1Take a walk on the wild side in the heart of the Mpondo kingdom...

Ingquza HillLocal Municipality

Tell us about the AmaMpondo people and how their culture is integral to the In-gquza Hill Local Municipality.AmaMpondo people have a warm nature and take pride in their culture and values. They have the spirit to fight for what they believe in, which takes us back in history to a significant event on top of the well known Ingquza Hill. This is where local struggle activists made their stand for equality with many doing so by paying the ultimate price. This hill forms part of the culture of the people and the municipality. The Municipality recognizes the sacrifices its people made and the importance of their role in creating the regions’ unique struggle history. This type of history combined with the strength of AmaMpondo people resulted in the municipality being named the “Ingquza Hill Local Municipality”. The municipality honours its people by being a responsive, accountable, effective and efficient local municipality that puts the people and service that it delivers first.

There is much on offer for the tourist to see in your municipality, including the hospitality of the people. What emotions would you like visitors to walk away from Ingquza Hill with?When people leave the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality they must say, “I will surely come back again soon. I don’t want this incredible journey to come to an end. This is a place that makes me feel at home. This is where my journey of adventure and discovery will start and end.” The people coming to visit this beautiful and unspoilt part country where majestic waterfalls flow must know that love is the source of the local peoples’ happiness. This results in visitors experiencing first class service, first time, all the time. Visitors must take back home the spirit of adventure and recognize the importance of fighting for what they believe in.

You have some stunning natural attractions such as nature reserves, the Goso For-est and various impressive waterfalls. What is the Municipality doing to make it easier for tourists to access these attractions?In the areas that offer these types of activities we have tour guides, while most of the surrounding hotels, bed and breakfast and self catering establishments provide information on the activities available to the tourists. Some of this information is gathered by our local municipality working together with the communities. We are currently upgrading various strategies for the Municipality, focusing on access to our attractions and broadening the knowledge of people about our services. Mr Pantshwa from the LED department is currently spearheading these initiatives and is ensuring that the objectives are fully met. He is contactable through the municipality and will be able to assist with further information.

What plans are in place to help local crafters and dancers ply their trade locally and further afield?Our local crafters play a valuable role as they offer the sale of their artwork to the local hotels and bed and breakfast establishments. The Municipality ensures that the crafters attend the Arts and Crafts festivals to broaden their understanding and introduce them to new ideas and ways to sell their art. The crafters participate in international and national exhibitions, examples include the Grahamstown Art Festi-val, SDC and the Port St John’s arts festival. On the other hand, the local dancers are advised to form groups that can be hired for special occasions and the municipality helps them with transportation and logistics. The SMMEs are also taken to shows such as the annual Tourism Indaba in Durban which is a fantastic environment where they meet local and international visitors and gain valuable insight and experience, ultimately enhancing the success of their ventures further.

Honourable Mayor Cllr. Mdingi welcomes youWELCOME

Ingquza Hill Local Municipality is one of five local municipalities that fall within the jurisdiction of the OR Tambo District Municipality of the East-ern Cape Province. Ingquza Hill is located to the north east of the OR Tambo District and was established through the amalgamation of the former Lusikisiki and Flagstaff Transitional Local Councils and the surrounding rural areas, which fell under the Transitional Representative Council.

The municipality governs the area extending from the western inland towns of Lusikisiki and Flagstaff, to Mbotyi in the south east and Mtentu River in the north east.

Take a walk in the footsteps of amaMpondo people. Be invited into their lives and experience their culture, which echoes through the region. Be swept into the world of local traditional dancing and music while being invited to dress in traditional attire and enjoy amaMpondo cuisine. Be amazed by the natural beauty and splendour of the Wild Coast. Discover unchartered attractions and experiences.

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From rolling green mountains to pristine white beaches, you are invited to take your own piece of this undiscovered treasure home with you. Come and experience the splendours of the Eastern Pondoland.

Honourable Mayor Cllr. Mdingi welcomes you

The municipality is named after the Ingquza Hill, where a famous uprising against the system of black authorities and agricultural reforms took place on 6 June, 1960. Police opened fire on a number of insurgents and eleven were killed. Today a memorial plaque sits in the shadow of the hills together with the graves of the brave insurgents.

It is a region rich in culture and history, with an abundance of rug-ged and wild scenery and adventures, where history is passed on from generation to generation through the art of storytelling. Most of these tales are kept only through their telling but some have been recorded.

