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

East London lies just 25 kilometres south of Gonubie Beach, and the N2 transit service provides easy travel to the beach from the city. Granted the prestigious international blue flag award, Gonubie Beach is ranked among those meeting strict environmental and safety standards. The beach facilities maintain safety equipment and trained staff on the premises at all times. Visitors stroll down to the beach from the main parking area along an extended wooden boardwalk that offers a scenic view of abundant native plants and engineered tidal pools.

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

Are you looking for a safe and lovely beach in London this summer? Then you want to head for the Quigney suburb and go down to the southern end of the Esplanade there to find Orient Beach. It's a favourite of tourists and locals alike. The harbour has breakwaters that protect the cove and there are lifeguards there too, so you can take the whole family and swim in safety. Add to that the two circular swimming pools surrounded by green lawns and you have bathing and swimming room for thousands of people. In season, there are changing facilities, a refreshment kiosk and many restaurants close by. Add to that the hotels and shops on the Esplanade and there's not much that's lacking for you at Orient Beach.

The 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 the perfect vacation spot for those who love the water. In addition to the usual city type fun that East London offers; it has a number of fantastic beaches which provides ample opportunity to partake in water sports and activities. It is also home to an observation platform, built to watch the Southern Right wales as they migrate southward to its arctic feeding grounds.