East London, with its nostalgic charm and laidback ambience, is a beautiful coastal city. Its broad expanses of white sandy beach are legendary, attracting sun-seekers, swimmers, surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. Away from the beach, East London has a wealth of attractions, from its impressive colonial architecture to the superb Queen’s Park Botanical Gardens and Zoo. East London Museum has some fascinating natural history exhibits, including the coelacanth type specimen and a real dodo egg. It’s possible to take tours from the city to visit the amaXhosa, where visitors can try out local food and watch traditional dance.
East London overview
When to fly to East London
East London is a great place to visit at any time of year although the very humid climate means it is never completely dry. Humidity levels reach over 80% between November and March. The least humid time to visit when the rainfalls are at their lower levels is in June and July which are also the coolest months.
Getting around East London
There is no organised public transport system in East London, so car hire is the most practical and convenient choice for visitors wanting to explore. Car hire firms have offices at the airport and in town. Otherwise, taxis are not too expensive and can be pre-booked.
Visitors should take the usual safety precautions when out and about, especially at night, and seek local advice where necessary. Always follow local guidance concerning currents and tides when it comes to beach safety.
Airports for East London
Cheapest flights to South Africa
How much do things cost in East London?
Restaurants
3 course meal for 2
QAR 538.90
Cheap meal
QAR 134.73
Cappuccino
QAR 29.85
Small bottle of water (0.33 litre)
QAR 10.59
Clothing & Shoes
Pair of jeans
QAR 869.75
Pair of Nike shoes
QAR 1262.57
Markets
Bottle of wine
QAR 50.52
Large bottle of water
QAR 17.66
Bottle of local beer (0.5 litre)
QAR 18.41
Pack of Marlboro cigarettes
QAR 50.19
How much does transport cost in East London?
One-way ticket (local transport)
QAR 13
Taxi - fixed fee
QAR 15
1 km taxi journey
QAR 15
Petrol (1 litre)
QAR 17