East London

East London, Eastern Cape South Africa

East Londons climate is mild and temperate with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees in June to 26 degrees in January. The average hours of sunshine are in excess of 200 hours per month. East London experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern with pronounced rainy periods coinciding with the equinoxes and with the dry periods in mid-summer and mid-winter. There is a pronounced spring maximum rainfall over the region when predominant south easterly winds bring rain to the coastal areas. The average annual rainfall is 889mm. East London boasts a healthy climate: warm summers and mild, crisp-clear winters - conducive to nature and outdoor adventure activities.

East Londons beaches are rated among the finest in the world. Certain areas, most notably world famous Nahoon Reef, are renowned for their surfing and consistent wave conditions, and play host to international surfing competitions. Water World and Fun Park on the west bank of the Buffalo River is a superb facility for children offering super tube, speed slides, river cascades, paddling pools, a play park and mini 4x4s

Gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Wild Coast

Nestled comfortably along the banks of the mighty Buffalo River, lies the coastal city of East London. Wide stretches of unspoilt beaches, lagoons and gullies offer all the delights of a traditional seaside holiday – from swimming and surfing to scuba diving and fishing – while the city itself waits to welcome the visitors with it’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern hustle and bustle. Quaint old buildings dating back to the 19^th century, museums and memorials bear testimony to the city’s rich cultural heritage and visitors will find delving into the past a fascinating experience when the lure of sun, sea and sand is satiated. Not only is East London South Africa’s only river port, it is also the gateway to the Sunshine Coast to the west and the Wild Coast to the east – areas of pristine beauty and cultural diversity. Visitors not wanting to venture too far from East London can explore the nearby seaside resorts, including the well established holiday town of Gonubie situated on the lagoon at the Gonubie River. With it’s winter sunshine and hot summer nights, East London is a holiday destination for all seasons and there’s a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. The temperate climate also lends itself to sporting activities and the city boasts some of the best facilities in the Eastern Cape, international, national and regional events are frequently hosted here. Cosy pubs, specialist restaurants, night clubs and disco’s give visitors ample opportunity to enjoy the city’s nightlife. To round off a busy day, take a late night stroll along the well lit beachfront. Apart from catering for the holiday makers every need, East London is a vibrant business centre. The prosperity of the region is built on key industries such as motor assembly plants, electrics, textiles, sweet manufacturing, citrus, wool and pineapples. East London is a popular, affordable conference breakaway and offers a wide range of multi purpose conference venues, equipped with all the facilities to ensure successful conferencing.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bloemfontein 546 km, Cape Town 1037 km, George 644 km, Graaff Reinet 383 km, Grahamstown 182 km, Johannesburg 961 km, Kimberley 752 km, Knysna 82 km, Mossel Bay 702 km, Port Elizabeth 294 km, Pretoria 991 km, Queenstown 206 km, Umtata 234 km, Upington 1049 km, Welkom 731 km

Banks

Absa (ATM’s 6), FNB (ATM’s 2), Nedbank (ATM’s 2), Permanent (ATM’s 3), Standard (ATM’s 2)

Airports

East London Airport

South African Airways Reservations

Automobile Association

Bus Services

Intercape, Translux

Car Hire

Avis, Rent-a-car, Budget rent-a-car, Imperial Car Rental

HISTORICAL VIEW

Early inhabitants the San (Bushman), are responsible for the rock art in the area. The strange and musical names of some of the rivers and mountains are the legacy of the Khoi. Xhosa speaking people were already here when the Trek Boers and European settlers arrived in the area. Their arrival triggered a series of Frontier Wars and remnants of many of the old fort sites still remain as mute testimony of the early struggle for land. The many German names of local towns and villages attest to the presence of German speaking groups who arrived here in the 1850’s.

Calgary Transport Museum (Calgary Wagon Museum)

Comprises the late Robin Wells collection of every type of wagon, including an authentic Gypsy Caravan. Displays of wagon wheel making, a forgotten art, are also to be seen.

City Hall

Has a beautiful marble staircase, a Victorian hall and quadrangle. The clock tower was built in commemoration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Fully restored in 1989. The foundation stone was laid in 1897, by Mayor David Rees. The design included the ‘Victoria’s Tower’, added to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 60 year on the throne. With it’s large clock faces it rather resembles Big Ben’s Tower. The marble staircase was constructed from marble directly imported from Carrara in Italy. Tours can be arranged

Colonial Division Memorial

In front of the City Hall, the two fine war memorials at the top of Oxford Street

East London Museum

This is considered one of the finest museums in South Africa. It boasts an outstanding collection of Southern Nguni beadwork and maritime history displays. The museum is, of course, the home of the most famous fish in the world, the Coelacanth and also displays a reconstruction of the extinct dodo, along with the only known dodo egg in the world. Major exhibits include a complete skeleton of an extinct reptile from Tarkastad in the Great Karoo, a collection of South African sea shells and an ethnological and cultural history of the Xhosa people.

