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Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. There are 12 named mountains in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Ntsikizini is the highest point, at 564 meters (1,850 ft). The most prominent mountain is Mount Vale, at 282 meters (925 ft).
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality includes East London, the provincial capital of Bhisho, Qonce (formerly King William’s Town), and surrounding rural areas. Buffalo City became a metropolitan municipality in 2011 due to its urban population and economic significance.
Covering an area of approximately 275,000 ha (679538 ac), Buffalo City has a population of over 850,000 residents. The majority speak Xhosa, followed by English and Afrikaans.
The municipality lies along the Indian Ocean to the southeast, featuring beaches and coastal ecosystems. The coastal region consists of beaches, estuaries, and dunes, while hills and valleys define inland areas. The municipality also includes parts of the Amathole Mountains. The area has a moderate coastal climate, with mild winters and warm summers, supporting diverse plant and animal life and outdoor activities.
East London is the largest city and an economic hub with one of South Africa's few river ports at the Buffalo River's mouth. Other rivers, such as the Nahoon and Gonubie, are also key features.
Tourism features prominently, with attractions like the East London Museum, Nahoon and Gonubie beaches, the Steve Biko Centre, and nearby nature reserves.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has a varied geological landscape shaped by coastal and inland features. The coastal region comprises Quaternary-age sands and alluvial deposits, forming beaches, dunes, and estuaries. These sediments overlay older rock formations.
Inland, the geology is dominated by sedimentary rocks of the Karoo Supergroup, including sandstones, mudstones, and shales from the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. These formations often contain coal seams and are interspersed with dolerite sills and dykes from past volcanic activity.
The region contains diverse ecosystems, including coastal, riverine, and inland environments. Coastal areas feature sandy beaches, rocky shores, and estuaries like those at the Buffalo, Nahoon, and Gonubie rivers. These habitats support marine life, bird species, mangroves, and salt marshes.
Inland ecosystems include grasslands, thickets, and savanna vegetation, supporting antelope, small mammals, and birds. The fertile soils of these areas are used for agriculture.
The San people were early inhabitants of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, followed by Khoikhoi pastoralists and Xhosa-speaking communities that developed organized societies.
European settlers arrived in the late 18th and 19th centuries, leading to colonial expansion, conflicts over land, and the displacement of indigenous populations. East London was established as a port in 1847, and King William’s Town became a key administrative center. The region was also a focal point during the Xhosa Wars, which shaped its demographic and social landscape.
During apartheid, the municipality saw forced removal and segregation. Bhisho, now the Eastern Cape's capital, was part of the Ciskei Bantustan under apartheid policies.
Buffalo City underwent political and social transformation after the collapse of apartheid in 1994. It was established as a municipality in 2000 and became a metropolitan municipality in 2011.
The Strandloper Hiking Trail in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is a 57-kilometer (35-mile) route from Kei Mouth to Gonubie. This four-day trail features beaches, rocky shores, estuaries, forests, and sand dunes. Hikers can enjoy coastal views, marine and bird life, and tidal pools. Key stops include Double Mouth, Haga Haga, and Morgan's Bay, each with unique natural attractions.
Located in East London’s Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve, the Dassie Trail is a 2 km (1.2 mi) family-friendly trail. Starting at the Visitor Centre, it passes through a forest and onto a boardwalk with views of mudflats and mangrove trees. The well-maintained trail is suitable for all ages, with benches for rest and bird-watching. Bird species like the Narina Trogon can often be spotted, and there are picnic spots with scenic views. At the trail's end, visitors can swim in the river.
The Sunrise-On-Sea to Kwelera Mouth Trail is a 6 km (4 mi) one-way walk or a 12 km (8 mi) round-trip hike. This family-friendly trail features ocean views, boulder-strewn beaches, and coastal forests. Wildlife, such as blue duikers, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, and various bird species, including the Knysna lourie, can often be spotted. The trail ends at the Kwelera River Mouth estuary, a popular fishing spot for kob and spotted grunter. Hiking at low tide is recommended to best enjoy the beach route and river area.
The Pirie Forest Hike is a 9 km (5.5 mi) circular trail in the Amatola Mountains. Starting at Maden Dam, it passes through Indigenous forests and includes sights such as a disused sawmill, colorful fungi, and moss-covered tree stumps. A key highlight is the Sandile Trail, which leads to a cave with scenic views. This cave was historically a hideout for Chief Sandile during the frontier wars.
East London is the largest city and economic center, located along the Indian Ocean. It features the country's only river port at the Buffalo River and is renowned for its automotive industry, beaches, and landmarks like the East London Museum and Nahoon Beach.
The East London Coast Nature Reserve spans over 3,000 ha (7,413 ac) from the Great Kei River to the Tylomnqa River. It includes ten coastal reserves and two inland forests and showcases diverse ecosystems such as beaches, coastal forests, and wetlands.
Nahoon Point Nature Reserve is notable for its coastal views and paleoanthropological significance, preserving ancient human footprints.
Umtiza Forest, atop Buffalo Pass, follows the Buffalo River’s curves and protects native forest remnants, including the rare Umtiza listeriana tree.
Qonce was founded in 1835 at the foot of the Amatola Mountains and is surrounded by an agricultural district.
The Steve Biko Museum, in nearby Ginsberg, honors anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko and offers insight into the Black Consciousness Movement and the struggle against apartheid.
The Amathole Museum showcases the region’s natural history, including exhibits on the Xhosa people, German settlers, and local military history.
The Amatola Hiking Trail in Hogsback is a challenging 100 km (60 mi), six-day hike through forests, mountains, and waterfalls, considered one of South Africa’s best multi-day hikes.
Explore Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality with the PeakVisor 3D Map and identify its summits.
