How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?
There are many play parks, general parks and gardens in Port Elizabeth where infants and toddlers have a grand time. The beaches are also a great place for them to have fun. The city's malls, shopping centers and public places have areas for changing diapers.
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Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?
www.greataupair.com is a great place to research and appoint nannies. Other than this, there are many agencies in Port Elizabeth providing childcare and nanny services.
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Discuss any safety issues for children in this city.
No specific challenges other than the standard issues that Port Elizabeth has in common with any other international city.
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What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?
Various animal parks, walking trails, beaches and the Treasure Land Play Park.
Annual events which take place in Port Elizabeth include:

  • January - Day/Night interprovincial Cricket, SA & Interprovincial Triathlon
  • February - Summer Flower Show, Shakespearean Festival, Redhouse River Mile
  • March – Multi choice/Herald Cycle Tour, Prickly Pear Festival
  • April - Splash Festival (water sports and beach entertainment program), Algoa Bay Sailing Week, Arts & Crafts Fair
  • May - Eastern Cape Schools Festival of English and Drama
  • June - Woodridge Country Fair
  • August - Dance Festival
  • September - Great Train Race runners compete with a narrow gauge vintage train (Port Elizabeth to Loerie), Spring Show
  • October - Rose, Wine and Garden Show, Radio Algoa/ Round Table Melodrama, Addo Rose Show
  • November - Miss Port Elizabeth Pageant, Christmas Fayre, Uncle Jumbo's Christmas Party, Evening Post Mini Marathon
  • December - Summer entertainment program, PE/EL Challenge Ski Race

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What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?
Bird watching - The city is known for its abundant birdlife, and local experts from the Eastern Cape Wild Bird Society may be contacted for information.
Cape Recife Nature Reserve - A 366ha reserve featuring a 9km circular walking trail through beautiful pristine beaches, natural dune vegetation and rocky outcrops.
Donkin Reserve - A proclaimed open space in the city with a stone pyramid monument at its center, inaugurated by Sir Rufane Donkin in honor of his wife Elizabeth the city's eponym.
Fishing - Fresh, surf and deep-sea angling opportunities are plentiful along the beautiful Algoa Bay coastline.
Holmeleigh Farmyard - A children's paradise where farm life can be experienced first-hand. Pony rides, playgrounds and a delightful tea garden and tuck-shop in a picturesque country setting.
Maitland Nature Reserve - A 127ha reserve comprising dense indigenous coastal forest, abundant birdlife, nature trails, an old road leading to lead mines and the famous giant Maitland sand dunes.
Nature Walks and Trails - Port Elizabeth offers pleasant walks within city limits. Well-marked trails can be self-guided or accompanied by expert trail guides.
Sacramento Trail - An 8km trail through the Schoemakers-Sardinia Nature Reserve affording wonderful scenery.
Sea view Game and Lion Park - Self-drive game viewing, night game drives and camping.
St George's Park - The city's oldest park, incorporating the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club and the St George's Swimming Bath.
Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve - 500ha of indigenous flora can be explored.
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What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?
Like in any other international city, challenges can arise for teenagers. Parents need to keep an eye out especially for drug- and sex-related issues that may affect their teenagers.
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Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?

  • The Salvation Army of Easter Cape
  • Roger Federer Foundation: to support children and young adults
  • Port Elizabeth Show-Me Cares
  • Wilderness Foundation South Africa
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I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?

  • Ready4Life South Africa
  • Plan to visit/do the following:
    • Visit Fort Fredrick
    • Visit the car assembly plants
    • Dolphinarium
    • Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World
    • Sakhume Museum and Xhosa Culture Centre
    • Township Tour (guided of course)
    • Donkin reserve
    • Visit Market Square
    • Opera House
    • Sardinia Bay
    • Sailing (enjoy the activity) – Algoa Bay Yatch Club
    • Visit synagogue at Raleigh Street
    • McAurther Pool Centre
    • The Donkin Pyramid
    • The lighthouse
    • Donkin Heritage Trail
    • Ron Belling Art Museum
    • Addo Elephant Park
    • Public Library
    • Humewood Golf Course
    • Schotia Game Park
    • Beachfront
    • Donkin Church
    • Old houses at Donkin Park
    • The Campanile
    • Seaview Lion Park
    • Hill Street
    • The feather market hall
    • Town Hall
    • Settlers' houses Donkin Street
    • Feathermarket Hall
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.