New Year’s Resolution: Visit the Friendly City Port Elizabeth in 2019

Posted on Fri January 11, 2019.
LUNGILE BACKPACKERS LODGE, South Africa

2019 will be the Year of the Bay (at least that’s what we think, and we live here so we know what we are talking about!). In all seriousness though, a new year is supposed to signify a new beginning and people usually like to make resolutions that they half-heartedly believe they can keep.

We are making it our whole-hearted mission to shine a light on this beautiful city. It’s not about self-interest as much as showing everybody just what Port Elizabeth is… an absolute tourism gem!

Here are three random and little-known treats that await you in and around the Friendly City:

Route 67

Route 67 is an amazing project by the Mandela Bay Development Agency, comprising 67 public artworks that symbolise the iconic Nelson Mandela’s 67-year commitment to freedom in South Africa. The route traverses the vibrant Central area, with highlights including 67 actual steps and the second largest flag in Africa on the Donkin Reserve public open space. This a wonderful opportunity for a family to take a walk and take in Route 67’s celebration of heritage and history. Less than 15 minutes away from Lungile Lodge, this a convenient outing and one of the highlights of our City Tour.  The artworks on display were all created by local artists from the Eastern Cape, so you can see the kind of talent the Bay has to offer.

The South African Airforce Museum

Forest Hill Drive near the Port Elizabeth International Airport is home to the PE branch of the South African Air Force Museum. For all the aviation lovers out there, this will be a real treat. The museum features nine aircraft, including helicopters, a supersonic jet fighter and even the oldest surviving jet fighter in the country. This is an awesome place for families to see some vintage aircraft, check out the memorabilia and learn some history in the main exhibition hall. The best part is the convenience – just a six-minute drive from Lungile Lodge. So let us transport you to the museum where you can let your imagination can take flight… (see what we did there?)!

Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve

A floral utopia can be found just 35km from Port Elizabeth in the 500-hectare Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve. Port Elizabeth is the gateway to the Garden Route and the Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve can be the perfect starting point for a family looking for some outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore the extraordinary diversity that the reserve has to offer, with a host of activities including walks through the Fynbos, along the river, birdwatching, mountain bike trails and scenic spots to enjoy a quite picnic. We don’t know about you but that sounds like a gem to us. And if you’re into the great outdoors within the city limits, then talk to us about a daytrip to the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve!