A city in the South-East of South Africa, in the Cape Province. It is a large port located on the coast of the Algoa Gulf of the Indian Ocean.
The city itself is full of pleasant surprises for its visitors. Lovers of antiquity, not without pleasure, will plunge into the atmosphere preserved in the upper 
portions of Port Elizabeth's Victorian neighborhoods with cozy pubs, antique shops, and polished brass plaques marked on historic sites.
And in the lower city, along the ocean promenade, there is a completely different ultramodern 
a world filled with jazz tunes from cozy restaurants at a breathtaking pace, a kaleidoscopic whirlpool of entertainment at local Disneyland, the Dolphin Theater, the oversaturated sports life of Algoa Bay, the world famous surfing paradise. Luxurious beaches begin within the city limits. But for those who do not like to embarrass themselves with the neighborhood of strangers, it is better to walk 2-3 km to the south, in the direction of the resort area stretching along the golden seaside.
How to get there:
769 km from Cape Town: Cape Town-Port Elizabeth flight, 75 km - Edo Park; 80 km - Shamwari: transfer by car, minibus. 230 km - Plettenberg Bay; 272 km - Knysna: transfer by car, minibus. Bloemfontein 635 km, Durban 927 km, East London 300 km, George 320 km, Johannesburg 1062 km, Nelspruit 1373 km, Oudsworth 358 km, Sun City 1229 km, Skukuza 1480 km.
History
The first governor, Rufan Donkin, named the city in memory of his wife Elizabeth. In her honor, the Donkin Reserve was also founded, where next to the lighthouse there is a stone pyramid erected in honor of the governor's wife, on which is written: "In memory of the wonderful man who gave the name to this city."
In 1799 the British built here small fort for their forward garrison. And in 1820 English settlers founded a city near the fort. In its suburbs, giant car factories were built, and the city itself began to be called South African Detroit.
Sights:
Port Elizabeth Museum Complex(Port Elizabeth Museum) form Elephant Park, Snake Park and 
Oceanarium. The latter is visited annually by more than 150 thousand people. The exposition presents a skeleton of a whale with a length of 14m. There is a dolphin show twice a day, at 11.00 and 15.00.
Fort frederick built by the British in 1799. to protect against a possible landing of French troops. But the guns of this fort never fired.
Horse monument(The Horse Memorial) at the corner of Ressel and Cape Roads is dedicated to 
horses killed during the Boer War. There are only two similar monuments in the world.
East London Museum(East London Museum). Two unique exhibits are kept here: a stuffed coelacanth fish and a dodo bird egg. It was believed that the coelacanth became extinct 60 million years ago, but in 1938 it was caught in the sea near East London. Moreover, in size (length - 1.6m., Weight - 57kg.) The fish roughly corresponded to the parameters of their distant ancestors. And the dodo bird was last seen at the end of the 17th century. Her egg presented in the museum is the only specimen in the world.
Apple Express... The places around Port Elezabeth are very picturesque. Those who want to feel Africa most keenly should spend at least one night here - hear hundreds of mysterious sounds, see the huge African moon. Beautiful view opens from a 350-meter bridge over the picturesque Fan Stadens River, where the narrow-gauge Apple Express steam locomotive passes on the road from Humewood to Trnhill.
Around the city
While staying in Port Elizabeth, one can simply enjoy spa vacation or make trips 
through nearby parks and cities. So, in national park Eddo Elephant can be seen at the same time 20 or even 30 elephants, which in a caravan, observing the hierarchy, go to the watering hole. The Shamwari Private Game Reserve, an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, is home to all 
"Big five". Here is the village of Kaya Lendaba, founded by the medium and connoisseur of African antiquities Credo Mutwe. The quaint buildings of the village recreate the myths of African tribes. Here fortunetellers tell fortunes, healers heal and wars dance. A trip to the reserve city of Graaf-Reinet and the "most English" city of South Africa, Grahamstown, will be fascinating.
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is one of the warmest cities on Earth. There is wonderful sunny weather here all year round, the gentle waters of the Indian Ocean attract bathers, and the friendly locals even smile at strangers. It is not for nothing that Port Elizabeth received a second, unofficial name - "City of Friends".
Port Elizabeth is now part of the municipality of Nelson Mandela Bay, along with smaller surrounding towns such as Despatch and Whitenhage. In total, about 1 million people live in this area, and, in addition, tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the city every year. Port Elizabeth stretches for more than 16 km. along the beautiful bay of Algoa. The length of the surrounding beaches is about 40 km.
