Sandy shores, pristine waters, and sensational scenery are the traits and characteristics you get to find in this beautiful town of East London, one that is also known for its nightlife and beautiful beaches, which will leave you with endless beach days and tons of fun in the sun, in the most ideal of settings perfect for vacation.
Should you therefore be in search of an ideal location to plan for your next vacation, well you might want to look no further than this town of East London with plenty of exciting activities to catch up with such as grabbing tasty snack, visiting top beach spots, family outings, good music and more.
Interested in finding out more?, Below has been outlined some of the fun things to do upon visiting East London, most which should be captivating to suit your interest and desires.
Fun Things To Do In East London, South Africa
1. Explore the East London Museum
The tourist attraction of East London Museum is one which has happens to be in existence for over a century now having been stablished in 1921, one made popular for its fine exhibits of natural and cultural history of the country.
As regards it’s various fine exhibits put on display, they are made up of a different breed of the coelacanth, a fish which records has it to have become extinct some 80 million years ago.
Why should I visit?
Here, you get to check out and explore an extensive collection of beadwork relating to the Xhosa-speaking people.
Address: 319 Oxford Street, Southernwood, 5201
2. Explore the East London Aquarium
Holding the bragging rights of being the oldest aquarium in South Africa, having been established in the year 1931, this tourist attraction is one catering to the unique displays of the coastline and estuaries in the East London region.
Being a rehabilitation pool, particularly for injured marine animals such as turtles, seals, dolphins, and gannets, there is a whole lot of sighting experience to behold here, which also includes catching the rare sight of a breeding colony of African penguins to be seen, an al shark tank, a rare display of Cape pigmy clawed lobsters, and more.
What should I expect?
Showing up here by tourists us to come catch up with the sight of migration of southern right whales, humped-back whales, and the ever-present bottle-nose dolphins through binoculars on the magnificent whale deck.
Address: 13 Esplanade St, Quigney Beach, East London, 5201.
3. Enjoy the wildlife scenes of Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
Situated just across South Africa’s breathtaking Wild Coast, the tourist attraction of Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve comes in next on our list of fun things to do in the area, a Big Five private game reserve characterized by its emphasis on luxury and thoughtful detail.
Present in the malaria-free zone in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, tourists over here have the opportunity to explore its five different regional ecosystems (biomes) and a tidal estuary.
Why should I visit?
Showing up at this rich diversity of landscapes allows guests to enjoy an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. There is also the opportunity to hang out on its magnificent beach.
Address: Schafli Rd, Chintsa West, East London, 5200.
4. Go strolling on the shores of Nahoon Beach
The tourist destination of Nahoon Beach, which also turns out to be East London’s best prime beach, offers guests the avenue of spending their leisure hours properly, specifically as it concerns having an amazing stroll on the shores of its beach
That aside, there also exists the opportunity to come over to relax on the shores of the beach, enjoying the calmness and cool breeze of nature while soaking up the sun in the company of family or friends, creating for yourself a memorable experience.
What does it do over here?
Right over on the shores of the beach, guests and tourists alike gets to enjoy the various exciting activities of wave surfing, kite surfing, short hikes and fishing in the estuary.
Address: East London, 5210, South Africa.
5. Relax at the Areena Riverside Resort
The tourist destination and favorite spot of residents in the area, which is the Areena riverside spot, is an ideal location to come relax and rejuvenate.
It has also in recent times proven to be a perfect option of places to come hangout at and enjoy the company and reconnect with loved ones. An wholesome place which still breeds and evokes the ancient days of no video games, no cellphones, and no high-security fences.
Why should I visit?
This tourist attraction offers the perfect opportunity for guests to come to reconnect with loved ones, learn, and play together with facilities already provided for such.
Address: Corner of Shafli Road and Glen Garriff Turn off Kwelera, East London, 5259
6. Enjoy the yogurt and milk options of Friesland Milk Bar
Friesland Milk Bar is more like a food outlet in east London specializing in selling milk, yoghurts and sour milk from a shack made of wood and iron, one which has been functioning for more than a decade now.
Having started out manufacturing and selling ice as far back as 1945, this tourist destination has now been refurbished in recent times into what its current appearance is at the moment, making it one of the top options in the area to come to dine with family and friends.
What do they offer?
The Friesland milk bar does offer quality milkshakes and ice-cream of guarantee of greatness.
Address: 49 Tennyson Street, Quigney, 5201, East London, Eastern Cape.
7. Enjoy the game viewing of Mpongo Private Game Reserve
If you’re interested in enjoying a game-viewing experience during your stay in East London, one that you don’t get to settle for less of, then paying a visit to the Mpongo private game reserve might just be exactly what you need.
