Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

17 January 2026

3-minute read

Port Elizabeth fringes Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast, and offers many good swimming beaches, great surf spots and excellent water sports. Marine life in the bay is also sensational, with plenty of dolphins and whales that can be spotted throughout the year. The city centre, once a place to avoid, has started to smarten up thanks to a few urban regeneration projects, and it boasts numerous heritage buildings.

29year-old Shannon Smith is a social media manager who is passionate about creativity, growth and purposeful living. Just over 5 years ago, her belief in continuous self-improvement led her to embrace Islam, taking her on a journey that she describes as one of deep gratitude and spiritual fulfilment. Taking us on a journey through her beautiful hometown of Port Elizabeth, Shannon says that Port Elizabeth or Gqeberha is known by both locals and tourists as the “friendly city”.

Some of the best beaches in Port Elizabeth for swimming, water sports or maybe even just catching a wave include Hobie Beach that boasts water calm waters and is the main hub for water sports like body surfing and kayaking and also has the famous Sharp Rock Pier from which one can view dolphins. Pollock Beach, also known as “The Pike”, is the best beach for surfing for beginners, intermediates and advanced level surfers. Sardinia Bay is the ideal spot for watching the sunset, and the high dunes will give your legs a good workout. Schoenmakerskop or Skoonies as the locals call it is part of the historical Malay area has a wonderful tidal rock pool and is perfect for camping.

Although most of us love a good beach day, PE also has other activities one can do like visiting the South End Museum that gives insight into the city’s cultural heritage and resilience, especially for the Muslim community. Nature lovers can spend the day at the gorgeous Van Staden’s Wildflower Reserve that offers hikes for all levels of fitness, picnic spots and bird watching. The main Boardwalk Entertainment Centre was upgraded a few years ago and has an abundance of restaurants, games and entertainment areas, an ideal place for a family outing.

PE is also famous for its nearby game parks, with the main one being the Addo Elephant National Park that offers the “classic African safari experience” as a guided or self-drive with viewing of the big 7 that include the ocean’s Southern Right Whale. Within the city is the Kragga Kamma Game Park where you can get up close to many different animals. The Kwantu Private Game Reserve, also about an hour from PE, is Muslim-owned, fully halal and even offers prayer facilities and Jumuah.

Port Elizabeth is known as the friendly city because the locals are very warm and down-to-earth, with a strong sense of community, and it is also very laid-back, relaxing and fully multicultural. The best time of the year to visit would be from Spring through to the end of summer, and despite the wind, if you’re visiting for a few days, you’re likely to get at least one good beach day in this period.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya, Ml Muhammad Kara and Shannon Smith.