East London

East London is South Africa's only city with a natural river port, located at the mouth of the Buffalo River in the Eastern Cape province. Established in 1847 as Fort Glamorgan to supply troops during the Xhosa Frontier Wars, it was granted town status in 1848. Today, East London forms the economic heart of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and serves as a significant hub for the textile and automotive industries. The city gained global fame for the 1938 discovery of a living coelacanth, which is regarded as one of the most important zoological finds of the 20th century. Geographically, the region is noted for its rugged coastline and its proximity to the rural hinterlands of the former Ciskei and Transkei. As a tourist destination, it has pristine beaches like Nahoon Beach, which is highly favored by surfers for its world-class waves.

Nearby cities

Gqeberha

Formerly known as Port Elizabeth, this coastal city is a major hub for the South African automotive industry.

Kariega

Formerly called Uitenhage, this industrial town is heavily involved in the production of cars and tires.

Mthatha

Formerly known as Umtata, it was the capital of the Transkei and is deeply connected to the history of Nelson Mandela.

Bhisho

This small town serves as the administrative capital of the Eastern Cape province and houses government buildings.

Komani

A town surrounded by mountains, historically designed as a strategic outpost.

Makhanda

Previously known as Grahamstown, the city is famous for its educational institutions and annual arts festival.

Graaff-Reinet

The fourth-oldest town in the country, enclosed by a bend of the Sundays River, full of Cape Dutch architecture.

Aliwal North

The town on the Orange River is mostly known for its hot mineral springs, drawing many visitors.

Cradock

A historic gem in the heart of the Karoo, renowned for its Victorian architecture and as a gateway to the Mountain Zebra National Park.

Jeffreys Bay

World-renowned as a surfer's paradise, this town offers endless beaches, famous waves, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Port Alfred

Port Alfred is a vibrant coastal town situated on the Kowie River, offering magnificent beaches and a bustling marina.

Gonubie

A scenic coastal town near East London in South Africa's Eastern Cape, known for its river mouth and sandy beaches.

Bushman's River Mouth

Bushman's River Mouth is a picturesque coastal town on the Sunshine Coast, renowned for its spectacular river estuary.

Port Edward

Port Edward is a popular resort town on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, near the border with the Eastern Cape.

Port St Johns

An untouched destination on the Wild Coast, where massive cliffs meet the ocean and a relaxed, alternative vibe prevails.

History & landmarks

Port Elizabeth City Hall

A historic government building featuring a prominent clock tower in the center of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Addo

World-famous for its Elephant National Park, Addo offers unparalleled wildlife safaris in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

A multi-purpose stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) featuring a distinctive roof design.

Owl House

A fascinating house and sculpture garden created by outsider artist Helen Martins in Nieu-Bethesda.

More places

Port of East London

South Africa's only remaining river port, situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River.

Mercedes-Benz Plant East London

A premier automotive plant responsible for manufacturing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Amathole Mountains

A forested mountain range in the Eastern Cape.

Winterberg

A mountain region in the Eastern Cape with cooler temperatures.

Wild Coast

An untouched, rugged coastline on the Indian Ocean.

Addo Citrus Farm

Discover the cultivation of citrus fruits in the Addo region.

Addo Elephant National Park

A well-known park for its elephant herds.

Addo Elephant National Park

Reserve famous for its massive elephant herds.