The city is located 763 km. from Cape Town, and not far from East London - another East Cape resort. Port Elizabeth is renowned for its tremendous entertainment opportunities for tourists. Everyone can choose to their taste - quiet family or leisure; beach entertainment and a variety of water sports or an excursion trip "inland."
Algoa Bay is world renowned as the "Mecca" of sailing, surfing, kiteboarding and scuba diving enthusiasts. Not far from the coast, at the bottom of the ocean, you can find many coral reefs inhabited by exotic fish and other deep-sea inhabitants, as well as the remains of sunken ships. For tourists, themed boat trips are arranged - tours of photo hunting for dolphins and whales.
Port Elizabeth is a relatively young city, however, like all megacities in South Africa. It was formed in 1820 by settlers from Great Britain who were called upon by the government of the United Kingdom to resist attacks on the frontier Imperial possessions by the local Kos tribe. The city got its name in memory of the beloved wife of the First Governor Rufan Donkin. In honor of Elizabeth, the park was later founded - Donkin Reserve. There is a lighthouse and a small stone pyramid on which the inscription is engraved: "In memory of the remarkable person who gave the name of this city".
During the Anglo-Boer War, there was a notorious concentration camp for Boer women and children - many innocent people died in its dungeons. It is interesting that a monument to horses is erected in the city, it is called the Equestrian Memorial - in memory of the huge losses of horses and mules during the war years.
During the apartheid years, local authorities actively enforced the segregation of the population along racial lines. Black residents were forcibly expelled from their homes. Nationalist lawlessness continued until 1975. After the election of Nelson Mandela to the presidency, the situation changed dramatically and now the white population is a minority. Port Elizabeth has now overcome economic and political challenges and is recognized tourist center safe for tourists of all skin colors and religions. In 2010, Port Elizabeth will be one of the cities in South Africa to host the Football World Cup. Cricket is highly developed here; international championships are held annually, as well as competitions among amateurs.
In the city, a number of attractions are dedicated to the colonial era. For example, the Campanile, which was built in 1923 to commemorate the arrival of the first British settlers in 1820, and City Hall (1862). One of the earliest buildings is Fort Frederick, erected in 1799, it was intended to defend the land from the attacks of the French, but according to the testimony of historians, its guns were never fired.
Of note are St George's Park, the King George VI Art Gallery, and the Humewood Music and Oceanographic Room and the Boardwalk Waterfront Complex. All the monuments of the Victorian era are mainly collected in the upper, old part of the city. In Lower Port Elizabeth, on the contrary, new modern buildings have been rebuilt, concentrated, banks, restaurants and entertainment complexes.
Particularly interesting is the Port Elizabeth Museum Complex, it combines the Oceanarium, Snake Park and the Museum itself. Every day, visitors can enjoy a fascinating dolphin show, as well as view a huge 15-meter skeleton of a whale, a 5-meter bronze cannon and wrecks of ships that once sank in Algoa Bay. In the same complex is located the Street of 7 Castles. It represents the surviving early XIX century cottages. This attraction gives a complete picture of the life and culture of the first European settlers.
Eddo Elephant National Park is located 72 kilometers north of Port Elizabeth. More than two hundred elephants live here. The reserve is much smaller than the famous Kruger, but this has its advantages. In Eddo Elephant, you can meet many pachyderms during a short visit, including even small elephants.
Another amazing reserve, Shamvari, is also located not far from the city, just 80 km away. It is home to the most popular representatives of the region's fauna - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, as well as antelopes, giraffes and zebras. Right next to the park, there is a cultural village inhabited by real natives. She is called Kaya Lendaba. You can stop here for a couple of days, try national cuisine and buy souvenirs made by local artisans.
For lovers of peace, silence and wildlife, Port Elizabeth has a special place. It is located just 15 minutes from the city and is called Rosehouse. This small village is located right on the banks of the Svartkops River. This corner of nature is famous for a wide variety of waterfowl. Flamingos, terns, sandpipers, African black coots and many other species inhabit the river and live in the lush greenery of the coastal zone. Here you can relax in a small hotel, go to river cruise, go boating or water skiing, and in the evening you can enjoy a stunningly beautiful sunset reflected in the calm water surface ...
Welcome to Port Elizabeth, one of the largest seaports South Africa... It is located in the South of the Eastern Cape, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, or rather, the Gulf of Algoa.
It is large industrial centre South African Republic and the 5th largest city in the country. Locals call him abbreviated "Pi-i". Other well-deserved nicknames are "Windy City" and "Friendly City".
