Climate:
The city boasts a wonderful moderate climate all year round, with sea temperatures ranging from 16 degrees C in Winter to 23 degrees C in Summer.  An extensive Summer period is experienced from October until May which is comparatively dry and warm with relatively low humidity.  Winters, which are from June until September, are notably mild with chillier evening.  The average temperature for Summer and Winter are 25 degrees and 17 degrees C respectively.  A temperate all year round rainfall is common.

Major Attractions:
A superb value-for-money holiday base, the city offers a diverse selection of attractions as a family-fun holiday destination including eco-attractions, scenic nature trails, historic heritage, magnificent wildlife, cultural experiences and countless water sport activities. Algoa Bay's 40 km of breathtaking coastline boasts a perfect combination of warm water, protected beaches and is complemented by Port Elizabeth's wonderful climate, which has been rated as having the fourth best weather of any coastal city in the world!  Furthermore, the area supports the most diverse array of vegetation types in South Africa as five of the country's seven terrestrial biomes (biogeographic areas) are represented in the Eastern Cape.

The Bay, which is a favoured draw-card for beach and watersport enthusiasts is fast becoming known as South Africa's watersport capital and offers activity throughout the year, especially wind-surfing and fishing.  In fact, Algoa Bay is regarded as one of the best sailing venues in the world, while scuba diving is of world class quality with beautiful reefs, shipwrecks, fish and colourful coral species.

Population:
Presently, the estimated population of the Port Elizabeth comprises over 1.5 million, making it South Africa's fifth largest city in terms of population. The predominant languages are English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.

Flora & Fauna
The Eastern Cape has a wealth of beautiful natural areas, with a rich diversity of vegetation, fauna and landscapes.  Some of these areas include proclaimed provincial nature reserves, marine reserve, and coastal islands; while others are referred to as conservation or wilderness areas.  The Eastern Cape is also an important meeting ground of six major converging  Biomes, and 25 of the Acocks veld types occur in the Eastern Province:

(a) The Savannah Biome which includes the valley bushveld flora of the summer rainfall area
(b) The Fynbos Biome characteristic of a winter rainfall
(c) The Grassland Biome which includes Flora of higher altitudes
(d) The Succulent-Karoo Biome with its Flora which flourishes under arid and semi-arid conditions
(e) The Thornfelt-Karoo Biome
(f)  Indigenous Forest Biome

Spectacular examples of local vegetation are ericas, protease, wild daisies, the Cape Thatching reed, the Yellowwood, Schotia and Coral Trees, Spekboom (favourite food of the elephant), tree fuschia, sneezewood, guarri, the num-num and other shrubs (found predominantly in the Addo area), many varied grass types, Euphorbia, Aloe and other succulents, along with herbs and bulbous plants.

South Africa's native fauna is the premier attraction of the many wildlife game reserves the Eastern Cape.  Boasting some magnificent and almost untouched scenery, the area is malaria-free and is fast becoming one of the foremost game viewing destinations in the country.  Various private game farms in the area have ensured that the Eastern Cape is well stocked with wildlife.  Varieties of buck (bushbuck, duiker, grey rhebok, mountain reedbuck, grysbok) and birdlife inhabit the region and just 72kms from the city centre, one can view the Big 5 (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo) plus zebra, giraffe, and more....Malaria Free.

Architecture
Port Elizabeth could be considered to be the country's leading centre of Art Nouveau style architecture due to her European heritage.  Many buildings thus display the intricate stonework, wrought iron and stained glass of that era and are very prominently visible in the Central Historical areas of the city.  Combinations of Art Nouveau and Colonial styles are seen in houses along Cape Road.

Along with the Victorian and Edwardian styles resulting from the arrival of the 1820 British settlers, Port Elizabeth and its surrounding area boasts a marvellous collection of Cape Dutch style architecture, with the symbolic gables and timber finish typical of the era.  Although influenced by Dutch architecture, the Cape Dutch style is unique to South Africa and examples of it are seen all over the Eastern Cape.
 

Attractions
Bayworld, one of Port Elizabeth's major tourist attractions, is situated along Marine Drive on the beachfront at Humewood and comprises the Museum, Oceanarium, Snakepark as well as Number 7 Castle Hill Museum.  The underlying theme of Bayworld is public education, and is aimed at stimulating a greater awareness of the need for conservation of our natural and cultural heritage. 
Address:  P O Box 13147, Humewood, Port Elizabeth, 6013
Tel:  (041) 584 0650
Fax:  (041) 584 0661
E-mail: diane@bayworld.co.za
Website: www.bayworld.co.za

Main Museum:
The Main Museum of Bayworld blends cultural and natural history.  Embark on an exciting journey through time and through the fascinating world around us.  Marvel at the diversity of museum displays, from prehistoric dinosaurs to ethnic beadwork as well as a variety of historical treasures that will keep you intrigued for hours.  Noteworthy exhibits include the 15m skeleton of the last southern right whale harpooned in Algoa Bay, a life-sized reconstruction of the giant prehistoric dinosaur known as Algoasaurus, a replica of the Dias Cross and a 5m bronze cannon dated 1640 recovered from a Portuguese galleon wrecked near Port Elizabeth. Operating hours are from 09h00 till 16h30, Mondays to Sundays and admission for Museum and Snake Park costs R12-00 for adults and R6-00 for children between the ages of three and thirteen. 

Oceanarium:
The popular dolphin and seal presentations take place at 11h00 and 15h00 daily, with an extra presentation at 16h45 during peak holiday season.  Exhibits within the Oceanarium include an underwater observation area in the aquarium, a dolphin research centre, various smaller tanks for 40 different species of bony fish, as well as two larger tanks housing sharks and stingrays.  Operating hours are from 09h00 till 16h30, Mondays to Sundays and admission costs R22-00 for adults and R11-00 for children between the ages of three and thirteen. 

