Where to stay
Hotels in East London
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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
-
Jan85
Hot, sunny, busy
-
Feb80
Warm, sunny
-
Mar75
Mild, pleasant
-
Apr70
Cooler, pleasant
-
May60
Mild, dry
-
Jun55
Cool, dry
-
Jul50
Coolest, dry
-
Aug60
Warming, breezy
-
Sept70
Mild, fresh
-
Oct75
Warm, sunny
-
Nov80
Warm, sunny
-
Dec90
Hot, sunny, peak
Things to do in East London
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Nahoon Beach
Nahoon 3 hrs
Enjoy surfing, sunbathing, or a leisurely stroll along this popular sandy beach.
Mpongo Private Game Reserve
Outside City 4 hrs
Experience a safari game drive to spot rhinos, giraffes, and various antelopes.
Surfing at Nahoon Reef
Nahoon 2 hrs
Catch waves at one of South Africa's renowned surfing spots.
Best in the afternoon
3 places
East London Museum
Central 2 hrs
Discover natural history, including the coelacanth, and local Xhosa cultural artifacts.
Queens Park Zoo & Gardens
Southernwood 2.5 hrs
Visit a diverse collection of animals and relax in the botanical gardens.
Ann Bryant Art Gallery
Central 1.5 hrs
Admire a collection of South African art in a beautiful historic setting.
Best in the evening
1 place
Explore the Esplanade
Quigney 2 hrs
Walk along the beachfront promenade, enjoying sea views and local eateries.
Things to book
Tours and activities in East London
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Multi day tour
Addo Elephant Park multi-day Photo Safari
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
East London City Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Private Beach Lodge and Giraffe Interaction for Cruise ship Guest
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in East London
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
East London Airport Private Shuttle to Chintsa
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
3hrs Cruise Experience at Nahoon River
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near East London
Straight-line distance from the centre of East London.
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