Stays in East London

Historically, East London developed as a port and railway terminus. The city centre, near the river mouth, contains a mix of older buildings and modern offices. The waterfront area has been redeveloped with restaurants and a small craft harbour. The East London Museum is notable for its natural history collections, including the coelacanth specimen. The city is also a gateway to the Wild Coast, a rugged stretch of coastline to the northeast.

Visitors come for the beaches, water sports, and as a stopover on the Garden Route or on the way to the Wild Coast. The city has a range of hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering options. Public transport is limited, so having a car is useful for exploring the region. The airport, East London Airport, is located a short drive from the city centre.

Where to stay in East London

City Centre / Quigney. The central business district and the adjacent Quigney area are close to the beachfront, the East London Museum, and the harbour. Several hotels, including Hemingways Hotel and Hotel Osner, are located here.

Eastern Beach. This beachfront strip along the Indian Ocean is popular for its long sandy beach and promenade. It has a number of hotels and self-catering apartments, such as Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre.

Gonubie. A coastal suburb about 20 kilometres northeast of the city centre, Gonubie has a quieter, village-like feel and its own beach and river mouth. The Gonubie Hotel is a well-known landmark there.

Berea. A residential area on a hill overlooking the city and harbour, Berea offers views and is close to the city centre. It has a mix of guesthouses and smaller hotels.

Getting there and around

East London is served by East London Airport (ELS), with flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other South African cities. The airport is about 10 kilometres from the city centre. By road, the N2 highway passes near the city, connecting it to Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) to the west and Mthatha to the northeast. The drive from Cape Town is long, typically over 1,000 kilometres. Intercity buses and trains also serve the city. Getting around is easiest by car, as public transport is limited. Taxis and minibus taxis are available, but for visitors, renting a car is recommended.

When to go

East London has a mild climate year-round, with warm summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August). The city receives rainfall throughout the year, with a slight peak in summer. The best time to visit for beach activities is during the summer months, when water temperatures are warmer. However, this is also the busiest period. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter can be cool and wet, but still suitable for sightseeing.

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