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Taking it easy in Buffalo City
East London, Eastern Cape
East London attractions
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
A major Amathole regional attraction is East London's fossilised Nahoon footprints, dated at 200 000 years old.
East London is also known as Buffalo City because it lies between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo River to the south. It is the only river port in South Africa.
East London’s locals certainly know how to entertain. With a genuine sense of hospitality and a laid-back lifestyle, they will make you feel at home in their city.
East London, situated on the northern end of a 300km stretch of coastline referred to as the Sunshine Coast, is renowned for its pristine and unpolluted beaches. It is a family friendly city where you can enjoy mild temperatures and the many activities at its fantastic beaches.
East London’s main attraction is Gonubie Beach, which is situated 25km north of the city on the Gonubie River. An estuary and bluff on the north and a rocky headland on the south surround this hotspot, which is also a protected beach.
southern right whales migrate southwards down the coast of South Africa to their arctic feeding grounds and come close inshore at East London – it was with this in the mind that the lovely East London Aquarium was built with an 11m-high platform that sits right above the surf and provides an excellent opportunity to watch these magnificent animals breaching in the bay.
Explore the East London Museum with its excellent anthropological displays, the only known dodo egg and a stuffed coelacanth (a fish thought to have been extinct for more than 70-million years until one was netted near East London in 1938). While in town, also see the Gately House museum and the lovely Victorian buildings in the city centre.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Buffalo City Tourism
Tel: +27 43 722 6015
Email: info@tourismbuffalocity.co.za
How to get here
The N2 highway connecting Cape Town and Durban bypasses the city, while the N6 highway joins East London with the inland city of Bloemfontein. The East London Airport, 10 km from the city centre, has daily flights to all major South African cities.
Around the area
Try any of the towns located on the Sunshine Coast like St. Francis or Jeffreys Bay.
Tours to do
The Lion Park is 5 km from the city centre on the N6. Lions are not the only animals to be seen, there are tigers, cheetah, giraffe, crocodile, white camel, zebra, antelope and flocks of birds in the park. There is a coffee shop that serves delicious meals at very reasonable prices and entertainment for the kids in the shape of jungle gyms, climbing walls, and trampolines.
Get around
The best way to explore the city is by car
Length of stay
While great day trips can be organised, you will need around 3 days to explore the city and its surrounds.
What to pack
Pack your beach wear and good walking clothes.
Sun-block, hats, sunglasses are a must
Where to stay
There are only a few hotels in the city which has opened up a niche for local B&B and self-catering establishments. Overseas visitors will find the prices most agreeable.
What's happening
Around November another whale makes it's appearance, the Humpback whale - with it's famous long white pectoral fins it is not a sight to be missed.