Attractions
Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch & Colchester) has something to offer for everyone. Explore the diverse attractions on offer and never be bored!
Port Elizabeth Golf Club
Founded in 1890, the Port Elizabeth Golf Club is one of the oldest in South Africa. Over 100 years later many of the holes still have the same routing! Today the 6121 metre layout features significant changes including bent grass greens, 25 strategically placed bunkers, and two nines of par 36 for a total par of 72. Well established trees, palm trees, strelitzias and lush plantings line the fairways.
Humewood Golf Course
Considered one of the world's most challenging links courses, Humewood Golf Course is consistently ranked as one of South Africa's Top 10 golf courses. The late Bobby Locke considered Humewood Golf Course to be the best in South Africa and said that it compared favourably with the top links courses in the British Isles.
Arts & Culture
The centrepiece of Nelson Mandela Bay’s arts and culture industry is right in the inner city after local development agency, the MBDA, has coupled a CBD infrastructure renovation with a public art campaign, giving the city-centre a facelift with an artistic twist.
Business & Conferencing
Nelson Mandela Bay prides itself on being a hub of regional, national and international business, providing modern conferencing facilities and venues. The area has sound infrastructure, which includes sophisticated services, communication systems and health care facilities. The Bay has been described as "an example to the rest of the country in its constructive efforts to make NMB one of the most growth-oriented cities in the "new" South Africa".
Entertainment & Shopping
Nelson Mandela Bay is the ideal fun, entertainment and shopping destination; offering various kinds of entertainment to suit every age, personality and individual. Enjoyable evening entertainment include sundowner cruises, nightclubs, award winning cocktail bars, late night music spots, fine art theatre performances, movies, restaurants and cultural performances.
Historical
Nelson Mandela Bay's rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the Bay and the Eastern Cape's diverse and remarkable past.
Historical and significant figures from Nelson Mandela Bay include, amongst others , Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of former President Thabo Mbeki; Oliver Thambo, political activist and life-long friend of Nelson Mandela; Athol Fugard, actor , director and playwright; Olive Schreiner, well-known authoress and writer of "The story of an African Farm"; and Cliff Drysdale, well-known tennis player.
Wildlife & Nature
From rocky shores to indigenous floral fynbos: from stretches of golden beaches and unspoilt sand-dunes to lush indigenous forest and untamed wilderness areas, the nature reserves within, and on the outskirts of Nelson Mandela Bay offer a wonderful range of options to the great outdoors. Located in and around the city are: Settler's Park, Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve, The Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Maitlands Nature Reserve, The Island Nature Reserve, Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area and Groendal Wilderness Area.