Port Elizabeth – more than just a stopover

adminonAugust 25, 2023August 22, 2023Leave a Comment

You are planning a trip to South Africa and you have a stopover in Port Elizabeth? Maybe you spend a night there to drive to the Addo National Park the next day. Or for some reason you are staying in the city for several days and you are now wondering what to see in Port Elizabeth. If you don't have much time and want to check off the most important points, we recommend you read through our blogpost on the top 10 things to do in Port Elizabeth. But if you're a little more interested in the city and possibly want to get involved with Port Elizabeth for a longer period of time like we did, here's a little overview of the main neighborhoods and recommendations.

PE – How our journey began

As big PE-fans we have to tell you a few lines about our back story beforehand. What brought us to PE? We first got to know and love Port Elizabeth in 2017, when Max and I spent half a year there. While I was busy in the lecture halls of Nelson Mandela University, Max was doing his Dive Master at Pro Dive and pursuing his favorite hobby: scuba diving! I only had the pleasure to jump into the water on weekends and admire the colorful coral reefs and the nice sand tiger sharks. Anyway, at the end of the semester, we didn't feel like we had gotten enough of PE and knew we would be back one day. In 2021, exactly four years later, we set off to spend our parental leave in this tranquil little town.

Port Elizabeth is now called Gqeberha

So let's start our eulogy and start first with the Key Facts, which can't be missing at this point: Port Elizabeth – or "PE" as the locals say – is a coastal city in the Eastern Cape and, with 300K inhabitants, the third largest city in South Africa. Strictly speaking we should not talk about Port Elizabeth now, but about Gqeberha. In February 2021, the South African government decided to rename the cities that have old colonial names. Since Port Elizabeth contains the name of a British governor's wife, our favorite city should also get a new place name in the future: Gqeberha! If you're wondering how to pronounce it, you're not the only ones. Even locals have some difficulties with the pronunciation of the new place name. This is due to the fact that the name originates from the Xhosa language, which brings a certain challenge for the pronunciation due to its clicking sounds. Nevertheless, the new names are meant to reflect the identity of the country and the cultural heritage of the people of South Africa. However, since many tourists are not yet familiar with the new place name, we will continue to write Port Elizabeth or PE for this reason and also for the sake of simplicity.

Which neighborhoods are worth visiting in Port Elizabeth?

To understand Port Elizabeth, you have to know the different parts of the city. Where to book your accommodation and which districts you should rather avoid? And what can you do in each district and which restaurants can we recommend??

Summerstrand

The most touristy and therefore probably the most famous area in PE is definitely the cute suburb Summerstrand. In this coastal district we also had our accommodation during our parental leave and spent most of our time there. Summerstrand has theoretically everything to offer, so that you basically would not have to move out of the district. A real highlight are the beautiful beaches. Here we recommend Pollok Beach, which is a bit quieter and also popular with surfers.

Besides the most beautiful beaches of PE, Summerstrand also has some nice restaurants with the best view of the sea. A classic supermarket or stores for daily use can be found, for example, in Summerstrand Village.

In the past, the Boardwalk was a typical tourist attraction: a hotel complex with a casino, a small amusement park, souvenir stores, restaurants, etc. In theory, this place had everything to make a tourist's heart beat faster. But in practice, everything around the Boardwalk seemed desolate and abandoned. That's why we were not disappointed when it was completely closed during our stay and not accessible anymore. Currently, the village is being renovated into a shopping mall, which will certainly enhance Summerstrand even further. Opposite the Boardwalk is the Sharkrock Pier, a 137m long jetty and is also a popular spot as it offers an excellent view of Algoa Bay. So this is not to be missed.

