Start with a relaxed beachfront breakfast at The Boardwalk complex; it's convenient, reliable and opens early so you can fuel up before exploring. Check-in times for individual cafés normally start from 7:30am; confirm exact opening hours on the day.
Walk the historic Donkin Reserve for panoramic views over the harbour and see the Paul Sauer Memorial Pyramid and lighthouse; it's a compact heritage site ideal for photos and local history. The open reserve is accessible all day; the lighthouse/museum typically welcomes visitors mid-morning (often around 9:00am–4:00pm) so check local signage.
Follow the Route 67 art installations and plaques that celebrate Port Elizabeth's cultural history and Nelson Mandela's ties to the city; this self-guided walk links easily from Donkin Reserve. The trail is outdoors and open any time, allow time to read plaques and take photos.
Head to 4th Avenue in Summerstrand for a range of cafés and bistros serving fresh seafood and local dishes in a lively neighbourhood setting; good for a casual midday meal. Most cafés serve lunch from around 11:00am to 3:00pm, but check the specific venue.
Relax in St George's Park, explore the rose gardens, the small bird garden and the botanical collections — a leafy escape in the city centre. The park is open daily (typical park hours dawn–dusk) and the bird garden often opens around 9:00am–5:00pm; verify on arrival.
Take a calm late-afternoon stroll along the beachfront promenade at Humewood or Hobie Beach and watch the sunset over Algoa Bay. The promenade is public and open at all hours, ideal for a gentle walk and photo stops.
Return to The Boardwalk for dinner where multiple restaurants offer seafood, grills and international menus — convenient and lively for a first-night meal. Many outlets open for dinner from around 5:30pm and stay open late; reservations recommended for weekends.
Drive east to Addo (approx 1h15–1h45 depending on entrance chosen) for a full day of wildlife viewing; aim to arrive early when animals are most active. Gates and visitor facilities typically open early (gates often from dawn or ~5:30am) — confirm gate and camp-hour details before travel.
Explore the park by self-drive or book a guided game drive to see elephant herds, buffalo, lion, zebra and antelope across varied Addo landscapes; guided drives increase the chance of sightings. Self-drive time can be flexible — guided game drives typically run in the morning and afternoon; reserve guides in advance.
Enjoy a picnic at a designated picnic site inside the park or eat at one of the park's restaurants/camps offering set lunch options; it's a scenic midday break and convenient if you prefer no long drives back to town. Park eateries usually operate from late morning until mid-afternoon, but times vary by camp.
Continue exploring quieter sections of Addo in the afternoon when different animals may appear at waterholes and riverine areas; take camera, water and sunscreen. Plan to leave the park before gates close (gates/roads can have set closing times around dusk — typically 18:00–19:00 depending on season), so confirm on arrival.
After returning to Port Elizabeth, choose a beachfront restaurant for a relaxed dinner with ocean views. Many beachside restaurants open through the evening (from around 5:30pm) — book ahead if you finish late.
Enjoy a leisurely beachside breakfast in Summerstrand before a short wildlife stop — cafés here open early and provide ocean views and light breakfast menus. Confirm the café's opening time (many open 7:30am–8:00am).
Visit Kragga Kamma for a short, family-friendly wildlife experience with game-viewing, walk-through attractions and an on-site restaurant; it’s close to the city and good for up-close rhino and big-game sightings. Typical opening hours are around 8:00am–5:00pm; check for guided tour times and book rhino walks if offered.
Have lunch at the Kragga Kamma restaurant or return to Summerstrand for a variety of seaside lunch options; both choices are convenient after the morning wildlife visit. Restaurant hours commonly cover 11:00am–3:00pm for lunch service.
Spend a relaxed afternoon at Sardinia Bay (great for beach walks and fossil hunting at low tide) or Hobie Beach for more promenade activity and water-sport views; ideal for unwinding before departure. Public beach access is open all day; if you want water sports or rentals, check local operator hours (usually daytime only).
Grab a final meal or light snack depending on your departure schedule; The Boardwalk or local Summerstrand restaurants offer flexible dining if you need to adjust for flights or onward travel. Many outlets are open until 8:00pm–9:00pm; confirm your chosen venue's hours.