Top 20 Things To Do In East London, South Africa

1. Take a tour of East London Museum

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Take a tour in this museum where you will have the opportunity to see some extinct fish species, housed here among other artifacts. There are so many things that you will have the chance to see and luckily the attendants are always available to answer all your questions about anything you might need to know about the items on display. This is one of those attractions which is a must-visit if you are visiting this city for a holiday.

East London Museum

Address: 319 Oxford St, Belgravia, East London, 5201, South Africa

Website: East London Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 2 USD

2. Hike the scenic Dassie Trail

Take an exciting hike in this beautiful trail which offers you one of the most inviting outdoor ambiances to unwind and enjoy the flora and fauna. While here, you will have the chance to see numerous species such as the bushbucks which call this place home. Most of this trail is on a boardwalk where you will be guided by well-labeled signposts in order to keep track of the direction you will be heading. The best part of this hike is the route that brings you towards the river and sea where you will have the opportunity to enjoy some unmatched views of waterfalls, cliffs, and sea life.

Dassie Trail

Address: 2 Blue Waters Rd, Beaconhurst, East London, 5241, South Africa

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

3. Get up-close encounters with animals at East London Zoo

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Take time to visit this famous housing various animals which have been rescued and housed here. You will also have the opportunity to see some rare animals from other continents that have been brought here. Make sure to carry your camera where you can take some great pictures which can help you reminisce the experience after you are done with your holiday. From the white lions to baboons to bushbabies to leopards, you will have a lot to see in this place.

East London Zoo

Address: Beaconsfield Rd, Parkside, East London, 5201, South Africa

Website: East London Zoo

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

4. Appreciate the flora and fauna at Umtiza Nature Reserve

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This hiking spot is located in a forest reserve which lies along the Buffalo River and offers you some great hiking environment as well as the opporunity to come across some indigenous tree species located in the heart of this reserve. There are so many birds to see and amazing river views which come with a great natural ambiance for some serene hikes away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the city. You can never go wrong with this place if you crave for a truly serene hiking experience.

Umtiza Nature Reserve

Address: East London, South Africa

5. Admire the priceless collections at Ann Bryant Art Gallery

Visit this famous gallery built in 1905 and houses some of the artifacts that depict the struggle of South Africa and development that dates back from the 1700s. This is a perfect spot to understand the heritage of this city and the milestones that it has made. Walk through the gallery and admire the various pieces which come with great tales about the local people. If you are lucky, you will walk in to find an art event going on where you can learn even more.

Ann Bryant Art Gallery

Address: 9 St Mark Rd, Belgravia, East London, 5201, South Africa

Website: Ann Bryant Art Gallery

Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 4pm; Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 3:45pm (closed on Sun)

6. Bask in some great views at Nahoon Point Lighthouse

Located in a secluded area in one of the most scenic areas of the coastal reserve, this lighthouse is a gem for curious adventurers who are looking for a truly breathtaking sight. The ocean breeze and the waves will offer you a perfectly serene ambiance to indulge in some of the most mind-blowing views you’ll ever come across. The tale about the construction of this landmark is interesting too so make sure to plan a trip and head down to this place to marvel at some scenic views of the ocean and sunsets.

Nahoon Point Lighthouse

Address: 5241, Stirling, East London, South Africa

7. Immerse in untouched nature at East London Coast Nature Reserve

This is a beautiful coastal stretch that offers you one of the finest views of wildlife and sea life. The reserve also offers you one of the finest spots to enjoy the forest cover and appreciate the untouched nature in this place. There are many birds around here which you can see as you enjoy your walk through this serene reserve. In addition, while you might have the chance to see the rare white whale.

East London Coast Nature Reserve

Address: Blue Bend, East London, 5241, South Africa

Website: East London Coast Nature Reserve

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

8. Marvel at Geman Settlers Memorial

See this grand sculpture illustrating the history of the region’s German immigrants. This landmark tells a tale of the immigrants who came to this city in 1857 and shows the various aspects of their life in panels that have been placed around it. The arrival of the Germans in this city also had an effect on the lifestyle of the people here where they also adopted some of the street names to fit the German suburbs which they called home at the time.

German Settlers Memorial

Address: East London Cbd, East London, 5200, South Africa

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

9. Unwind at Bonza Bay Beach

If you are looking for a scenic place to unwind as you enjoy the ocean breeze or stroll along the shore, this is the ultimate stopover to have all that and more. For a place perceived by the locals to have one of the best fishing and swimming venues, this beach is always a haven for visitors.

Bonza Bay Beach

Address: Bonza Bay Rd, Quenera, East London, 5241, South Africa

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

10. Have fun while learning about marine life at East London Aquarium

Having been built in 1931, this is the oldest Aquarium in South Africa where it houses a wide variety of sea life which you’ll find absolutely stunning. This is a place where you will get to marvel at some of the rarest sea creatures not to mention the extinct types of sea animals that existed in the past. You will also get to enjoy an entertaining show from the penguins on-premise which offer one of the most exciting shows you’ll ever come across offered by animals.

East London Aquarium

Address: 13 Esplanade St, Quigney Beach, East London, 5201, South Africa

Website: East London Aquarium

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)

11. Catch an exciting game at Python Park Mashie Golf Course

Are you feeling like refreshing yourself with a great game of golf in the midst of a fun-filled park? This is the ultimate spot to enjoy a game of golf as you relax after a long touring day. You can never go wrong when it comes to the services offered in this place for your unwinding purposes. Whether it is the massage parlor or the spa or even the in-house restaurant, you will have everything you need to complement your unwinding experience.

