With old fashioned values and a certain small city charm, East London is a sunny city on the Sunshine Coast of South Africa. As you fly in over the ocean you will see the glinting beaches below you and on landing you can hire a car and begin to explore this gateway to the Wild Coast. Also known as Buffalo City, East London lies on the deep Buffalo River with the country's only River Port harbour. The sunny and friendly nature of the locals here will make you feel as though you have reached your most laid back destination and you will feel instantly at home. Founded in the early 19th century, the city was used as a port for supplies to King William's Town, a military station up country. Much of the attractive 19th century architecture is still visible as you drive around town in a hired car, including the impressive town hall. One of the most popular attractions of this charming city is the glorious long white beaches and impressive Indian Ocean surf. Nahoon Reef is one of the world's famous surfing spots and sometime plays host to international competitions. All of the beaches have easy access and ample parking for the car you have rented.
On warm days you can drive your hire car to Bonza Bay and take a thrilling sand board ride down the massive sand dunes and have an exciting afternoon. For those that prefer a more relaxed holiday you can visit the impressive Natural history Museum which houses an outstanding display of the extinct Coelacanth, which was a fish that could walk on land. In addition they have the only known existing Dodo egg. You could also take a trip in your hire car on the formidable double decker bridge over the Buffalo River. This bridge was built in 1935 ad is the only of its kind in South Africa. Carrying on you can visit the aquarium and Queens Park Zoo to admire some wild and wonderful creatures under the sea and on land. As is typical of the Eastern Cape there is an abundance of excellent game reserves and a short drive to the outskirts of the city in your hired car, you can visit either the Inkwenkwezi or Mpongo private game reserves and take a guided drive through the park. East London may have a sleepy and familiar atmosphere but all in all it is a wonderful place to play in the sun and enjoy the Eastern Cape climate.