East London

Travel Guide

Eastern Beach showing general coastal views, modern architecture and a house
Nahoon Beach featuring general coastal views and landscape views
Nahoon Beach which includes mist or fog, a sandy beach and landscape views
Nahoon Beach showing surfing, a sandy beach and general coastal views
East London
This Eastern Cape river port city is famous for its European architecture, superb surfing and gorgeous South African Wild Coast beaches.

Laid-back East London, situated on South Africa’s Wild Coast, has excellent surfing beaches, magnificent scenery, wildlife centers and an interesting legacy of European architecture. East London sits at the heart of the Eastern Cape’s long coastline. It is South Africa’s only river port city, nestled between the Buffalo and Nahoon rivers.

The focal point of East London’s attractions are its beaches and surf breaks. Swim in the tidal pools at family-friendly Orient Beach. Learn to surf and admire huge sand dunes at Eastern Beach, which fronts an esplanade nearby the city center. Ride big waves, kayak along a river estuary and explore nature trails at Nahoon Beach. Go sandboarding down the rolling dunes of Bonza Bay or spot dolphins and whales from the boardwalk at Gonubie Beach.

Away from the beach, East London’s city center plays host to several cultural attractions. Find fascinating artifacts, such as a dodo egg and a millennia-old fish, at the East London Museum. See a collection of antique handcarts and horse wagons at the Calgary Transport Museum. Admire the work of Eastern Cape artists at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery, housed in an elegant Edwardian mansion. Check out the impressive Victorian-style East London City Hall.

The city presents plenty of opportunities to get up close with wildlife, too. Watch seal shows, discover tropical fish and spot southern right whales at the East London Aquarium. Visit the East London Zoo, home to over 300 animals, including big cats, primates and snakes.

East London is about a 4-hour drive east from Port Elizabeth. Efficient local trains connect the city with Bloemfontein and Johannesburg. Getting around the city and between the beaches is easiest via rented car.

Many visitors use East London as a gateway to the wildlife reserves and game parks of the Eastern Cape. Go in search of South Africa’s “big five” at Kwelera Coastal Nature Reserve and Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Spot myriad birdlife at Amalinda Nature Reserve and Hluleka Nature Reserve.

Where to stay in East London

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Quigney Beach

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

While Quigney Beach might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eastern Beach and Jan Smuts Stadium East London.

Quigney Beach
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Southernwood

While Southernwood might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ann Bryant Art Gallery and The Cenotaph.

Southernwood
Premier Hotel East London ICC
Premier Hotel East London ICC
4 out of 5
22 Esplanade, Beachfront, East London, Eastern Cape
$84 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from May 31 to Jun 1
$97 total
May 31 - Jun 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in East London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Eastern Beach and Jan Smuts Stadium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (325 reviews)
"Love the staff. Pushy P always looks after me food drinks and the staff are exceptional! Beyond generous. Stay here!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2025

Premier Hotel East London ICC
Premier Hotel Regent
Premier Hotel Regent
3 out of 5
22 Esplanade, Beach Front, East London, Eastern Cape
$58 nightly
The price is $67 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$67 total
May 25 - May 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in East London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Eastern Beach and Jan Smuts ...
"I really enjoyed a room that overlooked the Indian Ocean. The staff was very helpful and responsive when a need arose."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2024

Premier Hotel Regent
Road Lodge East London
Road Lodge East London
1 out of 5
Corner Union Avenue and Cheltenham Road, East London, Eastern Cape
Fully refundable
$44 nightly
The price is $50 total per night from May 15 to May 16
$50 total
May 15 - May 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions East London Museum ...
GOOD
"EVERYTHING WAS GOOD, THANK YOU"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

Road Lodge East London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bon a Vie B and B and Self Catering
Bon a Vie B and B and Self Catering
4 out of 5
6 13th Avenue, Gonubie, East London, Eastern Cape
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in East London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Gonubie Mouth Nature Reserve ...
It was the world , everything perfect in it
"Was an amazing trip"

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2023

Bon a Vie B and B and Self Catering
Dream Sleep
Dream Sleep
2.5 out of 5
14 Park Ave, East London, Eastern Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in East London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Jan Smuts Stadium East London and ...
"No so good,there is no safe parking lot for tenants,they stole my car wheel cap 😞 due to dat...not recommendable 😭😭😭"

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2024

Dream Sleep
Skylink Holiday Accommodation
Skylink Holiday Accommodation
3 out of 5
33 Two Rivers Drive, Dorchester Heights, East London, Eastern Cape
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in East London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Beacon Bay Crossing and East ...
Our amazing stay.
"It was amazing, we enjoyed ourselves"

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Skylink Holiday Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of East London

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 17%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

KMash

The absence of good dining options in a country renowned for its cuisine was disappointing.

2/5 - Disappointing

kevin

The place was a mess - garbage in the streets, buildings looking run-down. Very disappointing

Cities near East London