East London is a good tourism base from which to strike out in any direction. This is the Gonubie walkway. Image: Adobe Stock
COVID-19 travel: Four daycation options close to East London
Summer in this Eastern Cape city also brings a chance to enjoy outings not too far away.
East London is a good tourism base from which to strike out in any direction. This is the Gonubie walkway. Image: Adobe Stock
If you are nervous to travel all over the place this December holiday, why not explore some of the day outings on offer within easy reach of East London? We’ve rounded up a few.
DAYCATION 1: The Surf is Calling at Chintsa
This gem of a beach town lies slightly further along the Amatola Coastal region, about 45 minutes’ drive from East London.
Beer and a view? Enjoy a brewery tour and craft beer experience at Emerald Vale. Looking for something else to quench your thirst? Try Crawfords Beach Lodge, a beach resort that offers day hiking trips, massages and cultural tours. And for the kiddies — lawn bowling, tennis, beach cricket, board games and more.
All that activity made you hungry? Visit Tea in the Trees, a food and craft market where you can support local vendors.
DAYCATION 2: Visit an enchanting forest in Stutterheim
The German-influenced town is a forest wonderland with mainly wattle and pine plantations, roughly 80km from East London on the N6. It’s home to the second-largest natural forest in South Africa, Kologha Forest Reserve, where you can wet your feet at the breathtaking waterfall.
Catch a stunning view of the sunset over Gubu Dam, known also for its fly-fishing potential. For Tolkien fans wanting to spend the night in the quaint town, there’s Shire Lodge, inspired by Tolkien’s well-known works, with the top of the lodge resembling Gandalf’s pointy hat.
DAYCATION 3: CLIMB THE CLIFFS AT MORGAN BAY
This seaside holiday village is only 45 minutes’ drive from East London. Look out for the Nguni cattle on the beach — a characteristic of the Wild Coast’s rugged natural beauty. The cliffs at Morgan Bay make for a stunning photo opportunity, and spotting dolphins and whales is a common occurrence at this spot.
The town has much to offer. From chasing waterfalls at Gxara Falls to fishing, horse riding and experiencing a day in the locals’ lives at iCiwili township, there is something for everyone.
DAYCATION 4: Action-Packed Day at Areena
Areena Riverside Resort is a quick drive of about 35km outside East London, and is close to Chintsa. For those not camping or staying in a chalet, day visits are allowed.
There are lots of activities to keep you busy. Take a picture and interact with camera-confident Abby the giraffe. Abby is actually a male giraffe, Abby standing for “Abnormally Big Baby”! For adrenaline junkies there is abseiling and zip lining. Kayaking on the Kwelera River is equally enjoyable.
