Beautiful, charming, unspoiled Bonza Bay
As a child I grew up in the little, sleepy seaside village of Bonza Bay in East London.
Built on the banks of the Quenera River, this sleepy little coastal village is situated on the gently rolling Eastern Cape hills, with breathtaking views down to the river mouth. The steep narrow streets and bumpy roads are still the same, with just a few more potholes (like everywhere) but the charm factor is still there in buckets.
Boasting one of the most spectacular beaches in South Africa, Bonza Bay has miles of unspoiled sandy beaches surrounded by lush coastal vegetation and local wildlife. When the river mouth is closed (in the dry months) the sandbanks creates a beautiful water playground, perfect for young families, and fisherman pumping the sand for river prawns (bate).
On the weekends, families can be seen enjoying the wonderful beach, and many walkers can be seen strolling, walking or jogging along the beach… many with their dogs in tow. There is a lifesavers shack situated at the river mouth however as this is not a busy beach, it is recommended that bathers check to see if there are lifeguards on duty before heading into the sea.
The only facilities available on this quiet and secluded beach are the riverside parking lot and some picnic sites.. however this is it’s charm. If you are planning to visit this beach, best you bring what you need… or do without. Alcohol is forbidden on the beach and at the picnic site however be warned that on special holidays the public have been known to break this rule, so during these times, use these facilities at your own discretion.
The Quenera River is the most unspoilt and undeveloped of all East London rivers, winding it’s way from Beacon Bay North through the Quenera Local Authority Nature Reserve and has it’s mouth at the East London Coast Nature Reserve. The pace is slow and gentle… kinda like the village.
The Village of Bonza Bay is a residential village with private homes making up most of the property in this area. There are however some guesthouses in the village if you are looking to get away from it all. The Bonza Bay Bowling Club is situated close to the entrance at the beach and is a well maintained and supported club that offers it’s facilities for hire.
Bonza Bay is still the village of my childhood, with bigger homes, nicer roads (some of them)… but still that laid back coastal village, in the heart of East London. Make sure you pay it a visit next time you are visiting.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the secluded nature of this beach, please make sure that you walk in groups and take reasonable security precautions.
Article: Sandy Loppnow
Photographs: Andre Oosthuizen