The heart of the Eastern Pondoland

Do you have a message for potential visitors?Yes. I would like to encourage visitors to explore the natural beauty that this re-gion has to offer, from the unique culture to the splendid waterfalls and unspoilt beaches. Take your time and allow yourself to experience true AmaMpondo cul-ture and hospitality. Refresh mind, body and soul whilst enjoying the majestic treasures of the region. I welcome you to the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, a beautiful part of the world which we are lucky enough to call home.

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EASTERN CAPE

Along the famous Wild Coast, you’ll find to over 50 km of pristine coastline with beautiful beaches and a combination of rolling and hilly terrain, vertical cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Feel the sea water on your feet as you stand at the door of the Cathedral Rock, walk a mile to take a shower at the Waterfall Bluff, or be one with nature at our endless hectares of wild indigenous forests.

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Find your way hereQUEENSTOWN

EAST LONDON

INGQUZA HILLIN THE

OR TAMBO DISTRICT

Port St Johns

PORT ELIZABETH

CRADOCK

N10

N6

R61Mthatha

N2

N2

3

TO DURBAN

HARDINGBROOKES NEK

MOUNT AYLIFF

KOKSTAD

N2

MBOTYI

LUSIKISIKI

HOLY CROSSMISSION

FLAGSTAFF PORT EDWARD

MOUNT FRERE

R61

R61

R61

R61

PORT ST JOHNS

MKHAMBATHI NATURE RESERVE

WILD COAST SUN

MTHATHA

MSIKABA

N2

N2

BIZANA

NTABANKULU

CACADU

QUMBU

Lusikisiki to Flagstaff

Lusikisiki to the coast

Flagstaff to Mkambati Nature Reserve

Lusikisiki to Msikaba

Pondoland Hiking

Beautiful beaches

Great outdoor adventure

Have you triedcliff diving?

Start of the Pondoland hiking

trail

Cultural dancing & craft centres

Cultural dancing &

craft centres

Breathtakingwaterfalls

Port St Johns

The King’s Residence

The current king of the Mpondo people, His Majesty, King Mpondombini Sigcau resides in his residence in ‘the great place’. Tourists are welcomed and visitors can view the newly-erected cultural village. This will offer a glimpse into the life of the Mpondo people.

Mpondo History

About 2000 years ago, Bantu-speaking people began to arrive from Western Africa in a series of migrations and amaMpondo were the group of Nguni-speaking peoples who have for several centuries occupied the land between the Tugela River to the north and the Mbashe River to the south and from Indian Ocean to Drakensberg Mountains. Over the years amaMpondo territory is said to be the one between Mtamvuma and Mthatha rivers in the East-ern Cape province of South Africa.

Lusikisiki to Flagstaff

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Ingquza Hill Memorial and Hill The massacre is said to have started with a gathering of thousands of people of east Pondoland besides Ingquza Hill, which lies between Bizana and Lusikisiki to discuss the state of affairs under which they lived. The peaceful gathering was met with a violent response from the state. Two military aircrafts bombarded the villagers with tear-gas and smoke bombs.

It is said that policemen ignored the white flags the villagers held up to the military helicopters and proceeded to fire live ammuni-tion into the crowd, after which 11 unarmed villagers lay dead, with several of them shot in the back of the head.

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Out of those arrested, 30 were sentenced to death by hanging at the Pretoria Central prison in 1961. In 2003, the democratically elected government exhumed 23 bodies from Pretoria where they had been given pauper funerals following their hanging for complicity in the Pondoland revolt.

The exhumed bodies were re-buried next to those killed in the massacre on the Ingquza Hill and their graves can be seen next to the memorial stone built by the democratic government at the Ingquza Hill.

Traditional DancingA visit to this region would not be complete with-out a live traditional dance viewing. This can be arranged via the municipality. These local groups are extremely passionate and their energy and rhythm has an almost hypnotic effect on a spec-tator. One is swept into the culture and lifestyle of the Amapondo. From the beautiful attire and unique make-ups to the rhythmic instruments and dance- one could not get a more Amapondo experi-ence! Do not be shy to take pictures, the ladies are extremely friendly and are always happy to offer up a pose.

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Local CraftOne of the many unique highlights in and around Lusikisiki and Flagstaff is the abundance of crafters and traditional dancers. A beautiful craft pottery centre has been erected in the Lusikisiki region where visitors can pop in and purchase fantastic examples of local amaMpondo pottery. The local crafters operate out of modest local residences, but upon visiting one is not disappointed with the quality of traditional clothing and decorations on offer. The unique bright colours and intricate beadwork make many of the items on hand the perfect gift for those at home not lucky enough to be with you on your visit to the region!

