are diverse and many. Take your pick and enjoy!

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