DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
This orientation tour offers a general overview of South Africa’s only port city.In 1836, the British established East London as a military post, which they used 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 – and in 1873 East London was given town rights.

Today, about half-a-million people live in East London and the surrounding townships. The township of Mdantsane, 20 km 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.

Depart the quayside and proceed to the city centre. Drive along Oxford Street, passing the City Hall, built in 1897, in the 60th year of Queen Victoria’s reign. Today, the City Hall is graced with a statue of the martyred activist, Steven Biko. Also pass by the East London Museum, before continuing out towards Mdantsane township, which is home to the Xhosa, South Africa’s most politically influential tribe. En route, you will pass through Duncan Village, where the people of Mdantsane used to stay before the infamous forced removals, undertaken by the old Apartheid government, moved them out of this area to where they currently live.

After your drive through this area, you will then proceed via the national highway in an easterly direction, passing through rural countryside en route to Gonubie Beach. Gonubie Hotel will serve tea and freshly baked scones, and afterwards you may wish to take a stroll along the magnificent beach. From here, you return to the quayside, passing through some of the residential suburbs of East London, before joining the Esplanade, passing Orient and Eastern beaches en route.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
This overview of South Africa’s only port city takes in the city sights, then continues out towards Mdantsane township, home to South Africa’s most politically influential tribe, the Xhosa. At Gonubie Beach, enjoy tea and scones at the hotel or take a stroll on the magnificent beach.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 – 00:30 City drive-through (with photo stops)
00:30 – 01:30 Township drive-through (with photo stops)
01:30 – 02:00 Drive to Gonubie
02:00 – 02:30 Refreshments at Gonubie Hotel, as well as free-time for walking on the beach
02:30 – 03:00 Drive back to East London

Approximate duration: 3 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- This tour is suitable for guests in wheelchairs and those with walking difficulties
- Please note, however, that guests in wheelchairs will require the aid of a ship’s escort or spouse during the stop at Gonubie

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