Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality includes: 'Port Elizabeth; Uitenhage; Despatch and Colchester'. Named after; Nelson Mandela, who is South Africa's iconic humanitarian and freedom fighter. This Area is regarded as the 'official gateway' to the scenic Eastern Cape Province and the World renowned Garden Route. It is sometimes referred to as: the "friendly city" or the "water sport capital of Africa".

Nelson Mandela Bay is also recognized by the animal lovers. As both the Mohair and Bottlenose Dolphin, frequent the Seawaters. The Bay is home to the largest breeding colony of the African Penguin. It is the only City that boasts the Big 7 (Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Southern right whale and Great White Shark) within it's Municipal Boundaries.

Port Elizabeth is known for its over 40Km coast that boast a multitude of Blue Flag Beaches and hours of sunshine to enjoy them in. After a fun day out enjoy the fun and entertainment of the Nelson Mandela Bay nightlife. Situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean, overlooking Algoa Bay, this bustling Sea Port City, flaunts warm, dry Summers and mild Winter temperatures. (This entices water sport lovers to Algoa Bay, throughout the Year.)

In this Bay you will find some of the World's best sailing venues and first-rate scuba diving. With colourful coral species, beautiful Reefs and Shipwrecks. There is often, near perfect conditions for wind-surfing, angling, snorkeling, kite-surfing, fly-fishing and canoeing.

Nelson Mandela Bay has received the "Cleanest Metro in South Africa Award" and "Blue Flag Status" has again been awarded to most of the Beaches. (This is International award only given to those beaches that meet excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards!)

The metro "Townships" that came into being because of the Apartheid Laws, are steeped in History, Tradition and Culture. From their humble beginnings, they have flourished into hubs of activity and social life. The feeling of "Ubuntu" (meaning 'Humanity' in Xhosa), surrounds their very existence. Visitors may choose from a selection of exciting: Social, Historical or Traditional Township, tours on offer. Stand next to the figure of Madiba at the head of the Voting Line; whilst craning your neck to look up at the largest South African flag in the World. All of these can be viewed along; Route 67. "This truly celebrates the coming together of the colonial and struggle History in one, inspiring walking route!"

In addition, around the City is a wide selection of attractions; the sheer diversity of which will excite and delight anyone. These include: a rich Historical Heritage as well as nature-based eco-offerings, activities and experiences. The Area supports the most diverse array of Vegetation Types in South Africa; six of the Country's, seven terrestrial Biomes (bio geographic areas) are represented in the Eastern Cape!

Nelson Mandela Bay is also the gateway to more than a Million Hectares of the malaria free Game Reserves of the Eastern Cape. This includes the Addo Elephant National Park as well as numerous private and upmarket Reserves offering the 'big five" experience. The City that boasts the Big 7 (Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Humpback Whale and Great White Shark) all within 45 minutes of the City. 20km East of the Bay at Coega, there is a deep-water Port currently under construction. Being the centre of the Country's motor vehicle manufacturing industry. The Port has the ability to import large volumes of containerized components and materials, for various industries. Today employment in the metro is mainly by the automotive, auto component, food, pharmaceutical, tourism, agriculture, textile and rubber industries. Nelson Mandela Bay has been dubbed the "Detroit of South Africa"! Uitenhage is host to Volkswagen SA, Port Elizabeth is home to General Motors and Ford Motor Corporation.