East London (Afrikaans: Oos-Londen, Xhosa: eMonti) is a city on the southeast coast of South Africa, situated in the Eastern Cape Province at 32.97°S and 27.87°E.[1]. The city is situated on the Indian Ocean coast, between the Buffalo River, and the Nahoon River, and is the country's only river port. East London today has a population of 250,000, with over 700,000 in the metropolitan area.
East London is the second largest industrial centre in the province. The motor industry is the dominant employer. A major DaimlerChrysler plant is located near the harbour, manufacturing Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the local market, as well as exporting to the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan. Other industries include clothing, textiles, pharmaceuticals and food processing.
To encourage investment in East London, the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) has been established on the West Bank, close to both the port and airport. 1500ha of land has been made available, and the site is one of four duty-free development areas in South Africa.
East London has good transport links with the rest of South Africa. The N2 highway connecting Cape Town and Durban bypasses the city, while the N6 highway joins East London with the inland city of Bloemfontein. The East London Airport, 10km from the city centre, has daily flights to all major South African cities.
East London's tourism industry has grown greatly over the past few years drawing visitors from around the world.
East London is a family city; many tourists from inland come to East London to enjoy the mild temperatures and the fantastic beaches, surf spots and fishing.
Nahoon Beach,
Nahoon Reef,
Nahoon River Mouth,
Bonza Bay Beach,
Eastern Beach,
Leechers Bay,
Orient Beach,
Cove Rock,
Winterstrand,
Igoda Beach,
Gonubie Main Beach (or Gonubie Bay),
Gulu,
Kidds Beach
Black Rock and many more within 30min drive along the East Coast Resorts road.
Nahoon Reef,
Nahoon River Mouth,
Bonza Bay Beach,
Eastern Beach,
Leechers Bay,
Orient Beach,
Cove Rock,
Winterstrand,
Igoda Beach,
Gonubie Main Beach (or Gonubie Bay),
Gulu,
Kidds Beach
Black Rock and many more within 30min drive along the East Coast Resorts road.
The East Coast Resorts (up the coast toward Durban) are a fantastic collection of small villages with many people living there (only 20min to East London on the highway) but a very tranquil setting for a family holiday.
Resorts include: Yellowsands, Glen Eden, Queensbury Bay, Chintsa West and Chintsa East.
Game Reserves also abound within a 30 min to 45 min drive of the city offering Big 5 excursions and luxury accommodation.
