While lacking the immediate fame of Cape Town or Durban, Port Elizabeth offers visitors accompanied by a knowledgeable guide an important insight into the birth of the South African nation.
Founded in 1820 by British settlers looking for a base between the Cape and eastern provinces, its historic heart has a number of impressive Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Elsewhere, the hilltop Dookin Reserve provides a grand viewpoint over the city, while the 80-hectare Settlers Park is a great place to catch sight of the resident dassies.
