This office in Aliwal North is the regional tourism office for the Eastern Cape Tourism Board as well as the Secretariat of the Maloti Route. It is responsible for the development and marketing of tourism initiatives in line with the national White Paper on Tourism.

The office prides itself in involving the whole community in promoting the area, compiling tourism statistics, building capacity and developing tourism packages. Visitors can obtain more information about the Maloti Route by calling or visiting the office.

]]> 26.70899963378906250,-30.69729995727539062 SEK Mqhayi Monument is situated about 3km outside Berlin on the way to East London. SEK Mqhayi was a praise singer for most of the Xhosa chiefs.

Praise singing is described as one of the last living traditions of spontaneous oral poetry in the world.

THE PRAISE SINGING TRADITION:

A vigorous oral tradition has existed throughout South African history – from the lyric songs of the Bushmen to the praise singing of African societies.

The praise singing tradition was highlighted when Zolani Mkhiva, 22, performed at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela at the opening of the first democratically elected Parliament in South Africa in 1994. He comes from a family tradition of imbongi – his uncle and grandfather were praise singers too.

The praise singer – or imbongi – was as much a critic as an eulogiser. He also fulfilled a role as a commentator on political events and as a mediator. The praise singer as critic commented on delicate political situations – and as mediator conveyed to political leaders what the common folk were saying.

Some imbongi regard themselves as prophets or visionaries. As one writer to a newspaper letters page commented: “Indeed, it is when they stop praising that one needs to begin to worry!”

The praise song was a highly emotional enactment, praising the features or characteristics of a person, usually a chief or very important person, and it tended to exaggerate somewhat.

There are usually six sections to the structure of a typical praise song:

a statement of intention or a salutation in the form of an exclamation “A!”;
praises treating physical and moral qualities of the subject;
praises treating his achievements;
genealogical information;
reference to the social context;
exhortation of the audience and a concluding formula at the end of a performance .(‘Ncincilili’ – ‘I disappear’ – or ‘the imbongi has spoken’).

]]> 27.59337425231933594,-32.88823318481445312 This museum, established in 1884, is interesting for its mammal displays, missionary history, Xhosa anthropology and German Settler and military and local history. It also has research facilities and an Education Centre.

THE GREAT TREK OF HUBERTA THE HIPPO:

The wandering hippopotamus Huberta, who started a great trek across South Africa in November 1928, is the star exhibit at this museum in King Williams Town. She spent three years covering about 1 600km, wandering from Richards Bay in Kwazulu-Natal as far as the Keiskamma River near King William’s Town. During her long journey, she munched her way through gardens, gate-crashed parties, knocked down fences, overturned boats, trampled golf courses and wallowed in lagoons. Initially christened ‘Hubert’ by the media she was promptly renamed Huberta when her sex became obvious!

During a visit in Northern Natal someone decided she’d make a good mate for a lonely hippo in the Johannesburg zoo, but the lady was not in favour! She ran for it, charging aggressively and chasing people up trees. Afterwards she was proclaimed royal game, photographers followed her, the media wrote about her journeys and she attracted many fans.
Huberta’s next stop was Durban, munching her way through sugar cane fields, trampling over gardens, then wallowing in the lagoon at the mouth of the Mlanga river for a season. Then Huberta set off again this time into Durban itself. She waddled through golf courses, housing estates and even gate-crashed a party at the Durban country club by appearing on the verandah among the partygoers.

Realising she was unwelcome there, she charged off, crashing through fences and fields. On a stroll into town, she paid the local chemist a visit.

Huberta was admired by all cultures: Indians sacrificed a goat in her honour, Zulus believed she had a connection to their leader Shaka as she often visited Zulu pools and the Pondo tribe of the Wild Coast believed she was a reincarnated legendary diviner.

In 1930 Huberta had reached Port St Johns where she promptly began grazing in gardens and overturning boats, much to the amusement of some. She stayed here for six months, then wandered on. By March 1931 she had reached East London where she made it to the Keiskamma river where, sadly, three hunters shot her. After a national outcry, the hunters were caught and pleading ignorance, were fined the equivalent of R25. Experts recovered her body and took her back with them to the museum where she can be seen today.

]]> 27.39406585693359375,-32.88463211059570312 Mkulu Kei Horse Trails offers trails through farmland, along the coastline and through private game parks - a unique way of seeing and experiencing the countryside.

