What to see in East London

For a tranquil and refreshing retreat, East London is matchless. Visitors to South Africa’s only river port receive a warm welcome into a relaxed lifestyle. Nestled between the Nahoon and Buffalo Rivers and lapped at by the soothing waters of the Indian Ocean, East London’s charms makes it a subtropical paradise. Although the primary language is IsiXhosa, the gracious and easy-going people of East London are eager to practice their English to welcome new friends who come to share a taste of this treasure of the Eastern Cape Province.

Gonubi Beach

Situated 25 kilometres away from East London to the south, and joined to the city by the N2; Gonubie Beach has received the esteemed international award for excellence in environment protection, i.e. the blue flag status on account of the compliance of strict conditions, facilities for well being and safety of people as well as the well trained staff. There is an elongated beautiful wooden boardwalk that connects the main parking with the beach, which passes through artificial tidal pools as well as natural vegetation of the area.

The Nahoon Beach

The most popular beach in East London is Nahoon Beach. The beach is named after a local Xhosa chief. It’s easy to see why it is a favourite, because of its many miles of clean and uncrowded sands. Because of its amazing waves, it is home to the Surf Life Saving Club and also is the location where many national surfing competitions are held. Everyone can enjoy Nahoon Beach – whether one is a fisherman or just a sunbather.

Orient Beach

Tourists everywhere are drawn to the beautiful and unique Orient Beach. Hotels and shops are also close by via a short trip down the southern point of the promenade located in East London’s Quigney suburb. Safe and protected, Orient Beach’s break waters keep the bathing waters calm, with life guards always on watch. For those who prefer fresh water swimming, 2 circular pools, large and flanked by emerald green lawns, are available and allow plenty of space for thousands to gather. Changing facilities are conveniently located as well. In season, there are kiosks for quick refreshments, as well as a multitude of local restaurants for hungry swimmers looking for a satisfying meal after an enjoyable day at Orient Beach.

Car Rental

You can expect to find cheap East London car hire deals by visiting car hire South Africa.

East London Aquarium

The Friends of East London Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in southern Africa that the public can visit, opened on December 2, 1931. One of the aquarium’s goals is to help marine animals that have been injured due to pollution or other unfortunate circumstances. Many animals are rehabilitated and returned to their homes in the ocean every year. Another of the aquarium’s goals is to educate the public about the ocean’s eco system so they can understand and respect it. In the aquarium there are big, beautiful, illuminated fish tanks that feature local fish.

East London is a great vacation destination for both tourists and inlanders taking a break from their daily grind. Its waterfront provides a lot of water activities. One of the best attractions is watching the Southern Right Wales. These are Wales that migrate down to the African coast to their feeding grounds in the arctic feeding grounds. They can be seen from not far, and for that reason there is an aquarium built right here by the surf to watch them as they pass. The place also provides great beaches to relax and play, and there is no complaining the hospitality.