Experience the highlights of East London
Tuesday, 22 December 2020 08:33 AM
East London manages to condense all things city, all things beach, and all things bush into one stunning location. As travel whisperers, we at kulula have hand-picked the very best experiences you can have in Buffalo City, from immersing yourself in the city’s dazzling art scene, to entering a feast friendzy at a local market and exploring beautiful wilderness on its doorstep.
Get wild in the city
Nahoon Estuary is a little slice of wild paradise right in the city. Perched on the banks of the Nahoon River Mouth, you’d swear you were hundreds of kilometres away from big-city bustle. Here, you can wander a beautiful boardwalk, play in the warm waters of the Nahoon River and go bird spotting. But if you’re looking for an immersive experience of your surroundings, the Dassie Trail is an easy 2km trail that takes you through the estuary itself. For a better perspective of East London’s natural beauty, the cliffs at Morgan Bay, a hamlet northeast of East London, offers breathtaking views of the Indian ocean.
Eat up
To add some extra flavour to your holiday getaway in East London, there are loads of great eateries, cafes and restaurants to visit, as well as a vibey market culture. If you’re looking for wholesome and healthy meals, the Lavender Blue Market is guaranteed to have a stall that’ll get you salivating. For a fine-dining experience with an eclectic twist, look no further than the Two Dogs Bistro, where you can watch your food cooked before your eyes by engaging in some kitchen theatre. And if you’re looking for a place to watch rugby or any other sports event, DJ’s Pub and Grub at the Highgate Hotel is your go-to hang out, offering old-style pub lunches, curries and tripe.
Culture frenzy
East London is known for its tapestry of culture, from local isiXhosa influences to its fantastic music venues. If you’re keen to get your foot tapping and your head bopping, be sure to make a trip to Imbizo Jazz Cafe for where you can please your ears with amazing musical talents. With jazz evenings and live acts on Fridays and Saturdays, this is a great spot to visit with friends and family. But, ensure that you adhere to health and safety guidelines to reduce your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. For a bit of history, you can make your way to Fort Glamorgan, which served as a troop barracks and to guard the supply line to King William’s Town. East London doesn’t lack in quirkiness either, and you have the chance to go and enjoy a coke with a guy called Pete. He owns one of the largest Coca-Cola museums in the world. He, too, is quite a bubbly character.
The beaches
Although East London beaches have temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is so much to look forward to when beaches re-open again. East London is lined by a series of dazzling beaches, each with their allure and reason to visit. Possibly one of the city’s most famous beaches, Nahoon Beach is a surfer’s and swimmer’s paradise. Bonza Bay Beach is the perfect spot to spend a day and caters for swimmers, anglers and birders. Whether you’re here with the family or going for a beach run, the stretches of sand here always deliver. If you’re a serious fisherman though, Gulu Beach is a great beach to spend the day waiting for a bite. Its quiet nature means you can enjoy fishing in all its peace and splendour.