Here, you get to satisfy your cravings for a unique experience of game viewing and true South African hospitality. one that is ever-welcoming to both residents and visitors alike to come to enjoy its luxury and wildlife experiences on its over 3500 hectares of conservation land.
Why should I visit?
Here, you get to enjoy sightings of a variety of African wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffalos, giraffes, numerous antelope and bird species on its rolling hills, river valleys and luscious surroundings.
Address: Macleantown District, N6 National Road, East London, 5201.
8. Pay a visit to The Lion Park
Situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this tourist destination of the Lion Park is also worth paying a visit to, offering visitors the opportunity to view some of Africa’s most powerful predators just by standing merely meters away.
Talking of Africa’s most powerful predators, this is an ideal location for you to come set your sight on a few number of animals of its wildlife such as the rare White Lions, Tigers, Cheetah, Crocodile, Fellow dear, Alpaca, Nyala, Giant Aldabra tortoise, Meerkat, bunnies and a large variety of Bird life.
Why you should visit?
Here, you get to enjoy the rare privilege of coming alongside your camera lens to capture this once-in-a-lifetime chance to set your sights on animals of the wild.
Address: N6, East London, 5201
9. Behold the beauty of art at the Guild Theatre
The East London Guild Theatre is one catering for performance arts in the Eastern Cape. Being home to some of South Africa’s leading artists and emerging local performers, there is a whole lot to catch up with here as regards international acts.
Being one of the true old-school performing venues in the area, your joy should know no bounds should you choose to come to watch some of its skilled performers do their thing.
Why you should visit?
Here, you get to watch and catch up with some top-notch performances in a theatre house that is fully equipped and attracts the most enthusiastic of audiences, making it a lovely and lively experience indeed.
Address: Dawson Rd &, Union Ave, Selborne, East London, South Africa.
10. Enjoy the birdlife of Lindale Farm
Lindale Farm is one tourist attraction to meet your expectations as a bird enthusiast, one where you would get to enjoy quite a huge number of sightings of birds of different species en route on a flight.
That aside, across its valleys is also the perfect spot to come encounter and catch a glance of its free-roaming wildlife, with the presence of animals such as buffalo, majestic Kudu, Zebra, Giraffe, Sable Antelope, Eland, Oribi, Bontebok, and a whole lot more.
Why you should visit?
Aside from enjoying sightings of these creatures of the wildlife, it has also gotten numerous forays into some other agricultural ventures such as Tobacco, Ostriches, Pineapples, Dairy amongst others open for exploration and visitors checking out as well.
Address: Farm 812, B80 Thornvlei Road Meisieshalt, East London, 5247, South Africa.
11. Check out the fine exhibits of the Amathole Museum
The Amathole Museum is a tourist attraction in east London of international importance, one that was founded as far back as 1884 and has a massive part of its fine exhibits dedicated to the Xhosa culture and its history, as well as their customs and rituals.
This is a museum of natural history with a vast number of fine exhibits put on display as it concerns anthropological, scientific, and historical gems, not forgetting its cultural section, which focuses on the colonial Eastern Cape, the European settlers,, and their influence on the old and new South Africa.
Why should I visit?
Visiting this museum house is primarily to explore and check out its large collection of mammals, which includes the taxidermied body of Huberta and the hippopotamus.
Address: Alexandra Rd, King William’s Town, 5601, East London
12. Take part in the AV8 Flight Tours
This exciting and adventurous tour activity is one of top recommendations to both visitors and tourists alike in search of something of the wild nature to try out. An activity to get their adrenaline pumped up as they take a flight up into the skies.
All that is expected of tourist’s to do is to book a chartered flight with this tour agency & operator with a private and commercial license, one which is to see them take off into the sky to enjoy the exceptional viees of the area perfect for photography and aerial shots as well.
What to expect?
Here, you would get to enjoy this exhilarating experience that would see you take on a flight departing from the east London airport up into the wild coast of the area.
Address: East London Airport, 5201, East London.
13. Be part of the guided tours of Southern Cross Cruises
The Southern Cross Cruises of East London is a tour agency and operator in the area with a boat-based whale & dolphin watching permit, meaning only by being part of its guided tours can you be granted the exciting opportunities of watching some of these creatures.
So should you happen to find yourself in the area at any point in time, this is an exciting opportunity you should take advantage of, since in previous times this wonderful spectacle has been largely inaccessible to both the area’s residents and visitors alike.
What to expect?
Guests showing up here are ushered into the exciting opportunities of sightings of these wonderful animals up close, and personal.
Address: 25 Pontoon Road Latimers Landing East London Harbour
14. Dine over at the Tea In The Trees
The Tea in the Trees of East London is a restaurant house open for guests to relax after they have been done taking a stroll on its forest walk, one in which they get to be comforted with hot and fresh coffee under the ambiance of tall trees, taking in the beauty of its surroundings.