In addition to a number of attractions, here gorgeous beaches and excellent conditions for water sports enthusiasts. Add to this the mild subtropical climate (+ 9- + 20 degrees in winter, maximum 25 degrees in summer) with little rain and the absence of blood-sucking malaria carriers - and you have an ideal African resort.
Port Elizabeth: history and population
Port Elizabeth is part of the Nelson Mandela Bay City District, which is now home to over 1 million people. The population here is quite variegated, and more than half are black Africans. The overwhelming majority of local residents are Christian.
Europeans arrived here at the end of the 15th century. And only in 1820 the British settlers founded the city Port Elizabeth in order to strengthen their position. Here, during the second Boer War, a concentration camp operated, and in the second half of the 20th century, racial persecution and forced resettlement of black residents took place.
Windy Cities Surprises - Port Elizabeth Attractions
Now Port Elizabeth is a flourishing city and has a reputation wonderful resort... By the way, it owes its feminine name to the governor of the Cape Colony, who thus perpetuated the memory of his late wife Elizabeth.
The Windy City is filled with surprises. In the upper part of it there are preserved Victorian quarters with antique shops, historical monuments and lovely pubs.
The City Tourism Bureau conducts educational excursions around the quarters Port Elizabeth, from which you can get a good look at the modern life of the city. The life of the first colonists from Britain, who founded the city 2 centuries ago, is no less interesting - you can get acquainted with it in the Settlers' Park, as well as by visiting the Donkin Reserve complex.
Tourists are also attracted by other attractions: the monument to the first settlers, the stone fort Frederick built by the French, the old post office and market, the city hall, Garden Route - the picturesque Garden Route. Special places on tourist map- The Nelson Mandel Museum of Art, the African Art Gallery, and the Bayworld Aquarium Complex and the South African Air Force Museum.
Port Elizabeth beaches and reserves
Alexandria Dune Fields are located near the resort - the highest in all southern hemisphere dunes. There are many private reserves in this region, and the most amazing of all is the famous national park Eddo, home to about 200 elephants. The Shamvari private reserve is a vivid example of the local fauna: rhinos, lions, antelopes, zebras, etc. And the biodiversity of our planet is represented in Tsitsikamma National Park. The real pearl of South Africa is the ecological reserve on Recife: the waters of the Indian Ocean have created fantastic dunes here.
A magnet for vacationers is the local 40-kilometer strip of beaches, the most luxurious of which start within the city. They boast crystal clear water, wonderful fine sand and a comfortable gentle slope.
PORT ELIZABETH is a city in the southeast of South Africa, in the Eastern Cape province.
Population about 1.3 million people (2013); in pre-de-lakh ag-lo-me-ra-tions (city district Nel-son-Man-dela-Bey; ob-ra-zo-van in 2001, includes the same -ro-da Hey-ten-ha-he and Des-patch) about 1.5 million. Ras-po-lo-wives on the coast of the bay of Al-goa of the Indian Ocean Large railway junction. Through-re-kind pro-go-dit av-to-do-ro-ga Cape-ta-un - Port-Eli-za-bet - East Long-don - Dur-ban. Sea port... Me-w-do-folk air-ro-port (in devil-those go-ro-da).
Os-no-van in 1820 at the site of the fort Fré-de-rik (originated in 1799) according to the race-by-rya-niyu gu-ber-na-to-ra Kap-ko -Lonies of R. Don-ki-na. Named after his wife. In 1836 he received the status of mu-ni-tsi-pa-li-te-ta, in 1861 - the self-governing com-mu-ny. Raz-vi-val-sya as tor-go-vy (export of ostrich feathers, wool and mohair) and a port-to-vy center. In 1873, co-united-nyon iron-noy-ro-goy with Kim-ber-li, which caused the rapid growth of the city-ro-da. During the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, an important transit point for the transfer of soldiers and us.