Khotso medicine manUntil the recent release of a biographi-cal book about his life, much of the story of Khotso Sethuntsa – the legendary South African millionaire medicine man who died in 1971 – remained shrouded in an aura of mystery. Known as Khotso the Medicine Man, he became a millionaire during the time of Apartheid. Customers from all over southern Africa and abroad flocked to him for medicines for healing, good fortune and wealth. You can visit the homes of this legendary South African in Lusikisiki.

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A massive cross has recently been erected along the main roadside of the mission. It can be lit up and is visible for many a mile. The Mission has a beautiful story as well as stunning architecture, truly worth a visit from any traveller passing by.

Holy Cross MissionThis East Pondoland Mission was established in 1911 and was named the Mission of the Holy Cross. It was officially opened by Chief Sigcau and just a few years down the line, the church Holy Cross had 165 candidates to be confirmed, four villages and 140 000 people to care for.

King Sigcau, through the Bishop of Glasgow, appealed to the people of Scotland, specifically the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, for a doctor to establish a mission in Pondoland. His request was for a mission that would care for people mentally, physically and spiritually.

The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel asked a newly qualified doctor and clergyman if he would undertake the challenge of establishing a new mission hospital and train nurses in eastern Pondoland. Dr Drewe accepted the challenge and, with a £100 of collection, arrived in Pondoland by horse with his young wife and child to start a mission from scratch. So the establishment of what became a major medical centre for Pondoland began.

Holy Cross boasts having been the breeding ground for such luminaries as the late ANC president OR Tambo. He was baptised, confirmed and passed his higher primary education at Holy Cross. Early in 1993, Tambo found his way back to Holy Cross, where he had a peaceful sleep in the rectory and the morning bells woke him up to an early morning Eucharist in the place that bred him.

Mbotyi is in the heart of Pondoland, where one can experience true Pondo culture as well as the warmth and friendliness of these lovely people. Walk along the hills and valleys of the village with a local guide/interpreter, meet the people and the local characters, or visit a Sangoma or a lively she-been.

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Traditional culture meets outdoor adventure Mbotyi is situated 26 km from Lusikisiki. While there is no need for four-wheel drive vehicles on the 19 km of gravel, this scenic drive should be negotiated slowly.

Approaching Mbotyi you will drive through a section of the magnificent the Magwa Tea Estate, one of the world largest tea plantations, where visitors can have a look around the tea factory and learn how the tea is processed and pack-aged.

The Goso Forest, an extremely rare and ancient example of Afromontane Forest, surrounds Lusikisiki. Here one can find a 2,5 km-long, 240 metre-deep slit in the earth’s surface and at the head of this gorge, Magwa (‘The Fallen’) Falls plunges to a boulder-strewn, jungle-lined river below.

In full flood, Magwa is one of South Africa’s most phenomenal, although least-publicised, natural spectacles. Because of its inaccessibility, it is mostly visited by only a few backpackers at a time, although they would consider themselves lucky to have witnessed such a magnificent sight.

Lusikisiki to the coast

Magwa Tea Plantation

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Butterflies and Birding

The region is home to a large variety of birds and butterflies. Guided walks are from the lodge are very popular and picnic baskets can be supplied for birders wanting to spend time in the forest. Butterflies abound in March/April and guides will show you where to see the most beautiful butterflies.

Canooing and Fishing

Paddle out on the beautiful tranquil lagoon in a canoe and watch the Fish Eagle catch his dinner or enjoy the unusual sight of a herd of Nguni cattle bathing in the lagoon. Or cast a line from the surf or the rocky ledges or go fly-fishing in the lagoon. Mbotyi is a fisherman’s dream. The wide lagoon estuary is perfect breeding ground for many species.

Mountain BikingWe have mountain bikes for hire or you can bring your own. There are mapped trails for the very experience biker with great challeng-es as well as some gentle rides for the inexperienced. These trails take one through the forest, up on to the grassland escarpment or through the magnificent tea plantation.

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Hiking

There are numerous hiking trails to explore through mysterious indigenous forests, towering waterfalls or along the spectacular coast. Some hikes take one through the village where you can experience true Pondo culture, meet with the rural folk who still live according to their traditions and share in their daily lives. The hikes vary from a gentle stroll to a daunt-ing 28-kilometre trail or a climb down into the gorge to stand under a 110-metre waterfall and swim in a crystal clear pool. There are also spectacular horse rides through the area.

