About East London

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.

South Africa's only river port city is set on the broad Buffalo River and one of the most attractive stretches of the Eastern Cape seaboard. East London's sweeping white beaches extend for miles, unpolluted and uncrowded. Swimming, sailing, water-skiing, boardsailing and boating are enjoyed all year round, while the river mouths, lagoons and gullies provide a paradise for fishermen.

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.