Fort Glamorgan

One of a chain of protective garrisons, built in 1848 / 9 at the same time that the harbour was officially founded. The Power Magazine is now a national monument.

Gately House

Home of a leading figure in business and municipal affairs in the 19^th century. The building dates back to 1876 and was declared a national monument in 1973.

Historical Buildings (West Bank Village) Post Office

St Andrew’s Church and St Peters Church

The oldest church in East London. The Ann Bryant Art Gallery is located in a beautiful Edwardian house and contains an exceptional fine collection of South African art

German Settlers Memorial (Esplanade)

Commemorates the 1958 / 9 arrival or more than 2000 German men, women and children who helped expand the settlement. Designed and sculptured by Lippy Lipschitz

Hood Point Lighthouse (1895)

Museum Lecture Hall

The Kimerling Plaque

Commemorates the first controlled power driven flight in South Africa, which took place in Bunkers Hill.

Lock Street Gaol

Built during the 1800’s, this was South Africa’s first prison for women. Former inmates include poison-murderess Daisy de Melker (the women who poisoned three husbands with arsenic) and Winnie Mandela (ex-wife of Nelson Mandela). Today the complex has been converted into a small vibrant shopping centre specialising in curios and crafts.

NATURE

Amalinda Nature Conservation Station

This 134 ha reserve lies on the outskirts of East London and is home to a fish hatchery, breeding only indigenous fish species. Various mammal species may be seen, including plains zebra, blesbok, eland, blue duiker and the Cape clawless otter. More than 170 bird species have been recorded on the reserve to date. The reserve has two hiking trails of 1,5 km and 4 km respectively. Guided walks and a tour of the hatchery can also be arranged. Facilities include picnic sites with braais. Fishing is permitted (permit required). The reserve is open throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. The hatchery is closed on weekends.

Gonubie Nature Reserve

This reserve has originally been proclaimed to provide protection for the waterfowl which frequents the vlei areas, and since then more than 135 bird species have been recorded on the reserve, including crowned cranes which nest here during the summer months. The reserve also boasts a variety of floral species, including the Protea simplex (Dwarf Grassland Sugarbush Afr. Slanksuikerbos).

Naboom River Estuary

Popular fishing and recreation spot. The cranes providing a home for a variety of wildlife, strelitzias, cycads and mangrove trees.

The Potter’s Pass Nature Reserve

Above the Grand Prix Track on the West Bank. Rich in plant life. The Hood Point Lighthouse was built in 1895.

Umtiza Nature Reserve

(Formerly Fort Grey Nature Reserve)

Approximately 15 km from East London. Three nature trails all starting at the reserve office.

ATTRACTIONS

Aquarium

The oldest aquarium in the country. Has a large variety of fish species, penguins and seals. Seal shows twice daily. Performances are only 10 minutes. Fish feeding daily.

Art Galleries

Ann Bryant Art Gallery

Varied and valuable art collections. Fine example of late Victorian architecture, built in 1905.

Art Studio

A Aquarium Centre. Selection of top South African artists including Landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, African and local art.

Arts & Crafts / Flea Markets

Arts & Crafts

First and last Sunday of each month. Beachfront (weather permitting).

Beachfront Fleamarket

Every Sunday in front of the Hotel Osner.

Beacon Bay Craft Market

Every Sunday at Spargs Shopping Mall (Undercover)

Gonubie Farmers Hall Country Fleamarket

Indoor flea market. Every first Sunday of the month – mini train rides

Crafts & Curios African Curio Shop

Leather, wood and other curios

Shell & Curio Shop – Gift Shop

Umzi Wethu

African Arts, Crafts, Jewellery, greeting cards, curios – exports arranged.

Theatre Entertainment

Guild Theatre in Dawson Road in Selbourn, the Arts Theatre in Paterson Street in Arcadia and The Playhouse in Derwent Street in Cambridge.

Watch the local newspapers for current productions.

Tumbleland

Children’s fantasy indoor play centre, 300m². Situated in the basement of the Devro Centre

Waterworld & Funpark

Arrange for kids parties. Kids mini 4x4, paddling pool, playpark, river cascades, speed slides, supertube.

Vincent Park Centre (Ster-Kinekor)

Information in local press – ‘Daily Dispatch’.

Cove Rock

Visit this impressive rock formation 16 km west of East London. Large seabird population, fishing and beautiful views.

Formula One Karting Action

Latimer’s Landing

Fresh fish for sale. East London’s own Waterfront Development on the Buffalo River, has restaurant to suit most tastes and various boat and yacht rides are offered.

Mercedes Benz Grand Prix Track

Where the first international motor races of South Africa took place.

Nahoon Horseshoe View

Viewpoint above the upper Nahoon River at Highgate.

Orient Beach Bathing & Pool Complex.

Queen’s Park Zoo

Situated between the city centre and the Buffalo River, is a 34 ha area containing many animal species together with much indigenous vegetation. Colourful variety of animals, birds and reptiles in beautiful park surroundings. Pony rides for children and a refreshment kiosk. Jumping castle.

