East London
Refreshingly different and authentic in its hospitality, Buffalo City (East London) is the heartbeat of the Eastern Cape. Affordability, a favorable climate, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine, an unhurried atmosphere and a host of attractions, adventures and sporting facilities make East London an ideal holiday destination for all seasons.
The 18-hole East London Golf Club is considered one of the best in the country: other sporting codes include bowls, tennis, road running, cycling, horse riding, surfing, fishing and, of course, our national passions - rugby, cricket and soccer. Adventurers can enjoy scuba diving, guided walks and game viewing.
Originally known as Port Rex in 1836, it was renamed East London in 1847, and is still the only river port and harbor or commercial importance. The city has a strong German and Irish influence because of immigrants and settlers in the 1850's.
East London has beautiful beaches and an Esplanade which stretches for two kilometers from the eastern breakwater of the harbor. The city has all the modern amenities and entertainment and also has an interesting aquarium, a beautiful botanical garden which is a national monument, and an attractive zoo.
The East London Museum is devoted to South African natural history and archeology but is best known for the exhibit of the famous coelacanth, a primitive fish species once though to be extinct, as well as a display of the only known Dodo egg. A number of nature reserves, hiking trails, theatres, deep sea excursions, reptile farms and diving expeditions make this city an attractive and interesting holiday venue.
Rocky shores, sandy beaches, magnificent lagoons and the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer a plethora of activities for water sport enthusiasts and beachcombers. Wonder along the coast and discover cliff side hikes and hidden resorts or meander through nearby forests and along country walks. Unique malaria-free game viewing experiences, including whale watching and dolphin spotting, are offered at Inkwenkwezi Private Reserve within half an hour's drive from East London.
Buffalo City is a birder's paradise with species such as the endangered black oystercatcher, pied kingfishers, Stanley bustard and crowned crane, somber bulbul, grey sun bird, Knysna woodpecker, barbets and starlings, redbilled hoopoe, crowned hornbills and hadedas. Bird watching enthusiasts have a choice of a wide selection of nature trails through indigenous vegetation, plantations, forests and wetlands.
Beaches in East London
Kidd's Beach, a holiday mecca, is a small village nestled on the Mkantsi River Mouth on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, 28km's from East London and 15km's from the airport. It provides the perfect stopover opportunity between Durban and the Garden Route. A tidal pool complements the safe swimming beach and lagoon. The village offers many activities including fishing, a craft market, canoeing, tennis, bowls, horse riding and cycling. A perfect family holiday destination with a full programme of activities for December.
Gonubie, lodged ideally between the Gonubie River and the Indian Ocean, is a relaxed and pleasant coastal town within twenty minutes drive of central East London. With warm winters and hot summers, this is an ideal situation for a beachside resort. Visit the Gonubie Nature Reserve to experience the River's unspoilt fauna and flora, follow a 500 meter-long raised boardwalk to a beautiful tidal pool, watch whales and dolphins at play or enjoy surfing, sailboarding or fishing from a ski boat or from the shore. Twice-monthly flea markets and craft fairs and the annual Gonubie Festival offer excellent opportunities for meeting the locals. Gonubie is truly a laid-back holiday destination.
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