In the Eastern Cape Province, on the South East coast of South Africa lies the city of East London. In the early 1800’s there were many battles between the settlers and the Xhosa population and East London was used as a supply base for the military headquarters in the area. Buffalo River on the mouth of the Indian Ocean and on the South side of East London is the location of South Africa’s only river port. The port was originally called Port Rex.
A definite must for tourists visiting the Cape Province is a stop in this part of the Sunshine Coast with its extended, clean and spacious white sandy beaches. There are also many other activities in and around the area.
The East London aquarium, while not being the largest in South Africa has something very special – a boardwalk with an observation deck that extends out over the water of the Indian ocean and allows for visitors to spend time watching whales during whale season as they make their way to the southern coastline of the Western Cape.
The East London Museum has a number of galleries with some interesting displays including the only surviving Dodo egg in the world. Also on display at the museum is an original coelacanth, which was discovered in the harbour in 1938 even though this prehistoric fish was thought to be extinct. This is considered to be one of the most compelling zoological discoveries of the past 100 years.
Another stop that should be made while touring the area is the Steve Biko Remembrance Garden which is in King Williams Town – about 45 minutes from East London. Steve Biko, who died while in police custody in 1977, was known for his fight against apartheid. His story can be seen in the 1987 film “Cry Freedom”.
Accommodation is available in the form of hotels, Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering establishments all with excellent service and reasonable prices. There is a selection of restaurants to suit all tastes.
