O.R. Tambo: Mandela sites, waterfalls and coast

In Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, the Mkhambathi River flows over three waterfalls on its way to the Indian Ocean. Alongside this natural experience, O.R. Tambo offers the Mandela museum sites of Mthatha and Qunu, as well as coastal and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, you can choose between history, landscapes and activity.

Rivers, waterfalls and coastal landscapes

In Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, the Mkhambathi River forms the Horseshoe Falls, Strandloper Falls and Mkhambathi Falls before reaching the Indian Ocean. The reserve is part of the Pondoland Centre of Endemism and is designated an International Bird Area. Wildlife viewing is also among the experiences available there. The river, waterfalls and conservation shape the character of this area.

The Luchaba Nature Reserve, on the Mthatha Dam, offers a different landscape. This 460-hectare reserve includes wetlands and grassland and is home to wildlife. The two reserves have different focuses: Mkhambathi centres on the river and waterfalls, while Luchaba combines wetlands and grassland with the Mthatha Dam.

In Silaka Nature Reserve, the landscape stretches from Second Beach to Sugarloaf Rock. At the main beach, the Gxwaleni River forms an estuary. Port St Johns is also home to Isinuka Springs, a traditional healing site with natural sulphur springs. These places add coastal and cultural sites to the region’s waterfall and nature reserve landscapes.

Museums and memorial sites in Mthatha and Qunu

The Nelson Mandela Museum has two sites: the Bhunga Building in Mthatha and the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu. The Bhunga Building documents Nelson Mandela’s life, his struggle and the struggle against apartheid; guided tours are available there. The exhibition Gifts of the Nation showcases gifts donated to Nelson Mandela by South Africans and the international community.

The centre in Qunu was established to support education and leadership programmes. Their focus is on preserving democratic values, as well as arts and crafts. Qunu is also home to the Africa Native Mission Church, where Rholihlahla was baptised. The Freedom Exhibition is a visual exhibition developed from interviews in Mthatha and Qunu.

Hiking, quad biking and road guidance

In Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, there is a guided hiking trail at Waterfall Bluff and a quad bike track near Magwa. Check local operating conditions before setting out. Mbotyi is among the municipality’s beaches with designated lifeguards; their presence may vary seasonally.

To reach Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, take the R61 from Flagstaff for 70 kilometres to Holy Cross Hospital Road. A gravel road branches off the R61 and runs for 47 kilometres to the entrance to Hluleka Nature Reserve. Road conditions can change, so check them before your journey.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Coffee Bay, Mthatha, Nyandeni, Alfred Nzo, Port Elizabeth, Drakensberg District, Chris Hani and Western District.

Return to the main travel overview: Eastern Cape.