Python Park Mashie Golf Course

Address: East London, South Africa

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

12. Go shopping at Hemingways Mall

With over 160 stores to choose from, this is the ultimate stopover to shop till you drop. This mall boasts a perfect ambiance which welcomes you to the enjoyment of in-house treats including a 3D movie theatre, a bowling alley, a casino, and a food court to grab a meal in case you are feeling famished. Make sure to tag your family along to this lively family spot where I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable experience while creating some memories.

Hemingways Mall

Address: Cnr Western Avenue and Two Rivers Drive, East London, Eastern Cape

Website: Hemingways Mall

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

13. Try your luck at Hemingways Casino

Check out this lively spot for one of the most immersive entertainment sessions you will ever come across. This casino offers you one of the widest varieties of games to enjoy as you indulge in some great drinks and live music. Even better, the ambiance welcomes you into a world of exquisite interiors and world-class service which you will absolutely fall in love with.

Hemingways Casino

Address: Two Rivers Drive East London, Eastern Cape

Website: Hemingways Casino

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

14. Check out the historic Gately House

Take a historic tour around this vintage museum which was built in 1876 and is situated along Queens Park, a gorgeous garden. While here, you will get to enjoy the various artifacts laid out across the rooms in the house as well as the mahogany furniture which complements the rustic ambiance. There are so many things to see, from the artifacts to the design of the Victorian home.

Gately House

Address: 29 Gilwell Rd, East London Cbd, East London, 5200, South Africa

15. Go surfing at scenic Nahoon Corner

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is one of the most thrilling holiday havens for tourists looking for the perfect beach action. There are good waves to enjoy a surfing session or just take a walk along the beach where you can enjoy some truly unmatched sunset views and various birds flying over the area. Make sure to carry your beach essentials because this is a place you will want to stay longer and enjoy a family day.

Nahoon Corner

Address: East 5241, Unnamed Rd, London, South Africa

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

16. Marvel at the kings of the jungle at The Lion Park

Take a fun-filled tour in this exciting park which hosts the kings of the jungle. The beauty of this park is the closeness you will get to these big cats. From white lions to lionesses to cubs, you will have a time like no other as you learn about the wonders that surround lions. Even better, this is a tour that will offer you a front-row seat to on of the most stunning bush safaris you’ll ever come across, where you will have the opportunity to see other wildlife species which also call this place home.

The Lion Park

Address: N6, East London, 5201, South Africa

Website: The Lion Park

17. Browse through the vintage artifacts at Calgary Transport Museum

There are so many places you would want to visit but make sure to fit in this museum into your East London itinerary. Enjoy a tour around this museum featuring one of the earliest means of transport in this city. This is one of the most iconic spots that offer you a perfect learning session to enjoy a trip down the memory lane as you learn about the various means of transport used over time. Y

Calgary Transport Museum

Address: Stutterheim St, Berlin General, East London, 5201, South Africa

Website: Calgary Transport Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

18. Savor sumptous treats at Grazia Fine Food & Wine

Indulge in some tasty teats in this exciting continental-style restaurant which boasts dishes that come with a stylish flair and an exquisite ambiance which is just superb! Even better, there is an indoor and outdoor sitting area which offers you a perfect ambiance to enjoy your meals while enjoying some world-class cuisines. There is also enough room to hold an occasion if you are looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion. This is the ultimate eatery to try if you are a lover of good food, amazing drinks, and amazing service.

Grazia Fine Food & Wine

Address: Upper Esplanade, Aquarium rd, Quigney, East London, 5201, South Africa

Website: Grazia Fine Food & Wine

Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)

19. Relax in the peaceful Gonubie Main Beach

Come have one of the most peaceful beach unwinding sessions you will ever come across where you can enjoy the calming breeze and stunning views. This is a haven for visitors looking for a place to find a peaceful retreat. The vistas of the ocean and the glorious sunsets will surely be something to remember. This is one of those places you have to set aside a day to visit since a few minutes won’t do. Grab your beach gear and head out to this spot for a day of sun-tanning or a surfing session to catch the perfect waves.

Gonubie Main Beach

Address: Meyer street, Gonubie North, East London, 5256, South Africa

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

20. Play a round at East London Golf Course

Are you a golf enthusiast? Play a round at this golf club which is perfectly situated in a serene area where you can have the utmost peace of mind while playing. Even more, this renowned golf course boasts some lush landscapes which you will find very captivating as you practice and perfect your swing. There is a clubhouse where you can enjoy a drink or a meal after you are done playing which comes with cable TVs to enjoy a live match.

East London Golf Course

Address: 22 Gleneagles Upper Rd, Bunkers Hill, East London, 5241, South Africa

Website: East London Golf Course

Opening hours: 6:30am - 9pm (daily)

Take a scenic holiday in this beautiful city

Take an exciting tour around this city and enjoy a holiday like no other with this exciting list of things to do in East London, South Africa. Make sure to tag a family friend or a travel partner who loves the thrill of traveling and unwinding in a scenic city which offers you the perfect holiday feel. This is a spot you won’t go wrong when it comes to spending a holiday full of action and scenery.