Eastern Cape region
Buffalo City
The metro around the Buffalo River mouth, containing East London, Mdantsane and Qonce, with beaches on one side and the Amathole foothills behind.
East London is South Africa's only river port, and the city has grown around the harbour, the Esplanade beaches and the Nahoon River. Mdantsane, one of the country's largest townships, forms a major part of the metro's population and its boxing and music culture.
North-east of the city the coast turns into Chintsa, Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay, which is where the Wild Coast begins; inland the R63 climbs towards Qonce, Alice and the Amathole mountains.
Towns in Buffalo City
Towns without a page of their own yet open on Google Maps. We add full town pages as we finish researching them.
Highlights of Buffalo City
Things to do in Buffalo City
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 Buffalo City
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 Buffalo City
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 Buffalo City
Shopping in Buffalo City
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.
View details