Port Elizabeth, or PE, is known as 'The Friendly City'. It's population of over a million have good reason to be happy. They enjoy mild weather and scattered rain throughout the year.This, together with 40km of white sandy beach and calm, warm water make PE ideal for year-long watersports. Wind-surfing, diving, angling, surfing and sandboarding are popular pastimes. Humewood and Summerstrand beaches are close to the city centre.

There is plenty to do in PE. The city is packed with museums, Victorian mansions, shopping malls and flea markets. Settler's Park in the city centre and the Oceanarium will bring you closer to nature.

Alternatively, do a morning or night game drive to the Addo Elephant Park or Shamwari Game Reserve for a chance to spot the Big 5 in their natural surroundings.

Backpacker hostels in Port Elizabeth

• Lungile Backpackers
• Jikeleza Lodge International Backpackers Hostel
• The Hippo Backpackers
• 99 Miles Port Elizabeth