Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

South Africa

Encounter majestic elephants and Big Five wildlife at pristine game reserves just hours from the vibrant beachfront city.

💱 Currency South African Rand (ZAR)

🗣 Language English, Xhosa, Afrikaans

🕐 Time Zone SAST (UTC+2)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar

🚢 Typical Duration 10-74 nights

💰 Price Range $2,430–$94,500 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to South Africa's Eastern Cape region, offering access to wildlife reserves, cultural experiences, and as a departure point for African coastal explorations.

Cruises that visit Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

Build Your Day in Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 9:00 PM

Usually about 13 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Greenacres Shopping Centre Lovely stuff, plenty of free parking, lots of stores under one roof. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 15k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Baywest Mall Ample parking, spacious walk-ways and a wide variety of shops and services Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Walmer Park Shopping Centre Parking staff very helpful Toilet facility clean Great shopping experience Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Something Good Roadhouse One of the best restaurants in Port Elizabeth! Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Addo Elephant National Park Well worth the drive from Port Elizabeth. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM

Boardwalk Mall Clean shops, very helpful and friendly staff in all the shops I visited. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

BeerShack Easily our favourite place in Port Elizabeth. Grill · ★ 4.3 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Barney's Tavern This is our regular pop in bar whenever we in Port Elizabeth Bar · ★ 4.3 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Pier 14 Shopping Centre Small shopping mall however great variety of shops and value for money items Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Coachman on the Bay One of Port Elizabeth best dining experiences, if not the best. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

Beer Yard ... recommend this establishment when you are in Port Elizabeth. Grill · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

The Hussar Grill Walmer This is a diamond in the Port Elizabeth restaurant scene. Steak · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Greenacres Port Elizabeth Great shopping experience with ample parking and a great selection of shops. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Walker Drive Shopping Centre Spacious, clean , good selection of shops and easily accessible Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Kragga Kamma Game Park It is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Port Elizabeth. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Bridge Street Very nice vibe patronized by white collar people of Port Elizabeth. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Hennie's Port Elizabeth Hennies Port Elizabeth has the best vibe ,great staff, great atmosphere!!!! Grill · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Happy Valley Calm park with nighttime light display Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 2k

Bayworld I loved the new to me exhibit about the Eastern Cape people. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Barn & Barrel The best service and waiters in Port Elizabeth. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Metlife Mall Shopping Centre Stunning Shopping Mall,Great Selection of Shops, Large Parking Lot 😆💯 Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM

Sixth Avenue Shopping Centre Convenient with Checkers MTN Clicks Pep and many other stores. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Ginger The Restaurant Thank you Ginger, best of the best in Port Elizabeth! Fine Dining · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

About Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, serves as a vibrant port of call on the southern African coast, welcoming six premium cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, and Holland America Line. With 28 upcoming cruises and a strong presence of luxury operators, this port attracts discerning travelers seeking immersive voyages through the region. Most cruises calling here span 10 nights, with peak season running from December through April, making it an ideal choice for those planning extended African adventures.

When your ship docks in Gqeberha, you'll find a warm welcome and easy access to the city's cultural treasures and natural attractions. The nearby Addo Elephant National Park offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, while the city's beachfront promenade and vibrant art scene provide excellent opportunities for exploration. Whether you're embarking on a longer voyage to Cape Town, Walvis Bay, or Durban, or simply enjoying a port day, Gqeberha delivers authentic South African experiences without the crowds of larger ports.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

Explore South Africa's rich cultural heritage at this world-class museum located just minutes from the cruise terminal. The collection features contemporary African art, historical artifacts, and rotating exhibitions that showcase local and international talent. It's the perfect introduction to the region's artistic soul and creative spirit.

Fresh Seafood at the Beachfront

Savor exceptional fresh fish and prawns at waterfront restaurants along Gqeberha's scenic coastline. Local favorites serve line-caught kingfish, snoek, and traditional South African dishes with ocean views. The beachfront promenade offers casual dining spots perfect for a leisurely lunch between ship activities.

Addo Elephant National Park Safari

Experience Africa's Big Five on an exhilarating half-day safari just 75 kilometers from port. This malaria-free reserve offers guaranteed elephant sightings, plus lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos roaming pristine wilderness. Guided tours depart early and return in time for evening departure, delivering an unforgettable African adventure.

Beachfront Promenade Shopping & Markets

Browse local crafts, artwork, and souvenirs at the vibrant beachfront markets and nearby shopping districts. Independent vendors sell handmade jewelry, traditional beadwork, and authentic South African goods. The pedestrian-friendly promenade combines retail therapy with stunning coastal views and street-side cafés.

Donkin Reserve Historic Lighthouse Walk

Climb the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse at Donkin Reserve for panoramic city and ocean views. This historic 1861 landmark sits atop a scenic hill with manicured gardens and monuments celebrating Gqeberha's maritime heritage. The short walk rewards visitors with photo opportunities and local history insights.