If you can't get enough of nature, you should not miss a visit to Cape Recife. Cape Recife is a nature reserve, located at the southeasternmost point of Port Elizabeth, and offers stunning panoramic views of the beach, beautiful dune vegetation and rock formations along its 9km hiking trail, paired with a lighthouse as a photo backdrop. Animals may not be missing here of course. Cape Recife is also well known for its variety of bird species. A pro pos birds, also penguins are at home in Algoa Bay. The island of St. Crox is home to the largest penguin colony in Africa and can be reached by speedboat from Port Elizabeth. From the land one sees penguins therefore rather rarely. For those who can't or don't want to take a boat tour, there is an alternative. Directly at Cape Recife is the SANCCOB Seabird Rehabilitation and Education Center, where penguins can be seen up close. This penguin station has been.A. dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of penguins and other bird species. If you are in Port Elizabeth at the right time, you can even witness the release of recovered penguins into the sea. The station itself is also worth a visit, especially with children.

Our Top 3 Restaurants in Summerstrand:

Blue Waters Cafe
Something Good beach bar
Charlie's Pizza& Pasta

Humewood& South End

Adjacent to Summerstrand there are the districts of Humewood and the South End behind it, where just like in Summerstrand a lot of gastronomy and nightlife is offered, as well as smaller souvenir markets and food markets. In Humewood you can also take a long walk in the Happy Valley, which will make you forget that you are in Port Elizabeth. The small valley exudes a certain tropical atmosphere and offers a quiet refuge when the neighboring Humewood Beach is too crowded. There you can linger by a lily pond, listen to the trickle of a freshwater river and forget the hustle and bustle next door. In Humewood itself there is also an Oceanarium (Bay World) and a water amusement park (Mac Arthur swimming pool), but we only saw them from the outside.

The M.B.A. Is the highest business degree in the U.S. However, the title is also on everyone's lips in Germany – university journals are full of M.B.A.-Offers and articles describing the positive effects of this degree. Due to its very practice-oriented content – from applied economics with so-called case studies – it has become the most popular additional qualification in German business studies. Career opportunities and starting salaries with M.B.A. are higher than without this valuable qualification.

For whom the M.B.A. For more information on the best programs and admission requirements, see our study guide.

For whom is a M.B.A.?

Considering the significant time and financial commitment that a M.B.A.-program means, so anyone interested should ask themselves not only whether a M.B.A. the correct further education for it represents, but also whether it is personally suitable for it.

The M.B.A. prepares for a career in management. What sounds desirable to everyone, objectively means long working hours, sometimes weekend work, lots of responsibility, pressure to succeed and the need to remain flexible geographically and in terms of family planning.

Any M.B.A.-Prospective students should critically examine whether these challenges correspond to their career aspirations, whether they even seek them out or would rather avoid them. Friends and family can often make valuable contributions to an honest self-assessment.

Those who have completed their M.B.A. If you would like to complete a program abroad, you will definitely meet the criterion of flexibility as a prerequisite for a successful career.B.A.-Study. Although many M.B.A.-programs allow students to specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, or human resources, the goal of the program is to provide the student with "general management skills," i.e., interdisciplinary and practice-oriented business thinking and action, thus preparing the student for a career in upper management in a company.

Target group of the M.B.A.-The students are basically persons without a business education. Thus ca. 90% of participants in an M.B.A.-Program in Europe and ca. 70% in the USA do not have any previous business education. Nevertheless, the M.B.A. as a supplement to business studies due to its practical orientation in combination with the advantages of another language and culture as an ideal additional qualification for career starters in Germany

Admission Requirements

The minimum academic requirement for an MBA program is a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent. For applicants from German-speaking countries, this generally means a university or university of applied sciences diploma or the state examination. For students of business administration or economics, it is sometimes possible to be admitted after the intermediate diploma (or intermediate diploma + 2 semesters).

Access to an MBA program is not categorically ruled out for applicants without a degree, but such applicants must demonstrate outstanding professional achievements in business.

MBA applicants must have some level of practical experience in business or organizations. In general, 2-3 years are often considered sufficient. Although at elite American schools such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton or MIT the average of all applicants is often closer to 4-5 years, Europeans are often admitted there with only 2-3 years of work experience due to the different educational system.

