I spent my high school years in Port Elizabeth – a small city compared to Cape Town where I live now, but it’s a special place with special memories for me. So when I discovered the
Port Elizabeth Daily Photo Blog
it was such a pleasure to see some of my favourite old haunts and also current photographs of how thisEastern Cape city has grown up since I left back in 1989…
PORT ELIZABETH
Port Elizabeth along with the towns of Uitenhage, Despatch and Colchester forms part of Nelson Mandela Bay, named for the most famous and best loved South African who was born in the Eastern Cape.
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Port Elizabeth City HallThe Port Elizabeth City Hall on Market Square in the city centre must be one of the most beautiful buildings in Port Elizabeth. Constructed between 1858 and 1862 with the clock tower being added on in 1883, the building recently received a paint job and is looking stunning.
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Shark Rock PierShark Rock Pier at Hobie Beach has become one of Port Elizabeth''s best known landmarks over the years. Its also a great spot to watch the sunrise, eat an ice cream on a hot day or have a romantic sunset stroll.
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The Donkin LighthouseThe old Hill Lighthouse, also known as the Donkin Lighthouse on the Donkin Reserve in Port Elizabeth. The lighthouse was built in 1861 but was taken out of commission in the mid 1900''s due to the fact that the lights of the city behind it made it impossible for ships to spot it''s light. A new light was erected out on the North End coastline to warn ships. |
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Maitland River Mouth DunesThe giant sand dune at Maitlands is a very spot for families to visit on weekend. Adults and children alike trek up the ridge of the dune to get to the top and enjoy the view (while getting their breaths back) before heading down the steep side, mostly at speed. A lot of people go there with body boards, cardboard or anything they can slide down the dune on. |
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Nelson Mandela Bay StadiumDuring the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the matches in Port Elizabeth were held at the magnificent 48000 seater Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next to the North End Lake.
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The PE Public LibraryIn Port Elizabeth, a small reading society, known as the Port Elizabeth News Society was established in 1844 and housed in a rented room above a shop in Jetty Street. The reading matter consisted mainly of English magazines and London newspapers and the main South African newspapers published at the time, in addition to a small collection of books. In 1845, the Society moved to a rented room in the Commercial Hall which stood on the site of the present Main Library building. At a public meeting held on 26 July 1848, the residents decided to start a subscription library. The Public Library was very successful and managed to acquire the Commercial Hall wholly as their own building. The library was housed at various sites until 31 July 1902, when it was officially opened and housed in its present building. |
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Addo Elephant National ParkAddo Elephant National Park is probably the most popular destination as a day trip out of Port Elizabeth. Visitors can either go to the park in their own vehicles or with a tour operator. Once at the park you can drive through the park in the vehicle you came in as it is a national park, or you can book an open vehicle game drive guided by a game ranger. |
About the Photographer
"After I hung up my cape and stopped wearing my underwear on top of my pants, I became better known by my online persona of Firefly.
If I don''t sit in the office (working) at my real job, I am out and about looking for the perfect landscape, the most awesome sunset or crawling after bugs on flowers.
Most of these go onto my blogs but hopefully some day I will actually be able to do my photography professionally. I''m mostly a travel and nature photographer who has no training and tries to get along on natural talent..."
PORT ELIZABETH ACCOMMODATION
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Portfolio Collection offers a wonderful selection of handpicked and individually assessed Port Elizabeth accommodation establishments both within the city and its suburbs and in the outlying areas including Addo Elephant Park.
Contact us for Port Elizabeth B&Bs, Guest Houses, Country Homes and Addo Private Game Lodges.