Things to Do in Gqeberha

Natural history museum, snake park and marine displays on the beachfront. Good with children.

The city's main public gallery, with South African art, printmaking and a notable collection of Eastern Cape work.

The story of the community destroyed by forced removals under apartheid. Small, sobering and well done.

67 public artworks — one for each year of Mandela's public life — climbing through the historic centre. Free to walk.

One of the oldest surviving settler houses in the city, furnished to period.

Fynbos reserve with forest walks and a deep river gorge, half an hour west. Easy walking trails and picnic sites.

Mountain wilderness above Kariega with indigenous forest, river pools and serious day hikes. Permits required.

Private reserves neighbouring Addo offering guided drives and full-day packages including meals.

The third-largest national park in South Africa and a genuine Big Five reserve, about an hour north. Self-drive or take a guided game drive; over 600 elephant.

The Garden Route at its best — indigenous forest, the Storms River suspension bridge, and the world's highest bungee at Bloukrans. Around two hours each way; a long day or an easy overnight.

A UNESCO World Heritage mega-reserve of mountain passes, river crossings and near-total silence. The interior road needs a high-clearance vehicle and a full day — plan an overnight stay.