Snake Park:
A wide variety of reptiles such as tortoises, snakes and crocodiles can be viewed at the Snake Park, the oldest in Africa.  In addition, rare and threatened species including Madagascar ground boas are housed safely in realistically landscaped glass enclosures.   Reptile demonstrations take place daily at 10h00 and 14h00 in season.  Operating hours are from 09h00 till 16h30, Mondays to Sundays and admission for Museum and Snake Park costs R12-00 for adults and R6-00 for children between the ages of three and thirteen.

Museums
No 7 Castle Hill Museum:
No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1830 and is now regarded as one of the oldest surviving Settler cottages in Port Elizabeth.  Following renovations, the building was opened as a Museum in 1965.  The interior presents a picture of domestic life such as many which was enjoyed by English middle class family in mid-19th Century Port Elizabeth.  This picturesque family dwelling located in Castle Hill Road, Central has Yellowwood floors and beams, and a restored slate roof.  The dollhouse, lace displays and kitchen is particularly impressive.  Admission costs R6-00 for adults and R3-00 for children between the ages of three and thirteen.  Opening times are Tuesdays to Fridays 10h00 till 13h00 & 14h00 until 17h00, and on Mondays 14h00 till 17h00.
Tel:  (041) 582 2515.
Contact:  Samantha Cuyler

Prince Alfred's Guard Museum:
The Museum grew out of a fusion of a military museum formerly housed in the Donkin Reserve complex and the regimental museum of the Prince Alfred's Guard Regiment.  The Prince Alfred's Guard (PAG), is a City Regiment which was founded in 1856 as the Port Elizabeth Volunteer Rifle Corps.  Its name changed by Royal assent after it provided a Royal Guard for Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, on his visit to the City in 1860.  The Victorian Drill Hall, in which the museum is housed, is one of the finest surviving examples of its type.  It was opened in 1880 and has been the regiment's headquarters ever since.  The building, a National Monument, has been extensively restored and partly converted to museum use.  Visiting hours: By appointment.

King George VI Art Museum / Gallery:  
Postal Address: 1 Park Drive, Central, Port Elizabeth, 6001
Tel:  (041) 586 1030
Fax:  (041) 586 3234
E-mail address: kgg@kgg.gov.za
Website www.kgg.gov.za
The King George VI Art Gallery, a municipal museum with an independent Board of Trustees, was opened on 22 June 1956 and named to commemorate the 1947 royal visit.  The collections are housed in two buildings framing the entrance to St George's Park and consist of British art, international printmaking, South African art (particularly that of the Eastern Cape), and Oriental art (including Indian miniatures and Chinese textiles).  Because of the limited exhibition space, works of art from the Permanent collection are constantly rotated.  The Permanent collection is supplemented by an active programme of temporary exhibitions that are often accompanied by lectures, films and concerts.

Guided tours of exhibitions can be arranged during Gallery opening hours.  Contact Jenny Fabbri or Sakhumzi Dlova for bookings.  Opening times are Mondays to Fridays 09h00 till 17h00 (closed Tuesday mornings), Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 14h00 till 17h00.  First Sunday of each month (Art in the Park) 09h00 till 14h00. 

Jewish Pioneers' Memorial Museum:
The Jewish Pioneers' Memorial Museum which is located in Raleigh Street, Central is open to the public between 10am and noon every Sunday, expect when it is a Jewish holy day.  The museum is housed in the original Raleigh Street synagogue, which was used by the city's Jewish community between 1912 and 1954.  It features an interesting collection of memorabilia, ceremonial items and historical photographic displays such as a bridal gallery, a Jewish ex-servicemen's memorial and much more.  Admission is free.  For more information on this historical landmark, contact the Curator, Ms Effie Schauder on Tel / Fax:  (041) 373 5197, Postal Address: 601 Villa d'Este, Park Drive, Port Elizabeth, 6001 or Dr Abrahams on Tel:  (041) 583 3671. 

South African Airforce Museum (Port Elizabeth Branch):
The Port Elizabeth Branch of the South African Air Force Museum, Forest Hill Drive, Southdene, is located on the southern side of the Port Elizabeth Airport.  The Museum boasts a total of nine aircraft, including helicopters, a supersonic jet fighter, two of the world famous Harvard trainers amongst others, and the oldest surviving jet fighter in South Africa.  There are ongoing restoration projects by a team of dedicated enthusiasts, who are members of the Friends of the S.A.A.F.Museum.  There is also a display of aircraft memorabilia, together with a fine collection of models and pictures in the main exhibition hall.  Interested aviation enthusiasts will be pleased to actually view the restoration work being carried out in a restored World War 2 hanger.  For further details, contact the Curator, Mr Andrew Winkelmann on Tel:  (041) 505 1295 / Fax:  (041) 505 1403.  Opening times are weekdays from 09h00 to 15h00 and on Sundays from 10h00 to 16h00.  Closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays.  Admission is by freewill donation. 
Postal Address: South African Air Force Museum, Private Bag X6017, Port Elizabeth, 6000

St Croix Motor Museum:
The St. Croix Motor Museum, Mowbray Street, Newton Park displays a private collection of vintage and classic vehicles dating back to 1901.  Visits can be arranged by contacting the curator, Mr Eben de Vos for visits at 11h00 and 15h00.
Postal Address: P O Box 27422, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth, 6057
Cell: 083 463 5286