East London is located on the Buffalo River’s estuary, where it empties into the Indian Ocean, and is the entry point to South Africa’s breathtaking Wild Coast. The city is the only significant river port in South Africa, and the production of automobiles is the main driver of its economy. Beaches are one of the main draws, much like the neighboring city of Port Elizabeth. Swimming, surfing, fishing, and whale watching are among the activities available here because of the milder ocean temperatures brought on by warm-water currents compared to other regions of South Africa.
A few surprises can be found in the small city center, such as the magnificent Victorian-style City Hall, a historic mansion, and one of the nation’s greatest natural history museums. One of the area’s well-known private game reserves is just a short drive from the city, offering tourists a traditional African safari experience. Use our list of the best tourist destinations in East London to find additional places to see.
Gonubie Beach
Beautiful Gonubie Beach, located at the mouth of the Gonubie River about 30 minutes northeast of East London, is a recipient of the coveted Blue Flag designation, which is given to beaches with exceptional environmental management, safety, and water quality.
If you want to avoid the crowds on the city beaches, this is a good spot to go. There is a lengthy boardwalk along the beach, which is perfect for taking walks while seeing the Indian Ocean. Take your children to the river’s mouth, where they can play in the artificial tidal pools and spend hours searching for shells. The seashore also has dining options, and sunsets may be breathtaking.
East London Museum
One of the most intriguing natural history museums in the nation is the East London Museum, which was founded in 1921 and is located at the north end of Oxford Street. The coelacanth, a fish with limb-like fins, is the main attraction here. It was thought to have gone extinct over 80 million years ago, but in 1938 it was discovered in the Chalumna River, close to East London.
A dodo’s egg, exhibits on the region’s marine history, and countless species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are all on show at the museum. Don’t miss the anthropological exhibit including the exquisite Xhosa-speaking locals’ beading.
Orient and Eastern Beaches
East London’s stunning beaches, which are swept by comparatively warm waters because to the Indian Ocean currents, are among its greatest features. The city’s three most popular strands go from the Nahoon River to the north to the mouth of the Buffalo River to the south. Orient Beach, which is the closest to the city center, is a somewhat secure beach protected by the harbor’s breakwaters. The playground, paddling pool, and water tube are popular with kids, and it’s convenient to have restaurants and shopping nearby.
Popular Eastern Beach is adjacent. The little East London Aquarium is a short walk away, and depending on the conditions, surfing can be fantastic here. Located on a sizable lagoon eight kilometers north of the city center, Nahoon Beach is a well-liked spot for swimming and surfing. The Nahoon River Mouth offers excellent fishing conditions, while an offshore reef gives perfect surfing conditions for skilled surfers.
The Venom Pit Snake Park
This little snake park offers much to appreciate about these misunderstood creatures, even for people who are afraid of snakes. More than a thousand reptiles from all over the world are kept in the park, with a special emphasis on African snakes such mambas, large and dwarf adders, African pythons, cobras, and file snakes. A few exotic species are also included.
In addition, the park is home to lizards, chameleons, alligators, and crocodiles. Some of the non-venomous species are available for visitors to hold, and staff members impart intriguing details about these incredible creatures.
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
One of the best private safari parks in the Eastern Cape is Inkwenkwezi. Situated approximately 33 kilometers from East London on the Wild Coast, the park’s 4,000 hectares cover five regional biomes, including tidal estuaries, and are home to a diverse array of animals. The park’s fauna includes antelope, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and lions, including the uncommon white lions that live in a separate enclosure. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the uncommon ground hornbill, of which over 180 species have been identified.
The elephant and cheetah encounters, which provide visitors an opportunity to engage with these remarkable animals under the close supervision of knowledgeable handlers, are highlights of a trip. We welcome day visitors.
Visitors have the option of self-directed game drives or guided game drives in open-topped 4WD vehicles. Other adventure possibilities include mountain biking, walking safaris, quad bike tours, and canoe expeditions. Luxurious tents that mix in perfectly with their surroundings or the adjacent Umnenga Lodge are options for those who wish to spend more than a day in this peaceful area.
City Hall
One of the few remaining colonial structures in the heart of East London is City Hall, which is located between Oxford Street and Argyle Street. Completed in 1899, this imposing Victorian-style structure stands out as a landmark with its bold white trim and red exterior paint job. To commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, or the 60th year of her reign, the clock tower—known as the Victoria Tower—was added.
The names of white men who lost their lives in the frontier wars are listed on marble tablets in the foyer, and an equestrian monument honoring those who died in the Boer War stands in front of the building. The statue of well-known campaigner Steve Biko is also located on the property. Since the facility is still in frequent use, visitors should request permission from the custodian before taking a tour.
Mpongo Private Game Reserve
For those that lack the time to visit one of South Africa’s national parks, Mpongo Private Game Reserve, located about 35 kilometers northwest of East London, is an excellent safari choice. The park, which spans over 3,500 hectares of conservation space, provides visitors with the opportunity to see four of the “Big Five” safari animals: antelope, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, lions (in a separate enclosure), elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, in addition to several bird species.
Day visitors can enjoy self-guided tours in their own vehicles or go on guided safaris in open vehicles for fantastic photo opportunities. After that, guests can eat at the park’s elevated eatery with a view of a hippo pond. Comfortable lodges are offered for overnight stays.
Ann Bryant Art Gallery
The Ann Bryant Art Gallery is housed in a stately old Edwardian home with serene grounds on the north side of Oxford Street. In addition to modern Eastern Cape artists and well-known South African painters like Tinus de Jongh, who is renowned for his Cape landscapes, the gallery features South African artwork, particularly that from the 1960s. Many local art enthusiasts attend temporary exhibitions. Visitors can unwind in the gardens with a quick snack from the nearby Coach House cafe after perusing the gallery.