East London and Port Elizabeth

East London

East London is a city on the south east coast of South Africa, situated in the Eastern Cape province. The city lies on the Indian Ocean coast, largely between the Buffalo River and the Nahoon River, and is the country's only river port. East London today has a population of over 400,000, with over 1.4 million in the metropolitan area. (Wiki)

 

 

 

There is probably much to see here but I have only been here once.  My wife went to college here so too did her two brothers.

Mercedes have their manufacturing plant here where the C Series for the RHD world are made. I have to admit I am not up to speed on that juncture.

The next big coastal city (my favourite) is Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth (pics)

Port Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Africa, situated in the Eastern Cape Province, 770 km (478 mi) east of Cape Town. The city, often shortened to PE and nicknamed "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City", stretches for 16 km along Algoa Bay, and is one of the major seaports in South Africa. It is also referred to as Africa's Water sport Capital (wiki)

Just outside PE is Uitenhage where you will find the Volkswagen manufacturing plant, the largest on the African continent.

This is Summerstrand beach and where most of the hotels and B+B's are situated.

The beaches always have something going on in the tourist season like hobiecraft races; they have a Hobie beach and jet ski races.

The beach is pretty long so overcrowding even in season is unlikely plus there are spots like the Board walk Casino and waterfront with numerous attractions.

 

There are some really beautiful restored 19th century buildings similar to what one may see on London. This is in the older part of the original town.

Some of the typical B+B complexes you will find in PE at very reasonable prices. The one on the right I have lodged at a few times and is within walking distance to the shops and beach.

Just outside PE is the Ado Elephant Park (pics) where you get to see more than just elephants and quite a bit of African game. Probably cheaper than the Kruger national park.

Jeffreys Bay (pics)

Aston Bay and Jeffreys Bay Beach.

This is a popular destination and day trip destination for PE residents.  Great surfing competitions and one of the international surfing tour sites. 

 Popping inland, there are some pretty nice towns.

Grahamstown (pics)

Grahamstown is home to the National Arts Festival each year

Sadly this picturesque view is spoiled by the RDP shanty town in the background.  There are some pretty awesome buildings here and is also home to a University of note.

Graaf-Reinet (pics)

 

Before I had a wide angle lens, the same building from the side.

Graaff-Reinet is a town with 80,776 inhabitants in the Eastern Cape Province. It is the fourth oldest town in South Africa, after Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Swellendam. Surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, the heart of the “Great Karoo” – Place of Thirst – is a boundless and mysterious area covered by vast sheep and game farms, where broad plains roll away to distant koppies and multi layered mountains that seem to touch the indigo sky.

The town was founded by the VOC Dutch East India Company in 1786, being named after the then governor of Cape Colony, Cornelis Jacob van de Graeff, and his wife whose maiden name was "Reynet".

Graaff-Reinet is recognized as the home of magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 heritage sites (more than any other town in South Africa!). The past is preserved in four extraordinary museums which hold collections of photographic memorabilia, firearms, artworks and fossils, tracing the story of the Karoo - and the town - from pre-history right up to the present day. Shown here is the Dutch Reformed Church (Grotekerk) (source)

The map at the top shows the main towns and googling the names (add South Africa to the search) will bring you all the info and pics you need.

This web page has a few aerial shots of various areas of the Eastern Cape; they are pretty awesome.

Both East London and Port Elizabeth have airports serviced out of Johannesburg and are about 1:30 flights. You can also connect from here to Durban and Cape town by air.  There are bus services so if you want the scenic tour, that is an option.

You really need time to see it all.