Get to know East London better (8)

November 2023

Not one, not two or even three … but four rivers run through East London!

Those rivers are:

  1. Buffalo River
  2. Nahoon River
  3. Quenera River (commonly known as the Bonza Bay River)
  4. Gqunube River (or Gonubie River)

Map of the four rivers in East London (from bottom to top: Buffalo, Nahoon, Quenera and Gqunube)

As we have already mentioned in earlier posts, the Port of East London is South Africa’s only remaining river port. So, it should come as no surprise that there is more than just one river. But we were amazed that there are so many rivers so close to each other.

In just 3 hours we visited all four rivers during a Saturday morning. Come with us and decide which one is your favourite.

Buffalo River:

Buffalo River

The Buffalo River is the largest of the four rivers and home to South Africa’s only river port. British settlers landed at the mouth of this river in 1836. The Buffalo River, with a length of approximately 126km, originates in the forested Amatola Mountains of the Eastern Cape Province at an altitude of 1200 metres before entering the Indian Ocean at East London Harbour.

Upstream of the Buffalo River

Downstream of the Buffalo River

When visitors enter the city of East London from King Phalo Airport, they will cross the Buffalo River. There is a choice between two bridges – the Steve Biko Bridge (formerly known as the John Vorster Bridge) built in 1973 and located on the main road or the more historic Double Decker Bridge completed in 1935.

Double Decker Bridge

 

Steve Biko Bridge

Some of you may remember our post regarding the unusual Double Decker Bridge (read here). This is the only bridge of its kind in South Africa where the upper part is intended for cars and pedestrians and the lower part for trains.

Close up of the Double Decker Bridge

The Mercedez Benz plant is located near the port and it is here that the C-Class sedan for right- and left-hand drive markets is produced for exports. In addition to the brand-new vehicles being loaded onto large cargo ships, it is also home to The Buffalo River Yacht Club.

Yachts in the harbour

Considering that the Buffalo River plays such an important role in East London, it is no wonder that this city is affectionately known as Buffalo City among the locals.

First river – Buffalo River

Nahoon River:

Nahoon River

The Nahoon River is east of the Buffalo River. This river is 77km long with the suburbs of Nahoon and Beacon Bay on its banks. On the cliffs overlooking the river are beautiful hotels, guesthouses and luxury homes.

The view from the Blue Lagoon Hotel

This river flows through the Nahoon Estuary Reserve and is Africa’s southernmost mangrove forest. Its mouth is located near Nahoon Reef which is a famous surfing spot (but unfortunately also known for attacks by great white sharks).

The Nahoon River joins the Indian Ocean

The Dassie Trail winds its way along a boardwalk through the estuary and is a great nature trail for both adults and kids. (On a previous occasion, my mom and I walked this trail – you can read about it here).

The Nahoon River as seen from the Dassie Trail

When entering the city from the N6 highway (coming from the interior), a bridge takes you over the Nahoon River. However, there are quite a few bridges that cross this river and Berto and I often drive on the well-known Old Transkei Road on a low water bridge that also crosses the Nahoon River.

The main bridge in the distance over the Nahoon River (photo was taken from the low water bridge)

The Nahoon River upstream as seen from the low water bridge

Earlier this year we had a severe thunderstorm and when we crossed the low water bridge, we were fortunate to see the Nahoon River in flood.

Nahoon River in flood earlier this year

The Nahoon River is a great place for people who love the outdoors – whether you’re out on the water on one of the popular river cruises or simply enjoying a picnic or ‘braai’ on the riverside.

Second river – Nahoon River

Quenera River (Bonza Bay River):

Quenera River

The Quenera River, commonly known as the Bonza Bay River to the locals, shares its banks with the Quenera Local Authority Nature Reserve. The river runs through the heart of the suburbs of Beacon Bay and Bonza Bay. As we drove to all the different rivers, we found the causeway at the Quenera Nature Reserve, which is located in the last bend of the Quenera River.

Causeway at the Quenera Nature Reserve

We went for a walk on the banks of the Quenera River and found it very quiet and beautiful. It is probably the most unspoilt and undeveloped of all East London rivers.

On the banks of the Quenera River

Quenera River

Quenera River

When the river mouth is closed (in the dry months), the sandbanks create a lovely water playground perfect for young families and fishermen who pump the sand for river prawns (bate).

At the mouth of the Quenera River

The Quenera River is the shortest of the four rivers of East London with a length of only 14.1km. As this is a quiet beach (except during weekends and holidays), it is recommended that people walk in groups and not alone.

Third river – Quenera River

Gonubie River (Gqunube River):

Gqunube River

The Gqunube River has a length of 74km and passes through the Lomardy Private Nature Reserve, flanked by the Gonubie Estuary to the Gonubie River Mouth. The river serves as a great place for activities such as canoeing and kayaking.

Gqunube River

The beachside town of Gonubie is situated approximately 18km from East London and is named after the Gqunube River.

On the bank of the Gqunube River

We love going to the beautiful Gonubie Beach where there is a lovely boardwalk with stunning views of the sea. (You can read about one of our walks on this beach here).

Walking on the beach at the mouth of the Gqunube River

Beach at the mouth of the Gqunube River

There are picnic areas along the Gqunube River and one can also enjoy the popular 2-hour Gonubie River cruises. This river (and especially the beach) may just be our favourite of the four rivers of East London.

Fourth river – Gqunube River

There’s something special about being near water – whether it’s the sea, lagoon or a river. We hope you enjoyed our take on the four rivers of East London. There are so many quotes about rivers, perhaps the following one is appropriate: