Transkei District: Coast, Waterfalls and Culture

Coastal landscapes, waterfalls and cultural destinations come together in Transkei District. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you want to focus on protected coastal areas, waterfalls, or places connected with history, art and local traditions. The region offers specific places to visit for each of these interests.

Coasts, Rivers and Nature Reserves

Silaka Nature Reserve is a 400-hectare protected coastal reserve stretching from Second Beach to Sugarloaf Rock. At the main beach, the Gxwaleni River forms an estuary. Both the protected coast and the estuary landscape are therefore features of the reserve. Hluleka Nature Reserve offers a different setting: its 772 hectares include rocky coastline, lagoons and evergreen forests.

In Mkambati Nature Reserve, the Mkambati River forms Horseshoe Falls, Strandloper Falls and Mkhambathi Falls before plunging into the Indian Ocean. At Hole in the Wall, a different coastal landscape meets a distinctive geographical feature: the rock formation lies at the mouth of the Mpako River in Coffee Bay. You can therefore choose between different natural attractions, including coastal reserves, river estuaries and waterfalls.

Waterfalls and Hikes

Tsitsa Falls is in Mhlontlo Municipality, 45 kilometres outside Mthatha. Magwa Falls reaches a height of 144 metres at its main drop; Waterfall Bluff plunges into the Indian Ocean. A short, 8-kilometre drive leads to Magwa Falls. Check access information before your trip. Magwa Volunteers, a centre for permaculture and community projects, is also located near Magwa Falls. If you plan to visit, confirm the current visiting arrangements in advance.

The Waterfall Bluff and Trail starts in Mbotyi and runs for about 3.5 kilometres to Drewe’s Camp. Along the way, the route passes the cliffs near Cathedral Rock. The approximate distance, named endpoint and distinctive rock formation give the hike a clear geographical framework.

History, Art and Local Culture

The Nelson Mandela Museum, in the Bhunga Building in Mthatha, documents Mandela’s life, his struggle for democracy and the end of apartheid. In Port St Johns, Isinuka Springs is a traditional healing site with natural sulphur springs. The bathing pool is believed to have spiritual and therapeutic healing powers. History and traditional healing practices reflect different cultural themes here.

In Lusikisiki, Litha Arts Creations runs an art studio and gallery aimed at national and international tourists. Oil paintings and hand-painted textiles are made there. In Coffee Bay, the region is also associated with making djembe drums, guided hikes to Manuzi Cliffs and Caves, and village feasts featuring dancing, singing, traditional Xhosa cuisine and beer. If you plan to take part in any of these experiences, check in advance whether they are currently available.

Accommodation Options and Finding Hotels

Silaka Nature Reserve has 18 self-catering thatched chalets; check their current accommodation status before making specific plans. Along the coastal stretch from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay, you can hike and stay overnight in traditional Xhosa huts along the way. As availability may change, confirm this option in advance. When planning where to stay, you can choose between the self-catering chalets in Silaka Nature Reserve, an overnight stay in traditional Xhosa huts along the hike, and searching for a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Port St Johns, Flagstaff, Kwa-Zulu, Ndengane, Mngungundlovu, Mapuzi, Amathole, Nelson Mandela Bay.

For the regional travel overview: Eastern Cape.