By Vasti Visser
It’s often difficult to find something new to do in our city, especially considering the tight budget that goes along with being a student. Here is a list of things to do in PE that you won’t do every day and even if you did, you could afford it.
1. The Donkin Heritage Trail Price: free This self-guided walking tour through Central Port Elizabeth will take you to 51 historic places, rich with culture. This is the perfect weekend alternative for architecture, history and photography enthusiasts. Download a free Donkin Heritage Trail Map on the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism website (www.nmbt.co.za).
2. Air Force Museum Price: freewill donation Located in Forest Hill, the Port Elizabeth branch of the South African Air Force Museum is the perfect destination for aviation enthusiasts. A main attraction is the oldest surviving jet fighter in South Africa.
3. St. Georges Park Price: free This is the perfect place for a Sunday picnic or a leisurely stroll. Many people are unaware of the hidden beauty inside. St Georges Park is home to the Pearson Conservatory, another piece of beautiful architecture that is filled with beautiful plants and flowers. Catch the Art in the Park event that takes place here on the last Sunday of every month where various arts and crafts are sold.
4. Bayworld Aquarium and Museum Price: R40 – adults; 35 – students Although the famous Bayworld dolphins have long since been relocated, many other attractions are still available behind the bright red walls. Bayworld houses the PE Museum which has something to satisfy everyone’s interests. A whole afternoon can be spent getting lost in the museum and marveling at displays of maritime history, costume history, Xhosa beadwork, dinosaur exhibits and an impressive 15m skeleton of the last Southern Right Whale harpooned in Nelson Mandela Bay, to name but a few. Bayworld also houses a snake park, crocodiles and life-size moving dinosaur replicas. Not to miss is the seal and penguin show scheduled at 11am and 3pm daily.
5. The Donkin Reserve Price: free / R5 The Donkin is one of Port Elizabeth’s most beautiful public spaces and holds more potential for entertainment than it seems. As many are unaware, the lighthouse at the Donkin can be accessed via the tourism office located at its base. For only R5, a quick climb up will result in a fantastic view of the city from above. The colourful construction leading up to the lighthouse is known as Route 67 and was created in honour of Nelson Mandela. There are 67 artworks along the staircase of 67 stairs all symbolising Madiba’s 67 years of dedicated work towards the freedom of South Africa. Spend an afternoon strolling up this walkway and end it with a quick climb up the lighthouse and a cup of coffee at Green Leaf Cafe below – all for under R50.
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