This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in East London. To help you make friends with East London before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Situated along one of the Eastern Cape’s most beautiful stretches of coast, East London is South Africa’s one and only river port city – and the gateway to the wild Sunshine Coast. Home to some of the finest beaches in the world, East London boasts pleasant weather year-round, making this a popular destination for travelers who want to enjoy some fun in the sun.
Between the Queens Park Zoo, the aquarium, the botanical gardens, the sand dunes at Bonza Bay, and the Lion Park, there is plenty to see while taking advantage of East London’s ideal climate. The area is home to a handful of game reserves, where guests can see some of South Africa’s most impressive wildlife.
Along the city’s sweeping white sand beaches, visitors can swim, waterski, sail, boat, and wakeboard – and fishermen can snag their catch of the day in some of the river’s lagoons and gullies. The beaches at East London truly are the area’s main attraction, bringing in tourists from all over South Africa and beyond.
At the end of the day, East London offers a ton of accommodation options for any traveler – ranging from inexpensive hostels to upscale hotels and resorts. Local hostels provide guests with plenty of opportunities to experience life in this busting port city, but resorts like Glen Eden, Areena, Queensbury Bay, and Yellowsands offer an experience like no other.
Arriving in East London is easy, as South African Airways offer connecting flights from major airports in Capetown, Johannesburg, and Durban. From there, it’s as easy as finding a taxi or renting a car to get to your East London hostel or hotel. Regular train service also connects East London to South Africa’s larger metropolitan centres, but unfortunately, East London does not have a local public transportation system. Visitors are recommended to consider renting a vehicle if they plan to travel around the area.
Written by local enthusiast for East London hostels
Jakob Lombardi