For almost all business schools it is necessary to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). It tests the verbal and mathematical skills of MBA applicants under time pressure and is designed to help determine a candidate's suitability for a career in management, as it reveals not only the candidate's analytical skills but also his or her ability to work under pressure.

The TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) must also be taken as proof of foreign language proficiency.

Letters of recommendation from at least 3 professors at the home university should highlight the applicant's special status, self-effacement, and ambition. The letters must be written personally by the recommender in English and sealed and handed over to the applicant.

The more prestigious universities and colleges in particular are placing increasing emphasis on personal interviews as an integral part of the application process. In the interviews, there was a particular focus on personal motivation and university selection criteria.

essay play a varying role in the placement test. Partially replace interviews and therefore cover similar topics. essays also serve to validate English skills and can even compensate for mediocre TOEFL scores.

Duration of the programs

The classic American MBA lasts 2 years as a full-time program. However, due to today's large number of variations with regard to the timing of the program, it is not possible to make any general statements about the duration of an MBA program. We think the following classification is useful:

In the USA, the two-year, full-time MBA is by far the most common program structure. Some American schools like e.g. Kellogg Graduate School of Management also offers accelerated programs that last between 1 year and 18 months. In Europe, 1-year full-time programs are the most common option.

Part-time and distance learning programs

They allow the MBA student to study part-time and usually last 2-3 years, but can take up to 8 years depending on the structure.

In addition to this distinction, MBA programs can also be categorized as follows, depending on students' work experience:

"Junior MBA" programs for students with circa 2-5 years of work experience – the overwhelming majority of programs
"Executive MBA" programs for individuals with more than 5, often more than 10, years of professional experience who have already worked in senior management (engl. Executive = Manager in senior management)

Both types of programs are available in full-time and part-time versions.

Title management

Title management is a particularly important and difficult issue. In the following sections we have compiled some important information on the topic of titles in Germany. Nevertheless, we strongly advise prospective MBA applicants to clarify any questions regarding title management on their own initiative and responsibility before starting the MBA program.

For the USA:

AACSB accreditation not only proves the quality of the MBA program, it is also required for the title to be used in Germany. This was stated by the Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate in Koblenz in a judgement.

For Europe:

MBA titles that have been acquired within the European Union at a state-recognized institution in the respective country are generally considered to be approved in Germany.

In the case of cooperation between German and foreign schools, both schools must have the state recognition (or. American schools have to be accredited by the AACSB) to be allowed to use a title after graduation in Germany

In principle, the Ministry of Science and Culture of the federal state in which the graduate has his or her main residence is responsible for the recognition of MBA titles acquired abroad. After completion of the MBA program, you must also obtain permission to use the title there.

However, we advise every MBA applicant to inquire at the respective ministry before starting the studies whether the awarded title may be used in Germany in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Individuals may also contact the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) for general information regarding the title, but not for specific advice.

Approval of the title does not mean that the MBA earned abroad is automatically considered equivalent to a German degree. This equivalence is, however, a prerequisite for a doctorate or for certain further education courses, such as tax auditor. In general, this is only the case if the individual has completed at least six semesters of university or technical college studies prior to the MBA program.

Even in the case of MBA titles awarded by institutions in German-speaking countries, it is not clear from the outset that the title can be used legally, as there are unfortunately a few black sheep among the schools. It is advisable to clarify the question of the title with the respective school and the ministry.

At least since Klaus Bednarz brought us closer to this region in the 1990s through his travel reports with the "Ballad of Lake Baikal", many people in this country also dream of a trip to Lake Baikal. Many travelers have since come to know and love this lake. We have also contributed our part: already in 1991 we, from biss, made a first pilot trip to Lake Baikal with more than 10 participants. It took us another 10 years to establish a rhythm of regular hiking trips to Baikal. (the Russians call Lake Baikal simply "Baikal" and often even the Siberian Sea) Although I have been to the Siberian Sea many times privately and as a tour guide, Lake Baikal has not lost any of its magic.

