Dating in East London: Best Free Sites & Apps

Dating in East London

East London is the main city of Buffalo City, on the Eastern Cape’s “Wild Coast” side of the province. It is South Africa’s only river port, and its economy relies on the motor industry, with the Mercedes-Benz plant a major employer, as well as the port, education and health. The city has a relaxed, small-town feel, with beaches, surf breaks and friendly neighbourhoods.

Walter Sisulu University and the University of Fort Hare both have campuses in the city, bringing in students. English and isiXhosa are widely spoken, and many people have family in the surrounding towns such as Mthatha, King William’s Town (Qonce) and Gonubie. For dating, the pool is modest, so many people search across the wider Buffalo City area.

Sites and apps for East London

All the services in our South Africa ranking work in English:

• eDarling and be2, which both use a personality test, for a serious relationship.
• 40sDating, for singles in their 40s.
• Singles 50, our top-rated South African site, and 50sDating, for over-50s.
• 60sDating, for over-60s.

These sites are free to join, with match suggestions at no cost and messaging on a paid plan. Tinder, Bumble and Badoo have free chat with matches; including Gonubie, Beacon Bay and Qonce in your radius gives you more profiles.

Nahoon, the Esplanade and Vincent

Nahoon Beach and its famous reef are popular with surfers, and the boardwalk through the dunes makes a pleasant walk. The Esplanade along Orient Beach in Quigney has restaurants and sea views and is a good place for a first drink. Vincent and Berea have cafés and restaurants, and the Hemingways Mall area offers a safe, busy option for a first meeting.

The coast north and south of the city, including Gonubie and Cintsa, has quieter beaches for a day out. The East London Aquarium and the nature reserves along the coast are good daytime options.

Surfing, running clubs, parkrun, social sport and church groups are good ways to meet people. University societies offer events for students.

Safety tips

Meet in a busy public place for the first date, arrange your own transport and share your location with a friend. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards. Never send money, airtime or bank details to someone you met online.

Which site fits you in East London?

All services work in English. In East London, the right choice depends on your age and what you want.

Production engineer, 31, at the car plant, living in Vincent

eDarling suits people looking for a long-term relationship. Free tip: a walk on the Nahoon boardwalk is an easy first date.

Walter Sisulu University student, 22, in Southernwood

Badoo and Tinder have free chat. Free tip: the beach and the Esplanade are free and lively places to meet.

Single dad, 45, in Beacon Bay

40sDating keeps you among people at a similar stage. Free tip: suggest a coffee in Beacon Bay on a weekend morning.

Retired teacher, 63, in Gonubie

60sDating and Singles 50 suit mature singles. Free tip: a stroll along Gonubie’s beach is a gentle first outing.

Dating in East London: FAQ

Is East London good for dating?

It is relaxed and friendly, with a modest pool. A focused site plus a free app works best.

What is the best dating site in East London?

eDarling and be2 suit a serious relationship, and Singles 50 is our top pick for over-50s.

Which dating apps are free in East London?

Tinder, Bumble and Badoo all let you chat with matches for free.

Where should I go on a first date in East London?

Nahoon Beach, the Esplanade in Quigney, or a café in Vincent.