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TOURISM

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.

Home of Natural Wonders

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.

Attractions

NQADU GREAT PLACE

  • Palace of AmaXhosa Kingdom.
  • 27km from Dutywa Off ramp R408 road to Willowvale.
  • Cultural Performances during September every year.

KOB INN

  • 57km From Dutywa travelling by R408 road to Willowvale
  • Conference facilities
  • Activities include: pool tables, children play room, hiking, canoeing, bike riding, fishing, boat cruising.

DUTYWA EX-PRESIDENTS HOME VILLAGE

  • Ex-President Mbeki’s Home at Mbewuleni A/A
  • 35km drive from Dutywa off ramp R498 to Ngcobo town

SINQUMENI CAVES

  • It’s about 20km from Dutywa between Dutywa and Ngcobo town.
  • SAN Paintings and Caves are still witnessed as they stayed in the past decades.
  • Hiking/walking trail to the caves of about 1km.

ICAMAGU INSTITUTE

  • It’s about 20km from Dutywa between Dutywa and Ngcobo town.
  • Visiting times 10h00 – 05h00
  • Cultural classes / school offered

DUTYWA EX-PRESIDENTS HOME VILLAGE

  • Ex-President Mbeki’s Home at Mbewuleni A/A
  • 35km drive from Dutywa off ramp R498 to Ngcobo town

Activities

  • Dutywa has its own golf course.
  • Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail:
  • Other Activities such as birding, canoeing, whale-and dolphin-watching and scuba-diving are possible in certain areas.
  • Cwebe Nature Reserve
  • Dwesa Game Reserve: This reserve lies on the south side of the Mbashe River, opposite the Cwebe Nature Reserve.  Large game such as rhino, buffalo, antelope, zebra and many different species of birds can be seen in the reserve.

Accommodation

Accommodation includes Game Lodges, B&B’s, Guesthouses, Farm Stays, Camping and Self Catering.

Activities and Attractions

WILLOWVALE/GATYANA

  • Gcaleka Royal House (Enqadu)
  • King Hintsa’s Grave
  • Gatyana Craft Centre
  • Dwesa Nature Reserve
  • Beautiful Sandy Beaches
  • Beautiful Climate

KING HINTSA’S

  • This is the National Heritage Site located at the river banks of Nqabara River
  • King of Amagcaleka
  • Fought resistance against colonialism
  • He played a vital roll in the S.A history during the sixth frontier war

CRAFT CENTRE

  • Main Street at Gatyana town
  • Live plays and exhibitions daily

KING SARHILI’S GRAVE

  • 87km from Dutywa between Xhora and Gatyana at the river bank of Mbhashe River at Tsholora A/A
  • This is a heritage site
  • Born in 1814, son of Hintsa, became Paramount Chief of AmaXhosa in 1835
  • Fought many frontier wars
  • The Sixth Frontier War 1834-1835
  • The Seventh Frontier war of 1846-1847
  • The Eight Frontier War 1850-1853

Accommodation

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

  • Sign of the royal seal of the Amabomvana tribe
  • This special breed is called Bolowana
  • It is said Bolowana is associated with Amabomvana Chieftaincy in Elliotdale

ELLIOTDALE/XHORA

  • King Sarhili’s Grave
  • Bolowana at Gusi A/A
  • Mbanyana Falls