Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

EAST LONDON (including Gonubie and Mdantsane)
Buffalo City Tourism, PO Box 533, East London, 5200
Tel: +27 (0) 43 722 6015
Fax: +27 (0) 43 743 5091
E-mail: info@tourismbuffalocity.co.za
Website: www.visitbuffalocity.co.za
“Imonti”, the Xhosa name for East London, was derived from the Dutch word
“mond” (mouth) and refers to the position of the city on the mouth of the
Buffalo River. In 1836, George Rex was sent to survey the river mouth area.
Not long after, the Union Jack was hoisted on Signal Hill, signifying the start of
a new settlement. As the years passed, more people moved to the area,
including a substantial German complement. Dredging of the harbour began in
1886 and in 1935 the only double-+deck bridge in the country was built here.
Today, East London is South Africa’s only river port and is home to many
industries. Many products and materials, such as wood, citrus fruit and
mineral ore are exported from here.
East London is the gateway to the Eastern Cape hinterland with its
picturesque Xhosa villages and towns of British, Dutch and German origin and
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