]]> 28.32089996337890625,-32.66709899902343750 Cozy Lodge is located in a suburb of Butterworth and was established in 1997 as a joint venture by Mr Mnqonywa and his partner. Their initial idea was to cater for people travelling between Umtata and East London but in time they realized that there was a need for conference facilities for government officials, contract workers and other kinds of meetings. So they configured their lodge accordingly and now cater for people as far away as Durban. There are six en-suite rooms each fitted with a television and DSTV channels.

There is an on-site restaurant and braai (barbeque) facilities for those who enjoy a barbeque. There is also a fully licensed bar and pool table for visitors.

Cozy Lodge also provide transportation for pick-ups and drop-offs, as well as a tour guiding services should visitors wish to explore the area while staying over. Such tours cover the areas of Butterworth such as Bawa Falls, King Phalo’s Gravesite, the Butterworth Monument and surrounding areas.

]]> 28.13750076293945312,-32.33110046386718750 Mnquma Craft is a community initiative that was established by a number of Butterworth women. There are many women in Butterworth and the surrounding rural villages with talent for making traditional Xhosa products. They have managed to acquire a small office building next to the Butterworth Monument built along the national road passing through the town, in order to display their wares, such as garments, beadwork, curios, arts and crafts and some stunning woodworks.

]]> 28.14480018615722656,-32.33169937133789062 The location of Ocean View Hotel is truly unique and it offers an authentic experience, combined with South African traditional hospitality. Easily accessible on a tarred road all the way from Umtata, Ocean View allows adventure seekers an opportunity to enjoy the luxury of hotel accommodation while exploring the wide-open spaces of this unspoilt region.

The wide range of outdoors activities include:

Cling to your seat 4x4 excursions along the rugged coastline;
Invigorating hikes along the cliffs towering above the sea;
Excellent rock and surf angling; and
Diving and snorkelling.

And if adrenaline rushes aren’t part of your holiday plans, Ocean View’s the place to relax and sooth your soul:

Snooze in the sun beside the sparkling swimming pool;
Be lulled to sleep by the constant ebb and flow of the sea;
Watch the dolphins at play in the bay;
Borrow a book in the library and read in the gardens;
Enjoy a drink and convivial company at the jetty Beach Bar – just a stone’s throw from the waves;
Stroll along a pristine beach and feel the wind in your hair;
Go bird-watching in the coastal forest;
Marvel at nature at a nearby Mangrove swamp; and
Watch the sun set over the sea from a vantage point on the majestic Mapuzi Cliffs.

]]> 29.14889907836914062,-31.98310089111328125 Khanyisa Intsimbi is an initiative by Mrs Mbeki, the mother of President Thabo Mbeki, and a group of local women at the village of Idutywa. The women are all talented in making traditional garments such as mibaco (Xhosa traditional garment), beadwork and other traditional products.

The women are also involved in preparing and looking after vegetable gardens in their village. This initiative helps the community by getting its members more involved in growing their own vegetables. Due to this initiative, most homesteads have decided to utilize their yard spaces by turning them into small gardens where they grow vegetables such as spinach, cabbages and other kinds of vegetables.

The president’s mother is very proud of this project because she believes it makes the community take charge of its own destiny. Mrs Mbeki also has a spaza shop at her house, catering for the surrounding and nearby residences. Everyone in the village is very fond of her, because of her insistence on staying with the locals in her village.

]]> 28.33699989318847656,-32.14429855346679688 This is a community project that does different kinds of performances to entertain people. Such performances include drama, dancing, story telling, and singing, all aimed at promoting and preserving the Pondo culture. They also exhibit Pondo traditional attire and arts and crafts.

The Pondo traditional garments are on sale and visitors are also welcome to place orders should they require some tailor-made Xhosa clothing for special occasions.

]]> 29.57399940490722656,-31.36470031738281250 Magwa Curio Shop is situated on the rolling hills of the Tea Plantation just outside Lusikisiki Town, near the unspoilt natural beauty of Magwa Falls and Frazer’s Falls. It is along the lovely landscape that rolls down to Mbotyi Beach, which is one of the major tourist attractions in this region of the Wild Coast.

Magwa Visual Arts Studio and Curio Shop is a project initiated by Magwa Tea Estate to give the rural community an opportunity to express themselves through art-works. It is at the same time an economic venture involving both the young and old in the community in earning some income through the sale of their products.

