The East London visitor is in for a real treat of sun, surf, wildlife and a whole host of historical and cultural sights to visit. Whether you’re interested in a relaxing beach escape, an exhilarating up-close encounter with the Big Five or the busier energy of the city, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in East London. The East London visitor is in for a real treat of sun, surf, wildlife and a whole host of historical and cultural sights to visit. Whether you’re interested in a relaxing beach escape, an exhilarating up-close encounter with the Big Five or the busier energy of the city, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in East London.
We’ve put together a 6-day itinerary that will appeal to the whole family – check it out:
Day 1: A day at the Eastern Beach
Whether you are staying in a hotel or with family and friends, a day at the beach is always in order when visiting East London. The city boasts several popular beaches including Cove Rock, Gonubie Beach, Bonza Bay, Nahoon Beach and Beacon Bay to name a few.
The Eastern Beach (main beachfront) in East London is the perfect place to spend the day lazing in the sun, building sandcastles, and swimming in the sea or public pools. Pack a picnic or visit the various food stalls for snacks.
A great idea for some afternoon fun is a trip to the East London Aquarium which is also on the Eastern Beach esplanade. For some evening entertainment, you can stop in at any of the many family-friendly restaurants on the beach front including The Windmill Road House, Wimpy, Bora Bora, Debonairs, Steers, and The Cow & Milk Shed.
Must-do: Treat the kids to a famous Friesland Milkshake after dinner. Known as the “best milkshakes in the world” and you will soon find out why!
Day 2: A day for snakes & mashie golf
Prepare to spend the day at Python Park, one of East London’s family attractions. You will need to drive a little in-land to this venue, but it will be well worth your while.
The Python Park offers a full day of fun. Take the kids to explore the venue’s world class snake park where they can learn more about the various species of snakes in the area. In the afternoon, lunch can be enjoyed at either of the on-site eateries which serve typical pub grub and are extremely family friendly. Next on your list for the day – a family game of mashie golf on Python Park’s 9 hole course. After a long day of activities you’re bound to be eager to spend some time relaxing.
Day 3: Fish at Bridal Drift Dam
No holiday in East London is complete without a little fishing. In fact, locals in the area love to spend a lazy day fishing, braaing and playing family-friendly games. This will be a full day affair packed with relaxation and fun.
Pack the bats and balls, towels, a picnic basket, a few good books, and the fishing rods. Today you head down to Bridal Drift Dam.
The dam which is located within a nature reserve (just 25 min drive from the city) is surrounded by thriving wildlife including antelope, birds and antelope. You can spend the whole day at the dam which offers well placed picnic sites, braai areas and even canoes for hire. Want to spend the night? There are great camping and accommodation facilities available at Bridal Drift dam.
Spend the evening round the camp fire telling ghost stories, roasting marshmallows and enjoying the surround-sound of nature.
Day 4: See 4 out of the Big 5 at Mpongo Park Private Reserve
Mpongo Park is located in the Macleantown District, and offers a full day of fun for the whole family including pony rides, tractor rides and a children’s playground.
Perfect for little people, you have the opportunity to interact with pigs, bunnies, horses, ducks, geese and tortoises. You can also view wildlife including bush buck, giraffe, warthog and lion cubs. In fact, the reserve is home to 4 of the Big Five.
Activities available include game drives, bird watching and swimming. You can enjoy dinner before leaving at the on-site restaurant or you can opt to stay the night. The reserve offers well-priced, upmarket accommodation.
Day 5: Take the Bats Cave Trail
Bats Cave is a beautiful sight, but it must be noted that it is only accessible at low tide, so your trip must be planned carefully. Your day starts out with a trip to the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve where you will wind your way along a 1.1km board walk that cuts through beach, sandstone formations, coves and cliffs.
Take a slow walk down and discover the various sights on the way, including the world famous excavation site where the oldest human footprints were found. Rock jumping, swimming and exploring are the order of the day.
You should also spend some time at the MBSA Coastal Education and Visitors Centre which is located at the start of the The Bats Cave Trail. This activity should take most of the day, leaving enough time to head back to your home-base to freshen up and start thinking about dinner.
Day 6: Meet Abbey the giraffe at Areena Resorts
Your last day has arrived and it’s time to spoil the kids. One particular venue in East London is designed to exceed all the expectations of every child (and adult for that matter). Areena is a great resort located on the East London Resorts Road. By day you can enjoy a whole host of activities including:
- River cruises
- Zipline tours
- Game drives on quad bikes
- Abseiling• Obstacle courses
- Pedal boat hire
- Archery
- Paintball
- Microlighting
The family can also expect to be delighted when meeting Abbey, which is the resort’s resident (and very friendly) giraffe. If you haven’t got accommodation set up for the night, the resort offers rondavels, cottages, chalets and camping facilities to choose from.
Book your cheap flights In SA & explore East London with the whole family!
When you book cheap flights to East London, it’s important to plan your time wisely. Use our itinerary to see what’s great for the whole family and then go out there and enjoy yourself!