Explore an exciting new tourism route in East London

WWhether you’re looking for full throttle adventure with the family, friends or even colleagues over team buildings, consider Driftaz Raceway Theme Park the perfect spot to unleash your need for speed. The theme park, which is a winner of Lilizela Awards at Provincial level and 2nd runner-up and the National level, offers a variety of activities including go-kart racing, paintballing, quad biking and more. Luvuyo Mpambani, owner of the Eastern Cape’s only outdoor go-kart track, says: “The team of Eastern Cape Tourism really helped us because through them I’ve been to Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban and Meetings Africa in Johannesburg promoting Driftaz. They’re doing their best to put us on the map, and it’s up to us to have that staying power and making sure our business improves.”

Art Versatile – Art gallery

SSpear-headed by Litha Ncokazi, a visual artist, founder and entrepreneur, Art Versatile is a space whereby creativity and imagination thrives. As you enter the creative hub, expect to be wowed by incredible art pieces that’s “authentic and evocative African-art-experience”.

YYou can’t help but feel a sense of African pride as you walk through the corridors of this amazing establishment and art gallery, which comprises of paintings, sculptures and fine art you won’t find anywhere else.

MMr Ncokazi says that his “work is inspired by the essence and the intrinsic quality of life” and that “art is such an amazing thing so much that without it life could never be such a joyful experience”.

AArt Versatile – Ceramic studio

AAnother offering from Mr Ncokazi’s art and design establishment is teaching aspiring creatives how to make unique pottery and one-of-a-kind ceramics through workshops and classes. It’s incredible to see how something so simple as clay is moulded and shaped into what can be considered a work of art.

XXhobani Projects

TTravel to Mdantsane Township and be amazed by how recycled glass bottles is used to create a kaleidoscope of unique glass beads at Xhobani Projects. The women who create magic here are led by BCM Local Economic Development Unit’s Business Woman of the Year, Nomaci Qabaka.

TThe inspiring and creative work Ms Qabaka does at Xhobani Projects is nothing short of incredible. Imagine making necklaces, traditional garments, bracelets, rings and more from recycled beer bottles – this is the type of products Ms Qabaka and her team produces.

BBe sure to visit and watch in wonder how these women blast glass beads with hand-held gas torches with incredible precision. It’s a sight to see!

MMthombo's Palace: The Restro Lounge

OOf course no trip to East London will be complete without visiting Mthombo’s Palace: The Restro Lounge in Mdantsane. This vibrant establishment is just the venue to unwind after an eventful day, dance to the beat from local DJs or be serenaded by talented singers who reside within the area of Mdantsane and surrounds.

TThere’s no excuse not to take advantage of East London’s latest tourist offering (the East London Urban Cultural Experience) and explore the beauty of the Eastern Cape. Locals are ready to welcome you with the warmest hearts and show you what they have to offer.