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Buffalo City, which incorporates East London, Beacon Bay, Mdantsane, King Williams Town, Beacon Bay and Gonubie, has some extraordinary tourist attractions and is rich in natural resources. The 68km of coastline includes 10 estuaries, nature conservancies, natural heritage sites, rocky shores and 14 sandy beaches.
The area is well suited to local tourism, ecotourism and historical tourism, especially that relating to the anti-apartheid struggle as many of South Africa's past and present political leaders hail from the region.
The Indian Ocean coastline is the main feature - and attraction - of the Eastern area. The warm sea is good for swimming and fishing.
There are small resort developments at virtually all river mouths in the eastern part of the region.
East London, South Africa's only river port, is set on both the broad Buffalo River and Nahoon River and has the Gonubie River flowing around it. It is known as the gateway to the region's tourist corridors: the Sunshine Coast and the Wild Coast.
The Sunshine Coast is to the south and runs for more than 200km to Port Elizabeth.
The Wild Coast is to the north. Rugged and unspoilt, the coastline is indigenous coastal forest.
The Eastern Cape has played a prominent role in South African history. As Tourism Buffalo City points out in their very comprehensive overview of the history of the area, it was here where, in the latter half of the 18th century, black and white met for the first time. For many years this territory was the contact zone between these two groups. The consequences of this delicate and somewhat temperamental relationship made a lasting impression on the history of modern South Africa. Today, almost 200 years later, the Buffalo City community reflects this turbulent past in the kaleidoscope of its rich cultural heritage and proud history.
East London
East London was set up by the British in 1836 as a military post. They used it as a base during the Xhosa wars. The arrival of German settlers, who had been serving as mercenaries in the British-German Legion, gave the place at the mouth of the Buffalo River an economic boost. In 1873 East London was given town rights.
Today, about half-a-million people live in East London and surrounding townships. The township of Mdantsane, 20km from East London, was established in 1962 as part of the government's racist apartheid policies to provide living space for cheap African labour. It is now the largest town in the area, with a population of more than 250 000. It's the second-largest township in South Africa after Soweto.
King William's Town
Tourist attractions in and around King William's Town are a vibrant mixture of history, topography, culture and water sports.
King William's Town holds the unique distinction of being established twice within the space of 12 years.
According to historian Brian Randles, King William's Town owed its establishment to the tenacity of Scottish missionary John Brownlee in setting up the Buffalo Mission Station on the banks of the Buffalo River in January 1826 and to warfare between the Xhosa and British during the nineteen century.
In 1835 the Xhosa attacked and burnt the mission station. They, in turn, were driven away by the Rifle Brigade under the command of Colonel Harry Smith and, on 24 May 1835, the then Governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin D'Urban, proclaimed King William's Town the capital of the Province of Queen Adelaide.
However, this status quo was short-lived and on 26 December that same year the new Colonial Secretary, Lord Charles Glenelg, reinstated the Xhosa people and the Province of Adelaide was abandoned and King William's Town deserted.
Brownlee returned to the area and once again continued his missionary work.
Ten years later the mission station was again razed - during the War of the Axe in 1846 and Sir Harry Smith, then the Governor of the Cape Colony, returned to the area. He proclaimed the Crown Colony of British Kaffraria and selected King William's Town to be its capital.
The small town - initially dominated by military buildings - continued to grow and after the last frontier war with the Xhosa in the mid 1850s population grew and the town developed into a prosperous trade centre for the regional tribes.
It's more recent political history has been equally turbulent, with its opposition to apartheid. King William's Town was home to Steve Biko, South Africa's father of Black Consciousness.
The economy of this large area is today based mainly on cattle and sheep farming, and the town itself has a large industrial base producing textiles, soap, candles, candy, cartons and clothing.
There are many interesting and well-presevered examples of 19th century architecture in the town and the Amathole Museum is well worth a visit. Just outside town, the Maden and Rooikrantz dams are perfect for yachting, fishing and other watersports.
For more on the history of King Williams Town, see excerpt from "A history of the Kaffrarian Museum" by Brian M Randles.