Why does Lake Baikal inspire so many people?

Lake Baikal fascinates every visitor in a different way. Some people look at the lake for hours and let themselves be drawn into another world by its play of colors, vastness and tranquility.

Others are impressed by the rich endemic fauna, such as the Baikal seals or the famous salmon-like omul, one of the lake's more than 60 species of fish. Others are overwhelmed by the sheer size of Baikal. With a length of 670 km and a width of 80 km, Lake Baikal is called the "Siberian Sea" by the locals for a reason. Since the lake is also up to 1.700 m deep, it contains about 20 % of the world's fresh water reserves. So Lake Baikal is really a lake of superlatives.

How cold does it get at Lake Baikal in winter??

Although the Siberian Sea is magically attractive, most people in this country can hardly imagine a trip to Siberia in winter for themselves. The ideas of bitterly cold, icy and hostile snowy landscapes are too strong in the mind. Although the picture may be true for some regions of Siberia in certain seasons, it is certainly not true for Lake Baikal. Even though in the depths of winter the temperatures can drop below 20 degrees Celsius, not at the times when we organize our winter trips. These usually take place from the end of February to the end of March. At this time the temperatures on Olkhon Island, where we do our walks, are usually in the single-digit minus range. During the day it can also have plus degrees. As the humidity is low, the cold feels much more pleasant than at the same temperatures in this country. Should the lake show its rough, stormy side during a hike, you can look forward to a hot, Russian banya, which awaits you in the family-run guesthouse.

At night you are well accommodated in this cozy, warm accommodation with sanitary facilities of simple, European standard anyway.

The sun shines in winter at Lake Baikal?

Due to its geographical position, there are long-lasting high pressure areas, which bring a lot of sunshine to our hiking region.

Olkhon Island has an average of 310 days of sunshine per year and can easily compete with some Mediterranean resorts. So in our Baikal travel season you can definitely count on sunshine. The sun then makes the ice of the frozen lake glisten in paradisiacal colors. Often there is also a beautiful distant view over the vastness of the lake.

But Baikal can also show its rough, stormy side and should never be underestimated. Apart from weather, what is different in a winter trip than in summer??

What is special about a winter trip to Lake Baikal??

The biggest difference to a trip in summer is surely that Lake Baikal is frozen over. This offers travelers special opportunities to experience the lake from completely different perspectives. So you can walk on the ice and explore the shore of Olkhon Island from the lake. Fascinating ice caves and caverns with bizarre ice stalactites can be discovered there. Often the harbor of the small island together with the ships lying there are covered by a thick layer of ice, which reminds of insects embalmed in synthetic resin. It is also possible to take longer hikes on the ice, but how does the ice look like on the frozen Lake Baikal??

What is the shape of the ice on the frozen Lake Baikal?

The ice of Baikal can take completely different shapes, colors and forms. It depends mainly on weather and wind during the time of freezing over. The lake does not freeze over in one piece, but layers of ice or even small icebergs form, which can then break open again and pile up on top of each other. If it is stormy during the freeze-up, small icebergs form in some places and ice sheets form in other corners. These are reminiscent of the back plates of the stegosaur and are difficult to overcome. Many parts of the ice are smooth as glass and can be skated over, while others are covered with snow that gives a good grip. A special highlight are air bubbles frozen in the ice. These can be found in many places of the lake in very different shapes and sizes and, depending on the light conditions, also in different colors. To experience all this you have to venture far out on the ice, but it is not dangerous?

How dangerous is it to hike on the ice of Lake Baikal??

