East London
East London is situated on the South African East Coast between Durban in the North and Port Elizabeth in the South.
It is the 5th largest harbour in South Africa and the only river port (Buffalo River - the river itself is really only a rock strewn stream an is not navigable at all.
The initial name was Port Rex in comemmoration of the owner of the first boat to land in the harbour to trade (19 November 1836).
The Lady Kennaway was a ship that arrived in East London with a cargo of 157, mainly Irish, ladies emigrating to this part of the world and to seek husbands!
In 1961 the then harbour engineer devised the "dolos" to help protect the breakwater pier - since then his desigh has been copied, adapted and used the word over to protect structures and the land from wave action and tides.
East London Museum, Muir Street
The East London museum is something to experience. It houses the world's only Dodo egg and the first coelecanth to be discovered in the last century (1938).
City Hall, Oxford Street
The foundation stone was laid in 1897. The ``Victoria Tower" was added to commemorate Queen Victoria's 60 years on the throne.
Anne Bryant Art Gallery, Oxford Street
Visit the Gallery - built in 1905, a fine example of late Victorian architecture, it contains varied and valuable art collections.
Calgary Transport Museum
The Museum - 13 km from the City, has a collection of wagons and a Gypsy Caravan.
German Settlers Memorial, Esplanae
The Memorial - commemorates the 1858/9 arrival of more than 2000 German men, women and children which helped to expand the settlement.
Visit Gately House
Home of East London's first Mayor, declared a national monument in 1973.
Queens Park Zoo & Botanical Gardens offer a variety of mammals and reptiles, set in lush surroundings, which can be enjoyed by the whole family.
East London Aquarium, Orient Beach
The Aquarium, home to approximately 400 species of marinelife and watch the seal show.
Latimer's Landing, Buffalo River
Visit Latimer's Landing - waterfront development on the Buffalo River with restaurants and pubs. Boat trips up the river are available and Yacht trips and Pleasure cruises can be arranged.
Lock Street Gaol,
Formerly a prison, built in 1880, it now houses various interesting shops.
Buffalo City