East London, Sunshine Coast
A city that still manages to retain some of its old fashioned values blended with a dollop of laidback charm makes East London - the gateway to the wild coast and the sunshine coast and the only river port in South Africa - one of the most appealing cities on the coast.
East London is all about its long, white stretches of sandy beach that appeal to surfers, swimmers and sun worshippers alike. The beaches here are some of the finest in the world and a few, like Nahoon Reef, are a surfer’s paradise and host to international surfing competitions. East London’s easy access to other areas like the Wild Coast, and inland to the Amatola Mountains, also makes it a popular destination. Known as the Buffalo City, East London lies on the Buffalo River, its people are refreshingly friendly and its weather generally pleasant throughout the year.
This is holiday place for the whole family and, whilst the natural history museum - home to the only dodo egg in existence and an awesome exhibit of the coelacanth - is a rainy day opportunity not to be missed, sand-boarding on Bonza Bay’s massive sand dunes and a visit to the Lion Park to see lion cubs are fine weather events. Add to this already fairly long list of things to do, the aquarium, Queens Park Zoo and botanical gardens; toss in a heap of water sports, and you have a recipe for a really successful, sun swept time away from it all.
The city's ancestry is evident. Against a typically African backdrop, strong links with England and traces of the German lineage are found. Several well-preserved examples of 19th-century architecture enhance the charm of the city. Traffic snarls and overcrowded city streets are the exception rather than the rule. Courtesy friendliness and good old-fashioned hospitality will enhance your holiday pleasure. When the sun goes down, there are theatres, cinemas and a selection of restaurants to pamper the discerning palate.If it's the one-armed bandits you crave, roulette, black jack and the chance of making a mint, Bisho's casino is practically on the doorstep.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) East London
East London Aquarium and Ocean Viewing Deck
Opened in December 1931, the aquarium is the oldest in South Africa. More than 400 species of fish, penguins and seals can be seen. Make sure you make it in time to see the seal show. The display of Cape Pigmy clawed lobsters is the only one of its kind in the world. The whale deck has a telescope ... more information
East London Beaches
Think warm Indian Ocean waters and sub-tropical weather that allow visitors to enjoy the climate all year round - East London basks gloriously between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo River to the south of the city, and the phrase ‘unspoilt beaches’ was termed with East London’s beaches in ... more information
East London City Hall
The foundation stone of the stately East London City Halll was laid in 1897. The clock tower commemorates the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. Built in the Victorian Renaissance style, the marble for the imposing staircase at the East London City Hall, in Oxford Street, was imported from Italy.
East London Coast Nature Reserve
The East London Coast Nature Reserve is a gorgeous stretch of coast that extends from the Great Kei River in the north east all the way to the Tylomnqa River in the south west. Between these two bodies of water lies well over 3 000 hectares of conservation area made up of ten coastal reserves and two inland state ... more information
East London Golf Club
The East London Golf Club, skilfully fashioned out of dense coastal bush, hills and dunes, just a few metres away from the warm water of the Indian Ocean, has hosted six South African Opens, which confirms the high esteem in which the course is held. There are breathtaking views of the sea ... more information
East London Museum
The East London Museum has the world's only dodo egg, a large natural science collection, collections ranging from the prehistoric times of South Africa to the early history of the Xhosa people. The Museum has a model of a coelacanth. This ancient fish species is estimated to be about 350-million years ... more information
Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance
Bantu Steven Biko, one of the most recognised leaders of the Black Consciousness Movement, is regarded as one of the greatest martyrs of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Born in the township of Ginsberg just outside King William’s Town, Steve Biko was to die whilst in police custody in 1977, after being held ... more information
West Bank Golf Club
The West Bank Golf Club, which celebrated its centenary in October 2007, has an 18 hole golf course rated as Number 93 in South Africa. Enjoy lovely views of the sea from every tee when playing the 18-hole West Bank Golf Course. As friendly as the rest of East London, the club welcomes visitors every day ... more information
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Things To Do in East London
Jam Sessions at Imbizo Jazz Cafe
Where: East London
How much (per person): R1 to R100
The entertainment at Imbizo Café includes Jazz evenings with live acts on Fridays and Saturdays. A live band can be hired for group bookings ... more information
Join a Drumming Circle at Imbizo Café
Where: East London
How much (per person): On Request
If you are traveling in the Eastern Cape, a fun activity not to be missed is to join a drum circle and try drumming! African cultures th ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in East London
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On Holiday in East London
• East London Accommodation
• East London Hotels
• East London Guest Houses
• East London Bed and Breakfast
• East London Self Catering
• East London Holiday Apartments
• East London Holiday Cottages
• East London Map
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