History, culture and heritage
History, heritage and living culture are drawcards for tourists in this region. The cultural heritage includes the strong indigenous cultures of the Xhosa. With its colonial past, the area has been marked by German and British influences and there are some well-preserved examples of 19th century architecture in both East London and King William's Town. The forts and other military fortifications attest to the many wars fought in this region. But history goes back further than that: in the Amatole and Maluti mountains are good examples of rock art. In fact, paleontology areas can be found throughout the area (South Africa's first dinosaur fossil was discovered near Grahamstown). The fossilised footprints of man were discovered in 1964 at Bat's Cave in Nahoon. They are thought to be about 200 000 years old.
Attractions and activities
The East London Museum
The museum has the world's only dodo egg, a large natural science collection, collections ranging from the prehistoric times of South Africa to the early history of the Xhosa people. It also has a remarkable collection of southern Nguni beadwork as well as maritime history displays. It also has a model of a coelacanth. This ancient fish species is estimated to be about 350-million years old and was believed to be extinct until a fisherman from East London caught one in 1938. In the following years more catches were made in the extremely deep waters at East London. The garden has an impressive collection of cycads, the area being home to at least nine different species. (Outside the museum is a unique avenue of cycads - Lukin Road - where 22 massive cycads are equally spaced over a distance of one kilometre.)
Amathole Museum
King William's Town Amathole Museum is home to the second largest collection of mammals in the southern hemisphere. It is also the home of Huberta, the wandering hippopotamus. The Xhosa Gallery, in the old post office building, has information on the cultural history of the Xhosa nation, including all the tribes.
Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance
You can visit the grave of Steve Biko, one of South Africa's most famous political martyrs in Ginsberg, just outside King William's Town. The Ginsberg home where Biko was born was recently declared a national monument.
The Missionary Museum
This museum, in King William's Town, exhibits the missionary history of the area and South Africa.
The Ann Bryant art gallery
The gallery is in an Edwardian building and features a mix of Cape Dutch and Victorian artworks. The collection is representative of South African art from 1880 onwards. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly.
Gately House
Built in 1878, this was the residence of John Gately, the first mayor of East London, his wife Mary Ann and their 12 children. It was declared a national monument in 1973 and is furnished in period style. In fact, almost all that is on display belonged to the original owners.
City Hall
The foundation stone of the stately City Hall was laid in 1897. The clock tower commemorates the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. Built in the Victorian Renaissance style, the marble for the imposing staircase was imported from Carrar, Italy.
Calgary Transport Museum
Home to a fine collection of old carts, wagons and handcarts. Also on show are a gypsy caravan, a tack room and a wheelwright's workshop and forge.
Natural resources and wildlife
The landscape of the region varies from beautiful sandy beaches to rugged mountains and deep river valleys. There are many small holiday resorts along the coast.
The region is the meeting place of five different biomes (main vegetation types), creating an ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
The Wild Coast is one of the most pristine wilderness areas left in Africa. Its coastal forests, mangrove swamps and sweeping beaches are home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, with colourful and exotic birds, such as paradise flycatchers, trumpeter hornbills, narina trogans and the rare mangrove kingfisher. You can view the Big Five in a malaria-free area. The Eastern Cape is South Africa's leading destination for foreign trophy hunters and safari enthusiasts.
Gonubie Nature Reserve
Gonubie's small nature reserve has 130 species of birds, mostly waterfowl, have been recorded. There is also a wide variety of indigenous plant
species.
Sport and outdoors
The Buffalo City region has much to attract the sporting and outdoor enthusiast. Buffalo City is a sportsman's mecca. With its good weather and infrastructure, it plays hosts provincial, national and international sporting events and attracts thousands of fans to the area every year. Some of South Africa's best international sporting heroes come from this region, such as Makhaya Ntini, Tony Greig and Peter Kirsten. According to Tourism Buffalo City, Mdantsane is seen as the unofficial capital of boxing. Many clubs operate in the area with names such as "Happy Boy" Mgxaji, Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu and "Hawk" Masibulele Makepula associated with them. Major international boxing tournaments are held at Sisa Dukasha stadium in East London. International athletics meetings are held at Jan Smuts Athletics stadium, while rugby is played at the Absa stadium. Cricket is played at Buffalo Park, while swimming events are held at the Joan Harrison Aquatic complex, which offers four underwater hockey fields.
