Port Elizabeth. or the 'windy city', is located on the western side of the sunshine coast. It may seem like a million miles away but you'd be surprised at what it has to offer. Here are five things that you probably didn't know about PE:

 

1. Life's a beach.

 

Port Elizabeth is a city on the Algoa bay in South Africa’s eastern cape, which means one thing – beaches! Port Elizabeth has over 40km of unspoiled coastline consisting mainly of beaches that are rich with soft sands and warm surf. Fishing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing are enjoyed at less-populated spots such as Wildside, Sardinia Bay, Blue Horizon Bay, Bluewater Bay, Beachview and Schoenmakerskop.

2. Big city, big personality.

 

It’s one of the largest cities in South Africa located 770km east of Cape Town, which is just longer than the distance between Edinburgh and London. Today more than 1.2 million people live in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipal area.

 

3.Forget Route 66, it’s all about Route 67.  

 

Route 67 is a collection of 67 art pieces celebrating the public life of Nelson Mandela. The collection exhibits visual arts, urban design and heritage. Be sure to check out the terraced cottages on Donkin street - where large silver pipes catch the famous winds of Port Elizabeth and make music.

4.On the ball.

 

Port Elizabeth was also one of the cities that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The magnificent Nelson Mandela Bay stadium is still in use and definitely worth a visit. 

5. Outdoor lovers utopia.

 

The city is  home to the lush forests of Kragga Kamma Game Park where you can see white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and other animals roams freely. You can also take a trip to Predator Park or Bayworld (which includes an oceanarium, museum and snake park). There are also plenty of cruises and diving opportunities for you to get the full Port Elizabeth outdoor experience.

If you'd like to see Port Elizabeth, then what better way to experience it than on our Sports Coaching in South Africa project? You'll make a huge impact to the lives of South African children and get the chance to explore this unique city.