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East London

South Africa

Pace: relaxed Coastal Relaxed Authentic Unpretentious
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Dec-Feb
East London
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in East London

Book direct on our own East London hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Xhosa and English and Afrikaans
Local currency
ZAR (ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Nahoon
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 60 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Braai Potjiekos Boerewors Roll

When to visit East London

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: December Busiest: Dec-Feb
  1. Jan
    85

    Hot, sunny, busy

  2. Feb
    80

    Warm, sunny

  3. Mar
    75

    Mild, pleasant

  4. Apr
    70

    Cooler, pleasant

  5. May
    60

    Mild, dry

  6. Jun
    55

    Cool, dry

  7. Jul
    50

    Coolest, dry

  8. Aug
    60

    Warming, breezy

  9. Sept
    70

    Mild, fresh

  10. Oct
    75

    Warm, sunny

  11. Nov
    80

    Warm, sunny

  12. Dec
    90

    Hot, sunny, peak

Things to do in East London

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Nahoon Beach

Nahoon 3 hrs

Enjoy surfing, sunbathing, or a leisurely stroll along this popular sandy beach.

Outdoors Good for children

Mpongo Private Game Reserve

Outside City 4 hrs

Experience a safari game drive to spot rhinos, giraffes, and various antelopes.

Outdoors Good for children

Surfing at Nahoon Reef

Nahoon 2 hrs

Catch waves at one of South Africa's renowned surfing spots.

Outdoors

Best in the afternoon

3 places

East London Museum

Central 2 hrs

Discover natural history, including the coelacanth, and local Xhosa cultural artifacts.

Indoors Good for children

Queens Park Zoo & Gardens

Southernwood 2.5 hrs

Visit a diverse collection of animals and relax in the botanical gardens.

Outdoors Good for children

Ann Bryant Art Gallery

Central 1.5 hrs

Admire a collection of South African art in a beautiful historic setting.

Indoors

Best in the evening

1 place

Explore the Esplanade

Quigney 2 hrs

Walk along the beachfront promenade, enjoying sea views and local eateries.

Outdoors Good for children
Things to book

Tours and activities in East London

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Braai 95 · Outstanding
Potjiekos 83 · Very good
Boerewors Roll 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Nahoon Beach 95 · Outstanding
East London Museum 91 · Outstanding
Mpongo Private Game Reserve 87 · Outstanding
Queens Park Zoo & Gardens 83 · Very good
Explore The Esplanade 78 · Very good
Surfing At Nahoon Reef 74 · Good
Ann Bryant Art Gallery 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Budget 87 · Outstanding
Adventure 78 · Very good
Couples 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. 95 · Outstanding
Renting a car is recommended for exploring beyond the city center. 83 · Very good
Book game drives in advance, especially during peak season. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near East London

Straight-line distance from the centre of East London.

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