East London

East London Overview

As far as coastal resort cities go, East London is one of South Africa’s finest destinations for those seeking to make the most of the mild Eastern Cape weather and excellent beaches found within the city and its surrounds. With a diverse history and cultural influence that spans across African to English and German, the architecture, cuisine and cultures of the city showcase this diversity perfectly. A walk through the city offers a glimpse into many interesting buildings dating back a century or more.

During the day, the beaches provide the perfect place to whittle away the hours in the warm sunshine, while after the sun sets, the city comes alive with its own unique nightlife. Restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas and Bisho's casino provide plenty of entertainment, ending a day of leisure on a great note.
 

Highlights & Places in East London

East London offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from the leisurely all the way through to the thrilling. Culture buffs will enjoy visiting the museums and places of interest such as the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance and East London City Hall, while nature fans can enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits at East London Coast Nature Reserve.

Of course, what most visitors seek when they visit East London is the chance to enjoy the beautiful beaches found in the city. Many of these beaches have been designated Blue Flag status, with water sports, sun tanning and swimming all possible. Surfing is also popular in East London, with surf schools at hand to teach novice surfers how to navigate the clear blue waves. Scuba diving can also be enjoyed in some parts of East London’s coastline.

Those seeking something a bit more action-packed can take to the dunes of Bonza Bay for some sandboarding, or see lions up close and personal at the Lion Park. Sailing, water-skiing, boardsailing and boating are also found in abundance for travellers wanting to explore the rivers and ocean, ensuring a fun day out for the whole family.
 

Best Time to Visit East London

East London Weather

East London has a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from around 20C to 40C.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To East London

East London has a small domestic airport, which offers flights from major cities such as Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Car travel and bus routes can also be found from cities within South Africa, although travel may take a while to get there from outside of the Cape provinces.

Getting Around East London

Getting around East London can be done by car, minibus taxi, private taxi or bus. It is possible to walk around the city centre, or even get around by scooter or bicycle. Cars are the best option for those who want to explore the nature reserves and surrounding attractions and are easily accessibly from car rental brances around the Eastern Cape. 

East London Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs/Currency/Money: there are banks and ATMs across East London, with many shops and restaurants accepting credit and debit cards.

Internet Availability: there are internet shops in the city centre, and many accommodation venues have internet access.

Drinking Water: tap water is fine to drink, and bottled water is readily available.

Hospitals & Medical: there are hospitals, doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers in East London.

Visa Requirements: most travellers will not require a visa to enter South Africa.
 

East London Map