Making the most of East London
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The ships dock at the Port of East London, located a short distance (3km) from the town center. Taxis are generally available at the port exit when a cruise vessel is in port.
As South Africa's only large river and sea port, East London is important for the export of citrus fruit, mineral ores and wool. A considerable amount of goods are imported here as well. The first documented vessel to arrive in these waters was in 1688 while searching for survivors of a shipwreck. In 1848, a proclamation annexed the area to the Cape Colony. Today, East London serves as the area's commercial center and is a bustling town with a population of approximately 175,000. The town's small museum contains the world's only surviving egg of the extinct dodo bird, as well as a mounted coelacanth, caught near East London in 1938, a fish…
Nearby places
Go west to Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route driving through Port Alfred.
The Wild Coast is a rough and spectacular coast line to the east
Go north to Bloemfontein, inside the Karoo.
Food and shopping
Latimer's Landing This new harborside development near the Buffalo River features a variety of shops and restaurants.
Hemingways Mall: A large shopping complex offering a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options including a casino and cinema.
Money
The currency is the Rand (ZAR) Automated teller machines (ATMs), linked to all major international networks, are available throughout the country. It is best to use only ATMs that are inside a mall or other building. Always be careful to make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN, and be vigilant about scams (e.g. machines that seem to eat your card and won't give it back after you enter the PIN).
Most retail stores accept credit cards.
Staying connected
South Africa has 11 official languages. Most people other than rural black Africans speak English, although not many as a first language. Afrikaans is also widely-spoken, especially by the white and colored population.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1400, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all weekend in major tourist spots. Shopping malls often stay open til' 9PM.