ADVERTORIAL
Nelson Mandela Bay your ideal holiday destination this winter
The Eastern Cape( xhosa: eMpuma-Kapa; afrikaans: Oos-Kaap) is the second largest of nine South African provinces, accounting for 13,9 % of the total area. Bhisho is the capital, but the two largest cities are East London and Gqeberha( formerly, Port Elizabeth), the seat of the Nelson Mandela Bay( NMB) municipality. The pleasant climate and rich cultural history of the Eastern Cape make it a popular region for tourism.
USPs
• 3 airports
• 3 seaports
• 800km Coastline
• Malaria free
Icons
• Highest Commercial Bungee Jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge
• Tsitsikamma National Park Marine Reserve
• Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site
• Supertubes – Jbay
• Addo Elephant National Park- Big 7 Reserve
• Alexandria Dune Fields
• Valley of Desolation
• Owl House
• Steve Biko Centre
• Nelson Mandela Museum
• Sarah Baartman Museum
• Wild Coast
Climate The coastal area enjoys long, balmy summers with high rainfall. The inland mountainous regions may see snow in winter, and the northern areas, with high plains and the Karoo desert, are more arid with higher summer temperatures and moderate winters.
Quick facts about NMB
• The Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the world with approximately 28 500 dolphins; International Hope Spot for marine biodiversity.
• The Mohair Capital of the world, processing approximately 53 % of all mohair.
• Addo Elephant National Park houses all the Big 7( lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, elephant plus the great white shark and the southern right whale) and has the highest density of African elephants in the world.
• NMB’ s islands house 50 % of the endangered African penguins in their natural habitat.
• Bird Island hosts the largest colony of Cape Gannets in the world( approximately 70 %).
• The water sports capital of Africa and the only city to host the Ironman African Championships.
• Host to SA cricket and rugby international test matches.
• The Port Elizabeth Opera House is the oldest theatre in Africa and the southern hemisphere.
• The Donkin Reserve, a historical landmark, sports the largest South African flag in the world.
• Home to the Ebubeleni Music and Nelson Mandela Bay Festivals.
• New Brighton township offers historical and cultural tourism experiences.
• NMB has 11 trails accredited with the Green Flag Trail Accreditation Status.
Key tourism experiences
• Coastal and beaches: 40km of magnificent beaches plus one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world.
• Wildlife and nature: NMB’ s game and nature reserves offer a range of safaris.
• Adventure and sport: NMB hosts numerous international and national sports events and offers a huge range of outdoor activities.
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Area
Comprising the three towns of Gqeberha, Kariega( formerly known as Uitenhage) and Despatch, NMB offers excellent value for money as a holiday destination. Located 763 km east of Cape Town, it is regarded as the official gateway to the world-renowned Garden Route.
14 | AUTUMN 2026 • rovesa. co. za