Historical part of Port Elizabeth co-temple-no-la-build-ku 2nd half of the XIX- the beginning of the XX centuries. On main square Mar-ket-square ras-in-lo-ze-us neo-ti-ch-ang-li-kan-sky congregation De-vy Ma-rii (1825-1832, pe-re-st -en after-zha-ra in 1896) and the ka-lichny cathedral of St. tiz-ma: Ra-tu-sha (1858-1862, cha-so-vaya tower - 1883), building of the former first market (1883-1885, ar-khi -tek-to-ry J. Wolf-Bar-ri, W.G. Miles), Old post office (1902, architect G. S. Greaves), city library with fa-sa-house, ob- face-van-ny fa-yan-soy slab (1902, architect G.A. Chirs). Among other dos-to-note-cha-tel-nosty of Port Elizabeth - Fort Fré de Ric (1799), a complex of the Old Gray Institute (1858; cha-so tower of 1875), pre-svit-te-ri-an-skaya church (1865, architect F.M. -niya opera-no-go te-at-ra (1892, architect J.W. Smith) and "Athe-no-mind" in the forms of class-si-tsiz-ma (cor-poo-sa 1896 and 1901), ko-lo-kol-nya "Kam-pa-ni-la" (1920 or 1923; in-line-on in memory of the arrival of the British seeds in 1820 year). The house on Castle Hill Street (1825; one of the old buildings of Port Elizabeth; we-not fi-li-al mu-zey-no- go complex-sa "Bay World"), Pem-bridge-ha-us (1840, pe-re-construction-en in 1880), villa-la Fleming-ha-us (1853), living building of the 2nd half of the 19th - early 20th centuries on Don-ki-na street -de), Ne-wington Road, Cora Terrace. Pa-myat-ni-ki: ko-ro-le-ve Vik-to-rii (1903, sculptor E.R. perish-shim during the Ang-lo-Boer War of 1899-1902 (1905, sculptor J. White-head), me-mo-ri-al pav-shim in 1- th world-ro-howl-not "Ke-no-taf" (1929, sculptor J. Gar-de-ner). Par-ki "Don-kin" with pi-ra-mi-doy, built-in-noah gu-ber-na-to-rum R. Don-kin in memory of the same, and May-com (1861), St. George's Park (os-no-van in 1860; oran-ge-ray "Pier-Son", 1882, engineering bureau "Boyd and Son").
Port Elizabeth is an important center of education and culture in South Africa. City University named after N. Man-de-la (ob-ra-zo-van in 2005 in the re-zul-ta-te of the association of the University of Port Elizabeth, the Technical University of Port Elizabeth and cam -pu-sa University "Vis-ta"), educational centers of companies "Ford" (at the University named after N. Man-de-la), "Volkswagen" (in the city of Ai-ten-ha -he). Mu-zei: complex "Bay World" (includes the Regional Vedic Museum Port Elizabeth, os-no-van in 1856 (represented -ta British pe-re-selents of the middle of the 19th century); ter-ra-ri-um, okea-na-ri-um and others), the Sa-ut-End region (is-to-riya pri- go-ro-da Port Elizabeth, including at the time of the li-ti-ki apart-hey-da), a regiment of guards named after Prince Alf-re-da (in the building half-to-th-ma-not-mad, 1880), the fight would be Red-no-go ban-tu-st-na (building in the style of non-omo-der-niz-ma, 2005, architectural bureau "Noero Wolff Architects"; is-to-riya apart-hey-da), hu-do-st-ven-ny named after N. Man-de-la (1956; former artistic ga-le-rey named after Ge-or-ga VI; South African, British and Asian art), artistic ga-le-rey named after R. Bel-ling-g.
Opera theater (1892, one of the oldest in Africa). Since 1970, every year, the Shek-spirovsky fest-ti-val has been pro-active.
Among the sporting co-weapons, there is a multi-functional training center "Nelson Man de la Bay" (46 thousand seats; built in 2007-2009 to something-pio-na-tu-mi-ra on the foot-ball of 2010; architecture bureau "gmp"), field for playing cree-ket "St. George's Park" (1889, modern tri-buns for 19 thousand seats; pro-ho-di-li mat-chi world cup, 2003). Yearly fes-ti-val "Splash" -Red re-ha-you).
Port Elizabeth is the main eco-nomic center of the Eastern Cape. The main source of the city economy is industrial production. Ag-lo-me-ra-tion Port Elizabeth is the leading center of the auto-mobile industry in South Africa. In the go-ro-de, there are the headquarters and the auto-assembly plants of the company "Ge-ne-ral Motors" (easy-to-av-to-mo-bi-li for the local market, cargo-zo-vi-ki), headquarters-quarter and special-tia-li- a well-known plant for the release of sports cars of the company "Hi-Tech Automotive", a number of enterprises for the production of companies whip knots, ag-re-ha-tov and de-ta-lei av-to-mobi-lei (including for-dy companies "Ford Motor Compa-ny" , "Shatterprufe"), auto-mobile tires (companies "Bridgestone", "Con-tinental Tire"). In the pre-de-lakh ag-lo-me-ra-tions, in the city of Ei-ten-ha-he, there is an av-to-mo-bil-ny plant "Volkswa-gen Group" (one of the main -bo-to-da-te-lei, about 5.6 thousand for-nyat; about 100 thousand av-to-mo-bi-lei per year), pre-arrival of the company "Lumotech "(Aw-to-mo-bile-nye light-to-wow equipment-up-to-va-nie and plastic-to-mo-do-li) and" Goodyear "(av-to-mo- bile shins).