Some of the art-works on sale include:

Handmade pottery;
Textiles fabric painted such as table cloths and cushions; and
Drawings of various subject matter by mix medium oil paint.

]]> 29.64889907836914062,-31.45689964294433594 Situated in the wilderness area at the mouth of the Mbotyi River, this is the perfect place for a peaceful, tranquil or adventurous gateway. The resort is 26km from Lusikisiki and is easily accessible by car.

Trails: There are number of interesting sites to be visited by car, mountain bike, horseback or on foot. There are also five magnificent waterfalls within walking distance from the lodge.

Whale and Dolphin-viewing: These beautiful creatures are frequently sighted from one of the many vantage points at Mbotyi, especially during the annual sardine run.

Horse-riding: Experience the magic of horse riding along the foothills and beaches of the Mbotyi area.

Fishing: Rock, surf and fly-fishing can all be enjoyed along the coast and on the estuary. More than 800 species of marine fish occur off this coast.

Bird-watching: One of Mbotyi’s main attractions is the pristine coastal flora that cloaks the hills overlooking the sea, the most extensive patch on the entire Wild Coast. A weekend spent bird watching could produce over 100 species.

Lodge: Beautiful sea and lagoon facing rooms each with their own unique view and ambience.

]]> 29.73590087890625000,-31.46430015563964844 This is a group of highly qualified individuals specializing in woodwork and using the indigenous local wood for what they make. The group’s work yard is located at the small village in Lusikisiki close to the Magwa Tea Plantation and the famous Magwa Falls. Mr Boise, who has exhibited many pieces of his woodwork throughout the country, leads them.

President Mandela commissioned some of the well-known works by the Zama-Zama Group. The group carves a whole range of products from wooden spoons to guitars, tables and chairs, room dividers, kitchen schemes and many items of home furniture.

]]> 29.25180053710937500,-31.28149986267089844 Cremorne Estate is situated on the banks of the awesome Umzimvubu River on the Wild Coast, an area legendary for its unspoilt beauty and rich plant and animal life. As a fishing destination it is unmatched in offering the very best rock, surf, fly, river and deep sea fishing for enthusiasts.

The Cremorne Estate offers three distinctly different accommodation options:

For a little bit of Wild Coast hospitality, the Bed & Breakfast in Timber Cabins with en-suite facilities.
For the “Do It Yourself” holidaymaker there are Self Catering Cottages at economical prices and,
For the Outdoor Type, the Caravan and Camping Sites are fully serviced with water and electricity.

Once here, you will find that there is more to do that you can find time for . . .

A la Carte Restaurant;
Cosy Pub with Pool Tables, Darts, Satellite television;
Sundeck and Swimming Pool;
Scenic Walk and bird-watching;
Fishing and Boating (with boats for hire, jetties and launch slipway);
On-site helipad and refuelling facilities available by arrangement.

“Relax and unwind in a secure, peaceful environment that takes you far away from the bustle of city life. Enjoy the rewards of a life close to nature combined with good old- fashioned hospitality and come away feeling refreshed and invigorated…”

]]> 29.53240013122558594,-32.59830093383789062 Outspan Inn is situated at the mouth of Umzimvubu River on the Wild Coast at Port St Johns. The establishment provides both bed and breakfast and self-catering facilities. There is an a la carte restaurant and a coffee shop on the premises, swimming pool and large child-friendly gardens.

Outspan Inn also runs tours along the Wild Coast, custom tailored to cater for whatever visitors want to see, be it cultural, fauna and flora or even historical sites. Trips out to the sea to watch dolphins and whales can also be arranged.

]]> 29.54619979858398438,-31.62330055236816406 The Pont is nestled between the mighty Umzimvubu River and Mount Thesiger, a convenient 4km from the centre of Port St. Johns and the sea.

Accommodation:

Four rustic self catering riverside chalets;
Three en-suite self-contained family rooms;
A fully equipped communal kitchen;
A riverside braai (barbeque) boma; and
Camping and caravan sites.

Activities:

Slipway and jetty with estuary, surf and rock fishing;
Abundant bird life and indigenous forest; and
Walking trails.

]]> 29.52680015563964844,31.59519958496093750 This establishment is an ideal getaway for holidaymakers who love to enjoy their privacy and be away from city life. Here one can swim, play tennis, suntan, hike or just watch the tide roll in. The facilities include a conference centre.

