Buffalo City
East London
South Africa's only river port, at the mouth of the Buffalo River, with a swimmable city beachfront and the Wild Coast starting just up the road.
East London anchors the Buffalo City metro along with Qonce and Mdantsane. The city sits between the Buffalo and Nahoon rivers, with a working harbour, a promenade along the main beaches and a well-known surf break at Nahoon Reef.
North-east of the city the coast opens into Chintsa, Morgan Bay and Kei Mouth — the start of the Wild Coast — while inland the Amathole mountains rise towards Hogsback and Stutterheim.
Why people come to East London
- Nahoon Reef and the city's surf and swimming beaches
- Chintsa, Morgan Bay and Kei Mouth within easy reach
- Game viewing at reserves just outside the city
- Gateway to the Amathole mountains and Hogsback
Things to do in East London
Surf break
Nahoon Reef
East London
The city's signature right-hand point break off Nahoon Point, one of South Africa's better-known waves and a shark-spotter-patrolled surf spot.
View detailsBeach & promenade
East London Beachfront
East London
Orient Beach and Eastern Beach sit within walking distance of the city centre, with a tidal pool, a promenade and lifeguarded swimming in season.
View detailsWhere to eat in East London
Italian restaurant
Grazia Fine Food & Wine
East London
A long-running Italian kitchen in the Vincent area, one of the city's steady dinner options for pasta and wood-fired pizza.
View detailsCafé & bistro
Sanook Eatery
East London
A casual eatery popular for breakfast and lunch, the sort of place people meet for coffee before heading down to the beachfront.
View detailsWhere to stay in East London
Hotel
Blue Lagoon Hotel
East London
A hotel on the Nahoon River just back from Nahoon Beach, in gardens beside the water, long used as a family and conference base in the city.
View detailsHotel
Premier Hotel Regent
East London
A beachfront hotel on the Esplanade above Orient Beach, walking distance from the promenade and the aquarium end of the seafront.
View detailsResort & game park
Areena Riverside Resort
East London
A resort on the Kwelera River north-east of the city, combining self-catering and camping with a small game area and river activities.
View detailsCulture & heritage in East London
Shopping in East London
Shopping centre
Hemingways Mall
East London
The largest shopping centre in the Eastern Cape outside Nelson Mandela Bay, with a cinema complex, national retailers and a food court.
View detailsShopping centre
Vincent Park
East London
A mid-sized centre in the Vincent suburb, closer to the residential side of the city and quieter than Hemingways for everyday shopping.
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