Port Elizabeth Instagram walks – documenting today for tomorrow

Port Elizabeth is a city of contrasts, says Instagrammer Chris Kitzinger: "It's this crazy place where derelict buildings meet absurd public art, socio-economic malaise joins hands with Vovo Telo latté-sipping ladies of leisure, while Instagramming the frothy heart on their barista coffee, all gently tucked in between pristine beaches and inspiring landscapes." 

Port Elizabeth has many striking places to photograph. Besides our iconic stadium and our rich heritage, our beaches are firm favourites with locals and tourists alike. The city offers a multitude of locations, and definitely rewards those who are willing to explore. 

Nelson Mandela Bay is a fantastic place for photography, be it a visit to the Addo National Park to take Instagram pictures of Africa's Big Five (lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino), to snap your favourite meal at one of our restaurants, or to experience our stuggle history by visiting one of our museums.

Kritzinger manages IgersPortElizabeth, which was started in 2013 as Nelson Mandela Bay's local Instagram community. IgersPortElizabeth is part of Igers South Africa, founded by Gareth Pon (@GarethPon) and a number of other Instagrammers.

The Port Elizabeth group do not confine their photography to PE; they cover all of Nelson Mandela Bay. There are 371 members and they meet at least every second month, on organised photographic walks.

Kritzinger says the Port Elizabeth group had been dormant, as the previous manager had moved to Cape Town. He stumbled on the group while researching Instagram and the international communities for a mobile photography exhibition he is planning.

Anyone is welcome to join the group or follow them on @igersportelizabeth on Instagram for updates about Instameets around the city. They also have a Facebook group, Instagramers Port Elizabeth.