South Africa Guide
The Eastern Cape
Getting around
If you're staying in Central, exploring the city on foot is a realistic possibility – try the self-guided Heritage Walk, shown on a map available at the tourist office). However, for any serious exploration of PE, or for getting to and from the beachfront, renting a car is your best option as the city's transport system leaves much to be desired. Buses operated by the municipal Algoa Bus Company ( 
041 404 1200, 
www.algoabus.co.za ) are infrequent, running from the Market Square bus depot to the suburbs, the beaches and Greenacres shopping mall. PE's minibustaxis run from town to the beachfront on a regular basis, but are the least recommended way to travel. Metered taxis don't have ranks so you'll need to phone to find a taxi if you're going to the airport or the bus or train stations, it's advisable to book ahead.
The best way to see Port Elizabeth is on one of the excellent bus tours, which shed light on the culture and history of a city shaped by layers of political history. Calabash Tours ( 041 585 6162 or 084 552 4414, www.calabashtours.co.za ) operates excellent "Real City Tours" by day and shebeen tours by night; Tanaqua Indigenous Tours ( 041 582 4304 or 083 270 9924, www.tanaquatours.co.za ) offers the same packages as well as whale-watching. Both operators also offer day-trips to Addo, as do many others. B&Bs and hotels carry an extensive range of tour brochures and are generally happy to make bookings for guests.