East London was founded in 1836 at the mouth of the Buffalo River. It is a port and holiday resort on the Indian Ocean, 810 km south of Pretoria. The Queen's Park houses a botanical garden and the city's zoo. There is an aquarium on the seafront.

Other places of interest include:

• The Amathole Museum used to be called Kaffrarian Museum. it is a natural and cultural history museum and it houses a large collection of prepared mammals. It is located in Qonce.
• City Hall is a beautiful Victorian building.
• East London Coast Nature Reserve.
• The East London Museum was established in 1921. It has exhibitions on the natural and cultural history of East London and its surroundings.
• Hood Point Lighthouse was erected in 1895.
• The Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is 30 km northeast of town.

The railway station is in the center of town, and most accommodation is located in the suburban areas of Quigney and Beach.

City Hall ©South African Tourism

Beachfront ©South African Tourism