Umngazi River Bungalows is a holiday resort situated approximately 22km out of Port St Johns at the mouth of the Umngazi River. It is located in the Vukandlula Village south of Port St Johns. There are miles of unspoilt beaches and a meandering river.

There is a tennis court, swimming pool and children’s playroom (videos/full time nannies). Cosy conference facilities, mountain biking and water-skiing are some of the activities that can be undertaken at Umngazi River Bungalows. There are also guided walks to mangrove swamps and through beautiful indigenous forests with some 240-bird species. There is also an on-site shop well stocked with toiletries, fishing tackle, and holiday-wear. Secluded honeymoon bungalows are also available.

According to legend, when Faku, famed king of the Pondo, executed his enemies at Mlengana (Execution) Rock overlooking the Umngazi River valley, their blood igazi literally ran down the streams into the river.

In the last century troops from the British garrison in Grahamstown established a fresh water supply point at Umngazi, which still supplies the hotel today. During the final Frontier war in 1841 British soldiers camped on the present hotel site. Later they also occupied Port St Johns, raising the Union Jack in 1871.

In 1842, Dick King watered his horses at Umngazi during his historic 1000km ride between Durban and Grahamstown.

In 1929 the Leach family established a trading post on the site. Two years later they erected three guest bungalows, which formed the nucleus of the present hotel.

The present owners, who descend directly from 1820 settler stock, their families having lived and worked on the Wild Coast for the past 135 years, substantially redeveloped Umngazi River Bungalows in 1994.

]]> 29.45459938049316406,-31.67250061035156250 The scenic Wild Coast region is the setting for the town of Umtata, where this hotel enjoys a convenient location that caters for both business and leisure travellers. A bustling commercial and university town, Umtata is the gateway to the Wild Coast, where pristine beaches stretch for miles, broken only by the many rivers emptying into the sea.

Situated close to the city centre and only 17km from the airport, on the main road between East London and Durban, the hotel is a welcoming and friendly landmark in this cosmopolitan town.

Comfortable guest rooms and an attractive garden with outdoor pool offer guests a relaxing home-from-home environment. All 117-guest rooms have an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, television with M-Net and selected satellite channels. There are two suites and one room especially equipped for physically challenged guests.

The Garden Grill restaurant, which has a buffet and selected a la carte service, is open daily for breakfast and dinner. The warm ambience of Carmen’s Ladies bar is an ideal setting for pre or post dinner drinks.

Laundry and valet services, room service, airport transfers and babysitting services are also available.

]]> 28.74500083923339844,-31.59860038757324219 Jonopo Traditional Village and Craft Centre is situated at the Qunu Administrative Area. It is on the National Road, 34km from Umtata on the way to Idutywa and only 7km from former President Nelson Mandela’s residence, Qunu.

Joyce Nocollege Poqela established Jonopo in 1992. The name ‘JONOPO’ comes from the first two letters of her three names. Jonopo Traditional Village and Craft Centre was established to provide an insight into Xhosa tradition, culture, lifestyle and history in an ambience aimed at giving visitors an African experience.

Rich culture:

The founder invites you to enjoy an insight into the traditions and customs of the Xhosa people of this region in rondawels (round huts), furnished with themes of Xhosa culture. Some of what you can see include the customs of Ibhoma (boys initiation), Intonjane (girls initiation), and Isangomas (traditional healers), who still practise in specially built rondawels. Jonopo also offers tourists an opportunity to sleep in traditional Xhosa bungalows and backpackers dormitory style bunks.

Craft centre:

This is an initiative catering for the community, where people are able to display and sell their wares to visitors in order to earn income and therefore be able to sustain a livelihood. All garments and traditional wares are handmade and comprise some of the following items: Traditional attire/garments, beadwork, grass wares, basketry, and pottery.

Also available are traditional wares as gifts such as:

VULA KABINI – A men’s tasselled beaded necklace usually bought by a girlfriend as a gift;
UNCUMO – A longer necklace meaning smile;
UMQHOBOKA – a gift from a boyfriend.

Meals:

Jonopo also caters for those who love Xhosa traditional cuisine. Home cooked traditional food on request is provided to guests. These include: imifino, umngqusho, amarhewu, isophu, umqombothi, umqa, porridge, dried pumpkin, Xhosa stews, dried traditional sweet corn.

