Excursion Township exploration - south africa's past & present tour at Port Elizabeth

Explore South Africa’s turbulent past, and how its citizens are working to help overcome it, during this bespoke, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Port Elizabeth City, Orientation Drive, Landmarks, Local Townships, Kwa Magxaki Viewpoint

Depart from the pier for a brief orientation tour of Port Elizabeth’s city centre, including stops at the Native Strangers location, Livingstone Hospital, and Luthuli Square en route to Missionvale, a very poor and undeveloped residential township. From here, drive past the Govan Mbeki Township, then continue on the middle-class areas of Kwadwesi and Kwa Magxaki. Following a photo stop at a scenic Kwa Magxaki viewpoint, re-board your coach and head to the New Brighton Township via Veeplaas, Zwide, and past the main trading area, Njoli Square, before reaching Kwazakhele.

Gonjwe Hostel, Aya's Ceramic Art Studio, Ceramic Art, Emlotheni Memorial Park

Next, drive past the hairdressers at the Goniwe Hostel before a visit to Aya's Ceramic Art Studio. Situated in the heart of the New Brighton Township and close to the Red Location, Ayanda (Aya) Mji draws her inspiration from the African landscape, animals, birds, and even her dreams to create some of the most interesting ceramic art to be found in this beautiful country. Afterward, re-board your coach and drive to Emlotheni Memorial Park, recently built to commemorate the death of the first Umkhonto we Sizwe cadres, who were hanged by the previous regime in the early-1960s.

At the conclusion of your visit, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Port Elizabeth, Landmarks, Local Townships, Kwa Magxaki Viewpoint, Gonjwe Hostel, Aya's Ceramic Art Studio, Ceramic Art, Emlotheni Memorial Park

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 568 yards (about 520 metres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a light, weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must carry their passports and ship’s ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in South Africa may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Only local currency (South African Rand) is accepted in the crafts building, and there is no shipping service available. As in any large city, please take precautions to protect your belongings. Leave all valuables on board and do not wear any jewellery shoreside, particularly when walking through crowded areas frequented by tourists. Please note that most of the sites visited on this tour are part of an African Township, which, whilst having extreme poverty, is busy being uplifted by the government and local community, making it a place of hope. Guests need to be prepared for this aspect of the tour, as it is definitely a 'no frills' experience. The tour sequence may vary.