Waterfalls

Mbotyi has an abundance of spectacular waterfalls, some tumbling into narrow gorges more than a 100 metres deep, others over the edge of a cliff. There are waterfalls one can hike to, such as the well-known Waterfall Bluff, which falls directly into the Indian Ocean. You can also swim under a waterfall or in a clear rock pool in the forest.

Sardine Run

During June/July the spectacular annual Sardine Run takes place along the Wild Coast. There is no better place to be than Mbotyi, where there are numerous vantage points to appreciate the frantic activity in the Indian Ocean. Whales, dolphins, sharks, gannets and seals feast on the vast shoals of sardines along the coast. Foreign divers come annually to experience this amazing spectacle under water.

Horse Trails

Support a Community Initiative by going on a spectacular horse ride. - What better way to see some of the most beautiful untouched beaches in the world.

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ShipwrecksAll along the Wild Coast one can find evidence of the remains of ships that have been caught by monster waves or sudden storms and dashed onto the rocks. Some of the wrecks are more glamorous than others. The famed Grosvenor wreck of 1782 gained considerable interest over the years as there were stories of great treasure aboard. She was a three-masted ship of 729 tons and was returning to England when she was wrecked about 43 km away from Port St Johns. The first successful salvage was done in 1880 by Captain Sidney Turner who dived into the sea with dynamite between his teeth to blow up the rocks.

Mkhambathi Nature ReserveThe Mkhambathi Nature Reserve is situated on the coast of north-eastern Pondoland and has lots to offer the tourist. The large wilderness area within the reserve can only be traversed on foot and its long coastline makes for a wide choice of hikes. You can self-drive day and night to watch the ample game that are featured in the reserve. Fishermen can enjoy fishing at official estuaries.

Flagstaff to Mkambati Nature Reserve

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Of the many rivers running through the reserve, the Mkham-bathi is perhaps the most beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls is incredibly impressive as water plunges over a terrace in a wide arc. Further down, the river tumbles over the Strandloper and Mkhambathi Falls before dropping several metres into the ocean.

Visitors to the Eastern Cape will find the scenic Mkhambathi Nature Reserve one of the highlights of their trip.

It is a 7720-ha coastal reserve with open grasslands, dotted with indigenous forest patches and swamp forests, flanked by the magnificent forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. Grasslands cover a large portion of the re-serve and support a fascinating and diverse flora. Large numbers of grazing herbivores such as Eland and Red Hartebeest have been introduced into the grasslands.

There are a number of accommodation options available. Small families and friends can enjoy the Main Lodge. For larger groups, the Gwe Gwe River Lodge (20 persons) offers fantastic settings that one cannot help but enjoy, while smaller groups can find accommodation in the Gwe Gwe Rondavels (2 persons).

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Drifters Adventure CampThe Drifters Msikaba Adventure Camp is located at the mouth of the Msikaba River - with the wonderful Mkambati Game Reserve on the other bank. The reserve itself is easy to access - sometimes you can walk over at low tide - or simply row across. It is an adventure wonder-land, with copious waterfalls and small streams making their way to the sea, and sights of wildebeest and other animals are frequent. Going the other way, it is a short hike to Lambazi Bay (Port Grosvenor), and fishing - as with the entire coastline - is amazing.

Lusikisiki to Msikaba

Accommodation at the CampAccommodation in all the Drifters Adventure Camps consists of 12 twin-bedded, en-suite, tent-ed units under thatch. Each tent is raised off the ground (on a platform) and has a little balcony and its own hot shower, toilet and a basin.

Pondoland Hiking

Hikers doing the five-day trail will continue through to Msikaba. Here they will overnight at an East African style tented camp, nestled amongst the milkwoods overlooking the Msikaba estuary. Canoes are available from the camp, and guests can finish the day with a sunset paddle up this pristine estuary –one of the deepest estuaries in South Africa.

The final day’s hike from Luphuthana to Mbotyi is the longest, but the renowned landmarks of Waterfall Bluff, Cathedral Rock and Mfhilo falls make for exciting exploration! Waterfall Bluff is an 80m high waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean, and the adventurous can follow the rocky ledge behind the falls.

Traversing some of the most rugged and pristine terrain of the Wild Coast, this hike provides an eclectic route for the interested traveller. The scenery is picturesque, wild and undulating; and settling into home-stays for two nights among the local people offers a unique and enlight-ening experience. Rounded off with stunning, isolated bush camps and an optional lick of luxury on the last night, trailists are sure to leave refreshed and revitalised.

