Attractions
East London and Gonubie are all about long, white stretches of sandy beaches that appeal to surfers, swimmers, fisherman and sun worshippers alike. The beaches are some of the finest in the world and a few, like Nahoon Reef, are a surfer’s paradise and host to international surfing competitions. East London’s easy access to other areas such as the Wild Coast, and inland to the Amatola Mountains, also makes it a popular destination. Known as Buffalo City, East London lies on the Buffalo River, its people are refreshingly friendly and the weather generally pleasant throughout the year. South Africa's only river port city is set on the broad Buffalo River and one of the most attractive stretches of the Eastern Cape seaboard.
This is a holiday destination for the whole family and, whilst the natural history museum - home to the only dodo egg in existence and an awesome exhibit of the Coelacanth, the 200,000 year old footprints of the homosapiens at the Bats Cave - is a rainy day opportunity not to be missed. Sand-boarding on Bonza Bay’s massive sand dunes, hiking trails and a visit to the Lion Park to see lion cubs are fine weather events. Add to this already fairly long list of things to do, the aquarium, Queens Park Zoo, whale and dolphin watching, a 18 hole golf course with its majestic ocean view, a paradise for fishermen and botanical gardens; toss in a heap of water sports, and you have a recipe for a really successful, sun-swept time away from it all.
East London has a small but busy national airport and brings in 350 000 people a year to the city.