"No one should challenge Baikal" the locals warn with much respect and reverence for their lake. Not unfounded, because every year accidents happen. Whole trucks or cars sink into the lake and people collapse. Even if the lake has a very solid, load-bearing ice cover with an average of 80 cm to over 1.20 m, there are also large ice holes and meter-wide gullies that are completely open or only covered by a very thin layer of ice. These are caused on the one hand by hot springs at the bottom of the lake, on the other hand by the permanent working of the ice. The ice is under permanent pressure due to different influences, which leads to loud, banging noises every now and then, when ice layers shift jerkily against each other. While these can be scary, they are usually completely harmless. Open water holes and gullies and other critical spots are usually easy for hikers to spot. Most accidents happen to non-local, careless or drunk drivers.

If you pay attention to a few things, you can make good hikes on the ice, but what should you pay attention to??

What to watch out for when hiking on the ice?

Where the dangerous spots are on the ice is best learned from locals who are out on the ice. Here, besides our tour guides, especially ice fishermen or professional drivers know their stuff. However, when I led my first winter trip on Lake Baikal, all the locals I asked had categorically advised me against a longer hike to the mainland. Nevertheless, we were driven by a local driver to the edge of a barrier consisting of a gully and small icebergs, which was insurmountable for the bus. The missing 3-4 kilometers to the mainland and the ca. 13 km back we hiked. The driver was extremely uncomfortable with our plan and his possible involvement in it. He left us with a heavy heart with good advice and a harpoon to check the thickness of the ice, which he gave us. We have completed the routes safely and since then they are an optional part of our trips in good weather. However, many travelers shorten the hike by taking the driver back to just before the home shore.

In addition to the tips of the locals and the careful observation of the ice with regard to the thickness of the ice over frozen water holes or gullies, the weather is of central importance. It can be extremely uncomfortable to get caught in a snowstorm on the open ice. Longer hikes over the ice should be limited to days with stable, good weather. As a third point it is important to estimate your own condition correctly and to plan always with conditional reserves. The last important point is the right equipment. But what do you need for a winter hike on the ice?

What equipment is needed for hiking on the ice of Lake Baikal?

Warm and windproof clothes will surely not be forgotten by anyone. But sunglasses are also necessary and an emergency ration of food, such as granola bars and a thermos bottle with hot tea should be in the backpack. There is no shelter or seating on the lake unless you happen to meet a fisherman with a hut on skids. Therefore it is practical to take a seat cushion with you. Since the ice of the lake is very different in texture, you would also need different footwear. Very few people have skates or cross-country skis at their disposal. For the slippery passages of the ice you should take spikes, which can be strapped under your hiking boots. A longer walking stick, preferably with an iron tip, is important to check the thickness of the ice at critical points. Last but not least you should always have a first aid kit with a blanket and a cell phone.

But if you already have to keep so many things in mind when hiking, where do cars drive on the ice?

Are there really roads on the ice of Lake Baikal and how is the right of way regulated??

There is indeed car traffic and even real roads on the ice. However, local drivers know many routes beyond the official roads on which they can drive without hesitation. But you also know the critical passages and know that where it was safe to ski yesterday, it can be dangerous today.

The few officially designated roads over the ice look different from roads in the countryside. Although there are even traffic signs, the roads are usually 100 to 150 meters wide in one direction of travel, because the braking distance of the vehicles varies greatly depending on their weight and type of tire. This is how the ice skaters on Lake Baikal get out of their way and keep huge distances from each other.

With an experienced local driver you can make safe tours on the ice. We use this possibility on our trips to be able to use the different areas around Olkhon Island and on the island as a starting point for small hikes.

Desire to see Lake Baikal in winter?

To experience Lake Baikal in winter and to be active on the ice and on land is a unique experience. Can you imagine / Can you imagine now also such journey? Or do you / have you still concerns or questions. I am happy to receive feedback.

PE – How our journey began

Port Elizabeth is now called Gqeberha

Which neighborhoods are worth visiting in Port Elizabeth?

Summerstrand

Humewood& South End

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