Things to do near
Southernwood
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Galleries and Museums
in
East London (0.9 km from Southernwood) The Ann Bryant Art Gallery is dedicated to increasing aesthetic awareness of cultural diversity and promoting the work of prominent Eastern Cape artists. The elegant old house was built in 1905 and officially opened to the public as a gallery in 1947.
The gallery houses a collection of 20th Century South African paintings, primarily of Victorian and Cape Dutch style. It is situated in East London in an Edwardian building on the corner of St. Marks Road and Oxford Street.
Some of the artwork on display includes that of Norman Catherine, Judith Mason, Walter Battiss, Sydney Carter, George Pemba, John Maufangejo, Cyprian Shilakoe and Willie Bester.
There is also a lovely coffee shop where guests can enjoy a cup of coffee and a light meal.
Galleries and Museums
in
East London (1.8 km from Southernwood) Have you ever checked out a coelacanth? The East London Museum’s claim to fame came in 1938 when this funky fish with limb-like fins was caught in the Chalumna River.
Believed to have become extinct more than 50 million years ago, there are now between 200 and 300 of these ‘prehistoric’ fish near the Comoro Islands in the Indian Ocean. The type specimen on display had presumably been carried down to East London by the current.
Other treasures to see are a large fossil reptile skull with skeleton and trace-fossil footprints dated back to 120 000 years ago – the earliest evidence of homosapiens in Africa!
Also on display are a dodo’s egg, live beehive and numerous specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Cultural collections include an informative display of maritime history of the area and a vast collection of beadwork that reflects the creativity of the Xhosa-speaking people.
Where? 319 Oxford Street, East London
Monday to Thursday 9:30 – 16:30
Friday 9:30 – 16:00
Saturday 10:00 – 13:00
Sunday & Public Holidays 10:00 – 15:00
Closed on Christmas Day.
Animal Parks
in
East London (1.9 km from Southernwood) The East London Zoo is located in the Queens Park Zoological Gardens close to the city centre.
The zoo houses about 50 mammal species, including chimpanzees and white lions. There is also a variety of birds, fish and reptiles on display. The zoo has a striking mix of indigenous and exotic vegetation.
The childrens playground offers pony rides and a "Smarties Train" to entertain the kids.
Sports Stadiums Clubs
in
Bunkers Hill (1.9 km from Southernwood) East London's main cricket ground is Buffalo Park, home turf of the Warriors cricket squad. With a seating capacity of 20 000, it is a regular venue for One Day Internationals and hosted one Test match in 2002.
Beaches
in
Quigney (2.3 km from Southernwood) Although East London is considered the most laid-back city in South Africa, it has a thriving beach culture with a beach to suit everyone. Eastern Beach frequently offers awesome waves for surfers, is regarded as a photographer’s nirvana and lures more adventurous beachgoers. Situated centrally and close to the East London Aquarium, its also one of the most popular. Facilities include changing rooms and take-away outlets.
Popular Attractions
in
East London (2.4 km from Southernwood) The East London Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in South Africa. It was opened in 1931 and strives to offer unique displays and play an active role in conserving the coastline and estuaries in the East London region.
Visitors can view the migration of southern right whales, humped-back whales, and the ever-present bottle-nose dolphins through binoculars on the magnificent whale deck.
There is a breeding colony of African penguins to be seen, a shark tank, a rare display of Cape pigmy clawed lobsters, as well as a rehabilitation pool with injured marine animals, including turtles, seals, dolphins, and gannets.
Four By Four Trails
in
East London (2.5 km from Southernwood) De Kraal offers a few 4x4 routes about 15 km outside of East London. The exact GPS coordinates are unknown and have been placed in East London; please call for address and further details. The trails vary from 8 km to 35 km along a beautiful mountain route. The trails also vary in time to complete, from 1 hour to 4 hours. These self-drive trails vary if grading from 1 to 5. 4x2 vehicles with diff lock are welcome as well as soft 4x4s without low range. Quads are permitted.