Surfers Marathon

18 km Beach and Road Run organised by the Border Surfriders Association.

BEACHES

Bonza Bay Beach

Situated at the Quinera River Mouth, features a super slide and miles of golden sand. Some of the best waves on this part of the coast are to be found at Bonza Bay Beach.

Eastern Beach

This picturesque Eastern Beach is situated past the Aquarium opposite Marine Glen. Changing facilities and a take-away outlet are available. Great sand dunes invite one to explore the Bats Cave area.

Gonubie Beach

Situated 25 km north at the Gonubie River mouth. Facilities include bathing, boating, surfing and fishing. Scenic boardwalk.

Nahoon Beach

The surfer’s and swimmers paradise. It takes it’s name from a Xhosa chief. Miles of golden sand stretch from the ‘Corner’ to the Nahoon Beach. This is the headquarters of the East London Surf Life saving Club.

Orient Beach

A pay beach situated on the south end of the Esplanade takes it’s name from a Russian sailing boat, the Orient, which ran aground in 1907. It is an extremely safe beach with a filtered kiddies pool in landscaped surrounding, adults pools, changing facilities and a refreshment kiosk.

Shelly Beach and Fullers Bay with a large tidal pool, changing facilities and a water world complex.

Tours Daily Dispatch Tour

Visit the Eastern Cape’s largest selling daily newspaper.

East London to Coffee Bay

African Coastal Adventures

Aqua / Zoo Trail

Amatola Tour

Approximately three hours. Minimum of two. Departs and ends from East London Hotel of your choice. Tour includes a visit to the oldest Aquarium in the country and progresses to the Queen’s Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Bird Watching Tour

Approximately three hours. Spend the afternoon in the Gonubie Nature Reserve with it’s more than 160 bird species with an experienced guide

Cultural Tour

Departs and ends from East London Hotel of your choice

East Coast Experience

Walk on beautiful beaches and enjoy magnificent Seafood cuisine in the Cintsa Area ‘Nature’s paradise on the beach’.

Factory Trail

Visit the Mercedes Benz Factory, only manufacturing plant outside Germany.

Gaol Trail

A shopping centre, rich in cultural history

Harbour Trip & Tug Boat Ride

The harbour on the Buffalo River is the only river port in the southern hemisphere. Tour includes brief history of the harbour and enjoy a tug boat ride, ending in a drink at one of the restaurants at Latimer’s Landing.

Johnson & Johnson

Only school groups

Nong-qaquse’s Folly

(Malaria free area) A one day trip exploring the site of the ‘Xhosa National Suicide’, taking in scenic highlights of the southern Wild Coast. Returning via Butterworth, Bawa Falls and Glen Roy Game Farm, rounds off a day full of cultural and visual adventures.

Sunrise Safari

Leaves East London Hotel before dawn to ensure superb game viewing at sunrise. View game, followed by traditional bush breakfast.

Sunset Safari

Enjoy a sunset game drive after being collected from your East London Hotel. Indulge in a traditional South African braai and sundowners under the African stars

Townships Tour

Mdantsane, now part of the East London Municipal area, is the second largest black township after Soweto, in South Africa. This orientation tour is a must for any visitor wishing to understand the township way of life.

Xhosa Kaleidoscope

View Mdantsane Township in a luxury bus. Proceed to traditional lapa venue within the Queen’s Park Zoo and botanical Gardens. Enjoy a traditional South African tea and be entertained by Xhosa dancers and get involved to the Xhosa culture.

ACTIVITIES

Boating

Runs to the north of the Buffalo Pass tarred road, skirts the old Pineapple Research Station boundary, and winds down beside a beautiful little stream to the banks of the Buffalo River and then returns to the starting point.

Hidden Cave Trail (Beacon Bay)

A short trail with fascinating old trees grasping onto the rocks and the little cave.

Samango Trail (Umzinta Nature Reserve)

Circles the station and remains on the plateau

Strandloper Trail

Discover the world of wave-washed shores, exquisite tidal pools, pristine estuaries, leafy forests and wild white dunes. The trail is liberally interspersed with hotels, pubs and restaurants.

Tree Dassie Trail ( Umzinta Nature Reserve)

Well marked 1,5 km trail.

Fishing

Deep sea, rock and surf, trout fishing competitions are held throughout the year.

Fresh water angling, deep sea fishing

Horse Riding

East London Endurance Horse Riding Club, Tilty Hill Farm, Welcome Stables

Putt Putt

Next to Orient Theatre

Scuba Diving

Experienced divers will guide dive enthusiasts through wrecks and reefs. Divers need to provide own snorkeling kit – the rest of the equipment is available for hire. Border Undersea Club, Ocean Diving Academy (Gonubie / Berea), Wayne’s Diving World

Surfing

Nahoon and Yellow Sands (30 km from East London)

Windsurfing

Bridle Drift Dam

Yachting

East London Club, Bridle Drift Dam

Accommodation in and around East london