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Northern Pondoland VBA HikePort Edward – Mbotyi or Port St Johns

Led by a passionate local guide, trailists will be treated to warm amaX-hosa hospitality at a village homestay in Xolobeni (near Nyameni) on the first night of the trail. The second trail night is spent at a community camp on the gorgeous Mtentu estuary, before entering Mkambati Na-ture Reserve. This 7720-hectare coastal reserve consists of expansive grasslands, indigenous forest patches and is flanked by the magnificent forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. Hikers have a good chance of seeing large herds of grazing herbivores such as Eland, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Blesbuck and Zebra.

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Stay Inland - FlagstaffFlagstaff Hotel Call: 039 252 0141

Ndwendwe B&B Call: 083 366 2436 Myezo B&B Call: 083 726 4235

Stay Inland - LusikisikiBPEY B&B Call: 082 216 4828 Eyelanga Lodge Call: 073 664 3990 or Email: eyelangalodge@webmail.co.za

Kob lodge Call: 082 518 1808 Illala Lodge Call: 083 412 4787 or Email: eugenejxsinet.co.za

Mkambathi Nature Reserve Call: 043 742 4450 Mvemve Lodge Call: 083 515 5859 Msikaba Campsite Call: 073 614 1068 Sips B&B Call: 083 620 9715 / 039 253 1506 SSMO Call: 073 670 0407 / 039 253 1787 Zet Zet Guest House Call: 083 276 4452 / 039 253 1905 Cosy Posy Guest House Call: 073 575 2156 / 039 253 1208 or

Email: zmcosyposy@gmail.com / cosyposy@vodamail.co.za Stay at the Coast - MbotyiMbotyi Campsite Call: 072 381 6224 / 039 253 7200

Mbotyi River Lodge Call: 039 253 7200 or Email: mbotyi@pondoland.co.za

Where to stay

Points of interest

Inland AttractionsMonuments & Heritage Sites Holy Cross Monument, Ingquza Hill , Monument, Ntabankulu Heritage Site

Inland Arts & Crafts - FlagstaffNkozo Recycling Call: 072 776 0951 Masimanyane Call: 083 587 0282

Inland Arts & Crafts - LusikisikiEmbo Arts and Craft Call: 082 216 4828 Litha Arts Creation Call: 083 976 2624 Thuthuka Call: 073 705 3580

B. PEY Call: 082 216 4828 Litha Arts Creation Call: 083 976 2624

Ikhwezi Call: 073 332 6338

Siphenathi Call: 073 639 4341

Siyavuka Call: 082 632 0222

Mathawu Portery Gallery Call: 072 300 7300

More Arts & Crafts: Ndumndum, Nkulisa, Phakamisanani, Won-kumntu, Sisonke, Thembalethu, Sinomonde, Lizalise, Euniroca, Ntokozo, Lilitha, Lakhanya, Laphumilanga, Philangokuzenzela, Sezela, Dosini, Siyazakha, Ncedo Loluntu, Ibhubesi, At Last, Lukholweni

Inland Adventure Tourism

Tour Guides Email: drifters@drifters.co.za

Inkuva Tourism Guide Call: 073 551 5765 / 073 510 2382

Gutentag Travel Call: 073 789 4705 / 039 253 1273

Coastal AttractionsWaterfalls Waterfall Bluff, Mfihlelo Falls, Magwa Falls, Fraser Falls Beaches & Shipwrecks Mbotyi Beach, Mkambathi Beach, Gwegwe Beach, Port Grosvenor J Shipwreck

Coastal Adventure Tourism

Active Escapes for Pondoland Hiking Call: 084 240 7277 or Email: sarah@active-escapes.co.za

Mkhambathi Nature ReserveCall: 043 701 9600 / 086 111 3320

Wild Coast Holiday AssociationCall: +27 (0)43 7436181 or +27 (0)83 2995300Email: william-r@iafrica.com, Web: www.wildcoastholidays.co.za

Ingquza Hill TourismFor more information: Tel: 0392531568/1096 (Lusikisiki)Fax: 0392531234 (Lusikisiki)Tel: 0392520131/61/89/91 (Flagstaff)Fax: 0392520699/0279 (Flagstaff)

Or view the following websites:www.ihlm.gov.zawww.wildcoast.co.zawww.ecparks.co.zawww.mboyti.co.za

Proudly sponsored by Ingquza Hill Local Municipality

Wild Coast Holiday Associationwww.wildcoastholidays.co.za