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.

The Gonibu Beach

Gonubie Beach is a renowned blue flag status beach located about 25 kilometres north of East London. A blue flag status is a prestigious, international award that is given to beaches that fulfil the stringent requirements in protecting the natural environment, safety equipment and personnel. The beach is distinctive and scenic, as the main parking lot is connected to the beach by a wooden boardwalk passing by artificial tide pools and lush, local vegetation. You can access Gonubie Beach via the n2 from East London.

The Nahoon Beach

The favourite destination in East London is Nahoon Beach. Its clean and open sandy areas stretch for kilometres. It was named after a local Xhosa chief and its dramatic waves provide the site of regional surfing meets. You’ll also feel at home just fishing or swimming.

The Orient Beach

In the Quigney suburb of East London Orient beach can be found at the southern end of the Esplanade. It is very attractive for tourists because of its hotels and shopping malls that are very close to the beach. Tourists can bathe and swim comfortably and safely as the area is protected by break waters. The services of life guards are also available. There are two large circular swimming pools in which thousands of people can comfortably bathe. During peak tourist season, many restaurants functions closer to the pools which is a main attraction.

Car Hire

You can expect to find cheap East London car hire deals by visiting car hire South Africa.

The Aquarium

The Frends of East London Aquarium was inaugurated in the year 1931 and holds the position of being the oldest public aquarium in Southern Africa. The aquarium provides home to hundreds of animals and also undertakes their returning to ocean annually. The aquarium has been known for helping animals caught in situations of water pollution due to ships and other disasters. It also participates in the awareness programs held for the natives in maintaining the balance of nature, especially the system of ocean. It also has aesthetic value as it displays the most beautiful fishes found in the region in fish tanks for the natives.

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.