Good accommodation is available such as a family room, Caravan Park and also a sheltered braai (barbeque) area. Tour guide services are also available, through which the scenic area of Qunu and the surrounds of Nelson Mandela’s residence can be explored.

]]> 28.62490081787109375,-31.78980064392089844 Nelson Mandela Museum is situated right on the N2 as it cuts through Umtata. This is a major stop off point en route to Durban, Nelson Mandela Metro and Port St Johns respectively.

After his release from Robben Island, as the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela received a significant number of gifts from many parts of the world in recognition and appreciation for the role he played in the struggle for peace, freedom and democracy in South Africa and the world. In accepting the gifts he indicated that he did so on behalf of all the people of South Africa and further expressed the wish that the gifts be displayed for the benefit and appreciation of the nation at or near his home village, Qunu, in the Eastern Cape. The department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, as the engine of cultural and heritage preservation was tasked with the responsibility of establishing a museum for this purpose.

The idea of building one big museum in Qunu was formulated in 1996 but it was later decided to shift from the initial concept in favour of a multi model museum with three components at each of Mvezo, Qunu and Umtata.

Vision:

Be a leading African world-class institution devoted to perpetuating an understanding and learning from the legacy of Nelson Mandela, his life and times in context, which contribute to learning, development, and renewal.

Mission:

Research, depict and tell the story of the life of Nelson Mandela in context, perpetuate the legacy of the man, human development, education, values, economic development, tourism, cultural development, and contribute to urban renewal, rural development and to preserving Nelson Mandela’s gift to the nation.

Values:

Partnerships that are sustainable;
Ubuntu associated with integrity and respect;
Professionalism and excellence;
Justice, fairness, equity and redress; and
Conservation of the environment within and outside.

]]> 28.75539970397949219,-31.60519981384277344 The Courtyard is a bed and breakfast establishment. It is situated at the corner of Stanford Terrace and Sutherland Street in Umtata.

Their rates are competitive, with enclosed secure parking, a Spur Restaurant and a convenient environment. This is a good stop over to rest on your way, either to the north or south direction.

]]> 28.77370071411132812,-31.60269927978515625 Umtata Community Arts Centre is located just outside central Umtata along the N2 road on the way to Durban. It was built by the Department of Arts and Culture in order to provide an infrastructure and a venue for the performing arts and to encourage more artists and would be artists who might want to consider following the arts as a career path.

Billy Dakada, well known for impersonating famous people such as former president Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu and many more, was instrumental in the establishment of this centre, and the centre now hosts a whole variety of activities for which the local community benefit.

]]> 28.78680038452148438,-31.57869911193847656 This is a group of traditional healers, arts and crafters and people who perform traditional activities such as dancing to entertain audiences. Wonkumntu Handcraft Centre was started in 2001 and it is located about 2km from the Umtata Ultra Shell service station.

Some of the projects include: beadwork, traditional ware, and there is also a bed and breakfast establishment. The Traditional Dance Group is called Sivuyile Nomzamo Traditional Dance.

This is an ensemble, which is composed of different traditional dances such as:

Ibhundela;
Amagqirha; and
Indlom.

The Sivuyile Group was started in 1976 and it has travelled widely throughout South Africa and even overseas to France, Germany, Brazil and the Philippines in East Asia.

]]> 28.74760055541992188,-31.61289978027343750 OR Tambo District Municipality, which encompasses the area in which many of the towns on this route are located, is renowned for its unspoilt and beautiful coastline. However, very little is known or has been told of its rich political and cultural heritage. Two of the most outstanding heroes of the struggle against apartheid, former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and former chairperson of the ANC, OR Tambo, were born and brought up in this region.

OR Tambo District area is also characterized by rich cultural diversity. It is here that a number of Nguni cultural groups are found, including Amampondo, Amampondomise, and Abathembu. The diversity of these cultural groups is better known by their traditional performances, attire, and ceremonies, and craft products from the region have already made their mark nationally. It is for this reason that OR Tambo District Municipality decided to focus on the development and promotion of cultural tourism, hence the establishment of Ntinga OR Tambo Development Agency to achieve this. Click here to view the photo gallery of some products of which the agency helped to enhance the quality.

]]> 28.78359985351562500,-31.58729934692382812