A cup of coffee aside, it also has the very best of fresh and seasonal food on its meal menu, with a little touch of creativity and lots of delicious flavors, mostly for breakfasts
What do they offer?
The Tea in the Trees restaurant house has a menu made up of homemade burgers and decadent salads, as well as delicious, fresh, homemade cakes, cupcakes, and baked treats, with a wide range of hot drinks, smoothies, and cold drinks.
Address: chintsa west road, chintsa west, amatola, 5279, East London South Africa.
15. Shop for flowers at the Floradale Nursery
The Floradale Nursery has been in existence for close to a century now, having been established in the year 1937, Holding the bragging rights and bearing the historical significance of being South Africa’s oldest garden center, there’s no better place to come shop for your flowers desires than at this center
The family nursery business, which originally started in East London, offers an exceptional range of quality plants, from familiar favorites to rare and unusual varieties.
What do they offer?
Since the Floradale Nursery deals in all things flowering, they do over a wide variety of pots, tools, seeds, pebbles, garden ornaments, and some other accessories. Gift vouchers are available. Our garden
Address: R 102, Beacon Bay, East London, 5205, South Africa.
16. Take a stroll on the Gonubie Boardwalk
Gonubie Beach in East London also has amazing trails and pathways, exposing visitors and tourists alike to one of the best secrets of the Sunshine Coast: a pathway and trail that should grant you access to its beautiful tidal pool.
Talking about its beautiful tidal pool, it also turns out to be a fantastic lookout spot to come enjoy the sightings of dolphins and whales, as well as enjoy surfing as either a surfer or a windsurfer.
Why you should visit?
Here, you get to enjoy its exciting activities of exploring and discovering things about small fish, shells, and other marine creatures.
Address: Gonubie, East London, 5256, South Africa.
17. Take a stroll of the pathways of Bats Cave and Trail
The Bat’s Cave Trail, apart from being yet another favorite spot among tourists, is also the most popular walk in the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve and follows in the spirit of the early beachcombers. An educational experience that should see you journey amidst excavation sites with human fossil footprints that date as far back as 1964.
Starting at the Coastal Education Center, visitors and tourists alike get to walk and take a stroll down to the Visitor Center boardwalk, as well as stop by at its sandy beach and several quiet sandstone coves.
What to expect?
Here, visitors and tourists alike gets to hangout on this home to rock hyraxes and the nesting sites of giant kingfishers, while also exploring and checking out its fascinating sandstone formations, which makes entering and exiting the coves easier.
Address: Stirling, East London, 5241, South Africa.
18. Treat yourself to a nice treat at Pinecreek
Situated in the most scenic of settings amid the gently rolling hills on the outskirts of Beacon Bay, Pinecreek is a restaurant house in east London offering a wide range of entertainment for the whole family, accompanied by a memorable dining experience.
As regards its dining experience, it is one of the very best you get to find in the whole town, ushering guests into its premises to indulge in the taste of the Winelands lifestyle.
What other things does happens here?
Aside from enjoying the Sweet combination of dining and entertainment put together, it has also gotten its venue ideal for hosting weddings and some other ceremonies.
Address: B Road, Holm Hill, Beaconbay, East London, 520.
19. Go on a shopping spree at the Lavender Blue Market
The favorite location among tourist of Lavender Blue Market is one offering the sweet combination of an amazing dining and shopping experience all at the same time, one very destination to come settle for the very best of breakfasts and fantastic lunches, as well as having fun shopping.
Famous for its indoor seating that can house over an hundred guests, as well as its outdoor and lakeside seating catering for similar numbers as well, there is no better place to come satisfy your food cravings and shop for products of your desires than the Lavender blue market.
What to expect?
Showing up here is basically to come to meet, greet, shop,, and eat.
Address: Sunnyside Farm, Old Gonubie Road Beacon Bay North, East London, 5205.
20. Grab a glass of beer at the Emeraldvale Brewery
Made popular and famous for its rural setting and magnificent views, this brewery house in Emeraldave is an ideal location to come enjoy a personal beer-tasting experience accompanied by the intricacies of its ales.
Within its premises also exists an in-house restaurant offering a simple, delicious, wholesome homemade pub fair, a kiddie menu, and a variety of other delicacies; an amazing dining experience indeed awaits you here.
What other things happen here?
This ideal location has also gotten some perfect spots suited for hosting Weddings, Trail runs, X-track races, Music Events, MTB, birthday parties, and much more.
Address: Emerald Vale Farm, Chintsa East, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, East London, present in the heart of two of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal regions—the Sunshine Coast and the Wild Coast—has everything you could ever ask for in a holiday destination. Especially as it concerns hanging out on its soft golden beach sand as well as visiting some other nearby attractions.
