Port Elizabeth · South Africa
Port Elizabeth Tours & Safaris
Discover the best Port Elizabeth tours and safaris in South Africa’s “Friendly City”: track the Big Five and huge elephant herds in malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, game-drive the private Schotia and Kragga Kamma reserves, follow the stunning Garden Route, meet local communities on a township tour, and explore the wild ocean coast. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
169 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Good for families in Port Elizabeth
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Port Elizabeth
2hr Guided Game Drive at 10h00; Kragga Kamma Game Park Ticket
from$32/ person
via Viator
Port Elizabeth
Schotia Big 5 Safari Port Elizabeth (optional accommodation)
from$195/ person
via Viator
Browse
Explore Port Elizabeth by interest
Whatever brings you to Port Elizabeth — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Port Elizabeth
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Addo Elephants
Huge herds.
20 toursView tours
Big Five
Game reserves.
20 toursView tours
Garden Route
Scenic coast.
15 toursView tours
Townships
Local culture.
15 toursView tours
PE Coast
Beaches & bay.
15 toursView tours
Addo Park
Malaria-free.
20 toursView tours
Safari Drives
Open 4x4.
20 toursView tours
Friendly City
Historic centre.
15 toursView tours
1 hr awayAddo Elephant Park
Malaria-free Big Five.
from €90View trips
1.5 hr awaySchotia Reserve
Big Five drives.
from €120View trips
2 hr awayTsitsikamma
Garden Route forests.
from €110View trips
City awayTownships
Local culture.
from €40View trips
City edge awayCape Recife
Coast & penguins.
from €45View trips
30 min awayKragga Kamma
Nearby game park.
from €55View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Port Elizabeth visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Nov–Mar)
Warm and sunny — beaches and safaris.
Autumn (Apr–May)
Mild and pleasant, with good wildlife.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Cooler and dry — excellent game viewing.
Spring (Sep–Oct)
Warming up, with whales offshore.
For safari
Winter’s sparse bush makes spotting easier.
Best overall
Year-round, with winter best for wildlife.
One day
An Addo safari and a Big Five game drive.
Two days
Add a Garden Route day trip.
Three+ days
Add townships, coast and more reserves.
For wildlife
Addo and the Big Five reserves.
For scenery
The Garden Route and coast.
For culture
A township tour and city sights.
By car
A car is best for reserves and the Garden Route.
Tours & transfers
Safaris and tours include hotel pickup.
By air
Port Elizabeth Airport links major cities.
On foot
The beachfront and centre are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay near the beachfront or Summerstrand.
South African rand
South Africa uses the rand; cards widely accepted.
Addo safari
Go early for the best elephant sightings.
Big Five
Choose an open 4x4 reserve for close encounters.
Garden Route
Allow a full day for Tsitsikamma and the coast.
Township tour
Book a local guide for an authentic visit.
Bring a zoom
A telephoto lens captures distant wildlife.
Malaria-free
Addo is malaria-free — no anti-malarials needed.
Addo safaris
Popular Addo safaris sell out — book ahead.
Big Five drives
Private reserve drives fill up — reserve early.
Garden Route trips
Full-day trips fill up — book ahead.
Private safaris
Private tours fill up — reserve early.
Township tours
Small-group tours fill up — book ahead.
Summer holidays
December to January is busiest — book well ahead.
Addo safari
Around $90–160 for an Addo elephant safari.
Big Five drive
About $120–190 for a Big Five reserve safari.
Garden Route trip
Roughly $110–180 for a Garden Route day trip.
Township tour
Around $40–70 for a township tour.
Coast tour
About $45–80 for an ocean and coast tour.
How to save
Join group safaris to save over private ones.
When to visit
Port Elizabeth through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Summer (Nov–Mar)
Nov–Mar
- Best for
- Beaches & safari.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Warm.
Autumn (Apr–May)
Apr–May
- Best for
- Mild wildlife.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Game viewing.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Dry.
Spring (Sep–Oct)
Sep–Oct
- Best for
- Whales offshore.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
People also ask
Port Elizabeth travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Port Elizabeth?
The highest-rated experiences are an Addo elephant safari, a Big Five game reserve, the Garden Route, and a township tour.
What should I book in advance in Port Elizabeth?
Reserve Addo safaris, Big Five drives and Garden Route trips ahead, especially in summer.
How many days do I need in Port Elizabeth?
One day covers a safari, and two to three let you add the Garden Route and culture.
Is Port Elizabeth worth visiting?
Yes — it is a malaria-free safari base on the Garden Route with Addo Elephant Park.
When is the best time to visit Port Elizabeth?
Year-round, with winter best for game viewing and summer for beaches.
What is Addo Elephant National Park?
A malaria-free Big Five park famous for its elephant herds.
Is Port Elizabeth good for families?
Yes — malaria-free safaris and beaches make it great for families.
169 Port Elizabeth experiencesfrom $50 · free cancellation
Explore tours