There is one thing that the locals from Nelson Mandela Bay won’t – or can’t - keep a secret: the beauty, energy and possibility that is on offer in the Bay and the art of how to be a tourist in your own city.

And who can blame them.

Nelson Mandela Bay has it all.

Our sunsets are splendid. Our markets are vibrant. Our mountains are remarkable. Our wildlife is abundant (and in a malaria-free environment). Our people are talented (did you know that the Opera House is the oldest theatre on the continent of Africa and the Southern hemisphere).

And the people from the Bay have no shame to share, showcase and brag a little bit about the beauty that surrounds us.

We see it everywhere; it is on people’s faces, in their conversations, on Facebook, Instagram and on different blogs captured by a multitude of locals with a proud, unwavering love for their city.  

New sights inspire new thoughts.

Here are a few locals to inspire you to explore and discover our Bay; from the city’s markets to its shoreline, from the lion’s roar to the dolphins’ playground, from the coffee hangouts to the cocktail bars and from the hiking trails to the sails.

Get inspired by these Bay locals to explore your surroundings

Travel Bloggers

Shefetswe on Safari

Shefetswe on Safari is currently doing a series of things to do in the Bay, from A to Z. Don't miss out on these 26 posts!

Chasing the Rainbow

If you are looking for stories, guides, information and tips on family travel, drop by Chasing the Rainbow. The Dirsuwei family enjoys experiences and adventures together as a family and they take us all on the journey with them. Not only do they blog, but they also make videos!

Kasifixation

Kasifixation was born out of Kanyisa Melwa's desire to accurately tell the stories of black people living in South African townships from the perspective of black youth. He hopes to amplify the voices of those who would otherwise not have a platform to opine their views and uses his blog as a tool to tell the real stories by co-creating content with the community.

Port Elizabeth Daily

A photo a day of the Bay, so click away! Port Elizabeth Daily, run by Jonker Fourie, features a new photo every day of something in Port Elizabeth and the blog is a premier online reference guide to attractions, natural and historic sites in and around the city. You can also follow Jonker's second blog, Firefly The Travel Guy for more tips and stories about travelling in South Africa.

Passing the Open Windows

This travel blog features the travel adventures of the Larter-Adams family in the Bay. Nadine, the writer behind the blog, shares anything from local to international discoveries. Visit Passing the Open Windows and get some inspiration on staycations and the Bay.

 

Instagrammers

Africa This is Why I live Here

This is your one-stop-account on Instagram if you ever need a wildlife fix.
 

City of PE

For a mixture of some of the best photographs taken in the Bay head to the collaborative account, City in PE.
 

Gideon Brunsdon

This account is a vibrant mix featuring a little bit of everything in the Bay, from close-ups of reptiles to the shades of sunsets.
 

Cindy Bester

Cindy's photographs will take you on a picturesque journey through some of the Bay's icons.
 

Craig Anderson

Follow Craig Anderson for captivating scenes in the Bay through his street photography.
 

The 9th Sky

Witness some of the Bay's most beautiful sunsets, sunrises and skies.
 

And there are many more...

Hundreds of talented people in the Bay share photos every day; have a look at the #ShareTheBay hashtag on Instagram for some insta-inspiration,
 

Vloggers

Sheldon Zam

His bio on YouTube says it all, "South Africa is a legendary place. This channel will be about promoting this beautiful place which I call home by means of taking you with me on my random (and sometimes crazy) adventures."
Luckily for us, he lives in the Bay. Subscribe to his channel.

15bex02

Follow this Bay local as she captures some of her explorations on camera. She also has a blog, click here and have a read.

Do you know of any other Bay vloggers? Tell us!

Foodies

A Girl Named Kez

Follow Kerryn Botha as she documents her food journey; from home-cooked meals all the way to some of her favourite foodie spots in the Bay.

Food in PE

Join in on the food fun in the Bay with Food in PE who will show you around the city one meal at a time.

You

Yes you! With every photo that you share, or positive thing you say about our Bay, you inspire others to visit. Continue to #ShareTheBay!

 

Written by Anje Rautenbach, travel blogger at Going Somewhere Slowly. Follow her journeys around South Africa on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.