Dey-st-woo-yut plants for the production of mar-gan-tse-vo-tsin-kov ba-ta-rai (company "Eveready" is the main national pro- vo-di-tel), various cable products; all-but-construction companies "Transnet Rail Engineering" (in the city of Ai-ten-ha-he). Development-and-you are also chi-che-sky (including the plant of a large national company "Aspen Pharmaca-re" - pharmaceutical products ), food-taste-so-vaya, tech-style-naya (release of wool-styled yarn from mohair) and co-veneer industry.
An important branch of the sphere of services is the service of the port of the port. Cargo-zo-turnover of Port Elizabeth is about 13 million tons (2012, including about 250 thousand TEU containers). On the territory of the port-to-the-th complex-sa of the-place-place-a-to-mo-bil-ny ter-mi-nal, the power of the re-roll-ke of iron and manganese ores and more. In 2009, the co-equipment of the new deep-bo-water-water port of Ngkur in the region of the industrial zone of Ko-ega was completed (cargo-zo-turnover of about 560 thousand TEU containers, 2012). At the beginning of the XXI century, cultural tourism is being actively developed.
Port Elizabeth, "Friendly city", "Windy city", "Capital water sports"- all these are the names of one of the largest cities in South Africa and one of the most important seaports in the country. The city is located in the Eastern Cape province, is part of the municipality of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, has about 1.3 million inhabitants and is considered the second largest and the fifth by population among the cities of South Africa.
In primitive times, the territory of Algoa Bay, where today is located Port Elizabeth, was inhabited by ancient African tribes, in particular the Bushmen, and later by the Kosa people. The first Europeans to arrive in these lands were the Portuguese navigators Bartholomew Diaz, who landed on St Croix Island in Algoa Bay in 1488. and Vasco Da Gama, who landed on a nearby island (Bird Island) in 1497. For centuries, this territory was designated on navigational maps only as "a landing site with a supply of fresh water." Later, these lands became part of the Cape colony. The history of the city itself begins in 1820, when about 4,000 Britons arrived here by sea to organize a settlement that was supposed to serve as a protective border between Cape Colony and the lands of the warlike Kosa tribe. In 1825. the harbor received the status of a port, and a year later a customs service began to operate here. The founder of the seaside settlement was Sir Rufane Shaw Donkin, the ruler of the Cape colony, who named it after his last wife, Elizabeth. In the future, the city developed due to the rapid population growth, which consisted of European, Malaysian and other migrants who flooded here after the construction of the railway connecting Port Elizabeth with the city of Kimberley. During the Second Boer War, Port Elizabeth played an important role in the transit of soldiers, horses and provisions to the front. railroad... Although the city was not affected by the hostilities, many refugees, especially Boer women and children, settled here during the wars. V recent history the city did not escape the sad fate of apartheid, becoming one of the synonyms for the cruel treatment of the "black" population, who were forcibly evicted in specially built suburbs. Recently, tourism and real estate industry has been developing intensively here, as well as industry, the leading links of which have become the assembly of cars of such giants as General Motors, Volkswagen and Ford, as well as the production of components.
Warm waters Indian Ocean give the city a wonderful climate that has made it one of the five most attractive coastal cities in the world. Climatic conditions here are characterized as subtropics with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summer, lasting from October to April, is warm, but not sultry with a temperature range from 18 ° C to 25 ° C, winters are cool and mild with average temperatures from 9 ° C to 20 ° C.
Most tourists looking for glitz and splendor often overlook this city, which is why Port Elizabeth remains. " unsolved secret"South Africa. Here you will find 40 km of beautiful golden beaches, many chic bars, restaurants and comfortable hotels, making this city a great place. family vacation where you can find entertainment for children and adults. Young and strong will be able to test themselves in any aquatic species sports, inquisitive - to observe the life of wildlife and see the "big five" in reserves located half an hour from the city. Seekers of solitude - to plunge into history and culture, lovers of extreme sports - to swim with sharks, fortune hunters - visit a local casino. And if you just need to slow down, relax and unwind - Port Elizabeth will gladly provide you with such an opportunity. There are no crowds here - neither on the beaches nor in the city. Locals call it "Ten-minute-city", meaning that you can get to any point here in just 10 minutes. The city is compact, welcoming and safe. A great place for anyone looking for sea, sun and adventure!
