Mbhashe municipality is situated in the South Eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province, and is bound by the Qhora River in the South to Mncwasa River in the North along the Indian Ocean. Mbhashe has earned the name from the beautiful Mbhashe River which flows from the banks of Ngcobo and through Dutywa, Gatyana (Willowvale) and Xhora (Elliotdale). Mbhashe comprises of three towns, namely Dutywa, Gatyana and Xhora and numerous settlements. The area also boasts the head offices of the AmaXhosa Kingdom at Nqadu Great Place.
Dwesa and Cweba Nature Reserves – the indigenous forests at Dwesa/Cweba have been protected since 1891 and 1893 respectively. The forests are predominantly evergreen, but there are also sensitive dune forests in the reserves. These unique reserves are separated by the Mbhashe River.
DWESA
Dwesa Nature Reserve is the biggest fo the two reserves, measuring 3900ha, and is situated on the western side of the Mbhashe River. Visitors will find a campsite with a few Chalets, situated next to a small estuary which leads into the Ocean.
CWEBE
Cwebe Nature Reserve contains a variety of habitats including forest, grassland, mangrove and beach. These support a wide range of birds and small mammals. The Mbanyana River is an added attraction, with spectacular waterfalls and a lagoon.
Getting there: The turn-off to Dwesa is in the town of Dutywa, 80km Mthatha, and is well sign posted. To get to Cwebe there is a turn off 40km from Mthatha that is sign posted “Bityi/Elliotdale”. From there one should follow the signboards to Elliotdale.
NQADU GREAT PLACE
KOB INN
DUTYWA EX-PRESIDENTS HOME VILLAGE
SINQUMENI CAVES
ICAMAGU INSTITUTE
DUTYWA EX-PRESIDENTS HOME VILLAGE
Accommodation includes Game Lodges, B&B’s, Guesthouses, Farm Stays, Camping and Self Catering.
WILLOWVALE/GATYANA
KING HINTSA’S
CRAFT CENTRE
KING SARHILI’S GRAVE
Accommodation options range from the Willowvale Hotel through to the well-known Kobb Inn Beach Resort just outside of the village. Although small, Willowvale has all the necessary amenities to make for a pleasant stay.
This area has prolific birdlife, making it an ideal stop-over for avid birdwatchers. Some of the activities on offer are Mountain Biking, Hiking, Beach Walking, Fly-fishing and Camping.
BOLOWANA AT GUSI A/A
ELLIOTDALE/XHORA