There is also a wide variety of eco-walks and hiking trails that take in both the coastal areas as well as the indigenous forests. The good weather and wide range of outdoor activities and facilities make it a perfect place for families and holidaymakers.
Attractions and activities
East London Beaches
Bonza Bay Beach
Bonza Bay stretches through Beacon Bay to the end of Bonza Bay Road. It is situated at the Quinera River Mouth and boasts a super slide.
Nahoon Beach
Nahoon Beach is a surfer’s and swimmers paradise. The Beach takes its name from a Xhosa Chief. Rubber ducks are frequently seen, and Nahoon Beach is the headquarters of the East London Surf Life-saving Club.
Orient Beach
Orient beach is situated on the south end of the Esplanade. It gets its name from a Russian sailing boat
Flea Markets
Gonubie Flea Market
• Main Road, Gonubie
• first and last Saturday of every month from 8.30am to 1pm
Beachfront Flea Market
• Every Sunday from 7.30am
• Court Crescent (in front of the Hotel Osner), Beachfront
Beacon Bay Village Craft Market
• At Beacon Bay Retail Park, Beacon Bay
• Every Saturday morning from 8.30am - 4.30pm
Climbing and hiking
The rugged Amatole mountains offer plenty of climbing opportunities. The Border Outdoor Adventure Association also offers interesting information on outdoor adventure and activities, including detailed information on the various hikes and trails in the area.
Queen's Park Zoo and Gardens
Queen's Park is a 30-hectare national monument, a pocket of indigenous trees and shrubs in the city. The well-kept gardens border the zoo that has a variety of mammals and reptiles. There are pony rides for children (10am to 3pm on weekends only) and a refreshment kiosk
Aquarium and whale-watching deck
Opened in December 1931, the aquarium is the oldest in South Africa. More than 400 species of fish, penguins and seals can be seen. Make sure you make it in time to see the seal show (twice daily at 11.30am and 3.30pm). The display of Cape Pigmy clawed lobsters is the only one of its kind in the world. The whale deck has a telescope.
Diving
If you'd like to join a diving expedition to explore the shipwrecks off the East London coast.
Golf
Golf Dating back to 1893, East London Golf Club is one of South Africa's oldest courses. Set in high dunes and surrounded by typical Cape coastal vegetation, this 18-hole golf course is challenging. Be careful not to be distracted by the spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and the beachfront. For a change of scenery, why not play a round of golf in Gonubie (nine-hole course); Kei Mouth (nine holes) or King William's Town (18 holes).
§ East London Golf Club
§ Gonubie Golf Club
§ Kei Mouth Golf Club
§ King William's Town Golf Club
§ West Bank Golf Club
§ Alexander Golf Club
§ Fish River Sun
§ Bunkers Hill driving range
Water World Fun Park
In West Bank, this complex is open in summer only. It has a supertube, paddling pools, speed rides and river cascades
Buffalo Regatta
The first regatta took place in 1881. It attracts more than 1 000 rowers and visitors to East London.
Fishing
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the wide choice of sheltered beaches, make this area a fisherman's dream. You can get fishing licences and other marine licences from any post office.
The Frontier Acclimatisation Society in King William's Town is the oldest fishing club in South Africa. It holds regular freshwater fishing events at the Maden Dam outside town.
Cove Rock
An impressive and unusual rock formation 16 km from East London. It is a great bird-watching spot.
Shopping and entertainment
Lock Street Gaol shopping complex
Built in the 1800s, this was South Africa's first women's jail. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Daisy de Melker, who was accused of poisoning two husbands and a son, were both held here. It is now an office and shopping complex, with craft, curio and antique shops. For those with a macabre slant, the original gallows can still be seen.
Hemingways Casino
Opened in September 2001, the casino complex has a retail section, a variety of fast food outlets as well as activities for children (game arcade, a climbing wall and adventure golf). The curio and speciality shops along the beachfront are popular with tourists.
Latimer's Landing
This is a waterfront development on the Buffalo River with restaurants and pubs. A flea market is held on Sundays. Boat and yacht rides are available.
Mini steam train trips
Catch a ride on the first Sunday of every month at the Gonubie Farmers Hall.
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