Beaches
in
Quigney (2.9 km from Southernwood) Orient Beach is one of East London’s most popular beaches for swimming. The waves are gentle and it’s very safe. It’s easy for families to spend the entire day here. Kids can burn off excess energy at the Water Tube and there are changing facilities, a refreshment kiosk and large areas of lawn. Orient Beach is conveniently close to the local hotels and shops.
Golf Courses
in
Bunkers Hill (3.4 km from Southernwood) Highly regarded as a must-play course, East London Golf Club provides golfers an amazing experience.
Recent renovations have propelled this course among the best courses around, and has had it's share hosting many tournaments. The varied terrain makes this 18-hole a combination of links and parkland. Facilities include a pro shop, lounge and club bar, and halfway house.
Shopping Malls
in
Dorchester Heights (3.5 km from Southernwood) Hemingways Mall is expediently situated off the N2 Highway running to PE and Mthatha at the corner of Western Avenue and Two Rivers Drive.
The lively mall offers a wide range of entertainment and a specially designed amphitheatre where guests can enjoy fashion and music shows.
Over 200 stores include clothing shops, jewellery stores, stationers, restaurants and coffee shops, movies, home, decor, interior and furniture, hair and beauty salons, banking and finance, health, optometrists, audio visual equipment, electronics and music.
Anchor tenants include Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Edgars, Fashion TV, Capello's, KFC, Primi Piatti and more.
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursdays 09:00 – 18:00
Friday 09:00 – 19:00
Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday and Public Holidays 09:00 – 16:00
Public Holidays 09:00 – 18:00.
Beaches
in
Nahoon (3.6 km from Southernwood) Send your kids to Jonginenge Eco Adventures for an action-packed day while you take a much-needed break.
The Jonginenge team will keep the children busy with exciting activities at Nahoon Beach. Trained lifeguards give surfing lessons and provide other beach-based action ranging from sand boarding to paddling, snorkeling to fishing and environmental appreciation.
083 305 2590 / 083 565 0514
www.jonginenge.co.za
Golf Courses
in
Stirling (3.8 km from Southernwood) Set on fairways steeped in history, the top-rated East London Golf Course is regarded as a delightful playing experience on a course every golfer should play.
Many champions have walked the fairways and teed off in South Africa’s Championship Tournaments here. East London Golf Club hosted the SA Open six times and is a regular home for National and Regional Championships, Seniors and Nomads Tournaments.
East London Golf Club is one of the oldest and most established golf clubs in the country. The traditional course layout is set amongst undulating hills, dunes and coastal indigenous scrubland. It combines both links and parkland features.
A family of impala are resident on the course and you can soften spot Knysna loeries and many other species of birds.
Hiking Trail
in
Nahoon (4.4 km from Southernwood) This easy trail in the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve is a fantastic walk for families. The Dassie Trail starts at the Visitor Centre and wanders through forest to an open area of mud flats fringed with mangrove trees. Most of the trail is on a boardwalk with information boards and tree labels adding to the experience. Keen birders should keep an eye open for the Narina Trogon.
Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve is open on weekdays from 09:00 – 16:00. Entrance is free.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Very easy
Distance: 2 km
Hiking Trail
in
Horseshoe Valley (5.1 km from Southernwood) This one-day trail is circular and runs for 8 km. It is well marked and passes through a conservancy area in the Horseshoe Valley along the Nahoon River. The walk takes you through the Tilty Hill banana plantations into a natural forest. There is a picnic area on the way with safe swimming spots. Two huts with 12 beds each are available.
Beaches
in
Nahoon (5.1 km from Southernwood) Nahoon Beach is part of the pristine Buffalo City coastline that encompasses secluded beaches and an estuary offering mild to wild experiences. Perfect for simply soaking up the sun or extreme big wave surfing, kite surfing, short hikes and fly fishing in the estuary.
Join the team at Jonginenge Eco Education, or call a surf school and learn to catch the waves at this legendary spot.