At the Bhunga Building in Mthatha, the Nelson Mandela Museum tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s life, his struggle and the fight against apartheid. By contrast, the Mkhambathi Nature Reserve is shaped by a river with three waterfalls and its course to the Indian Ocean. O.R. Tambo thus offers very different discoveries: historical heritage sites and protected areas where water, coastline and wildlife are central themes.

Mthatha and Qunu: heritage sites

The Nelson Mandela Museum has two locations: the Bhunga Building in Mthatha and the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu. The Bhunga Building documents Mandela’s life, his struggle and the fight against apartheid; the museum offers guided tours. The exhibition Gifts of the Nation displays gifts Nelson Mandela received from South Africans and the international community. The Freedom Exhibition is a visual exhibition that grew out of interviews in Mthatha and Qunu. The two exhibitions therefore take different approaches: one focuses on personal gifts, while the other draws on interviews from two locations.

The centre in Qunu was built to support education and leadership programmes. Its focus is on preserving democratic values, as well as arts and crafts. Also in Qunu is the Africa Native Mission Church, where Rholihlahla was baptised. The two museum locations have different emphases: Mthatha combines historical interpretation with exhibitions, while the centre in Qunu is geared towards education and leadership programmes.

Rivers, waterfalls and protected areas

In the Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, the Mkhambathi River forms Horseshoe Falls, Strandloper Falls and Mkhambathi Falls before reaching the Indian Ocean. The protected area is part of the Pondoland Centre of Endemism. It is also an International Bird Area and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Luchaba Nature Reserve offers a different landscape: this 460-hectare protected area of wetlands and grassland lies beside the Mthatha Dam and is home to wildlife. At Silaka Nature Reserve, the protected coastal area stretches from Second Beach to Sugarloaf Rock; at the main beach, the Gxwaleni River forms an estuary. This lets you explore different aspects of nature: waterfalls and wildlife viewing at Mkhambathi, wetlands and grassland at Luchaba, and coastline and an estuary at Silaka.

Coastline, hiking trails and activities

Isinuka Springs in Port St Johns is a traditional healing site with natural sulphur springs. Outdoor activities are also among the district’s attractions: Waterfall Bluff is linked to a guided hiking trail; at Magwa, a quad bike trail is one of the activities offered by the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality. Confirm local operating conditions before your trip.

Mbotyi is one of the beaches with designated lifeguards in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality; their service may vary seasonally. A district report dated 5 November 2025 describes a licensed kayak operator at Second Beach in Port St Johns, supported by the district. As operators and licence status can change, check before visiting whether the service is still available. Magwa Tea Restaurant is associated with fine dining; check in advance whether it is currently open.

Getting there

To reach Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, take the R61 from Flagstaff for 70 km to the reserve on Holy Cross Hospital Road. For Hluleka Nature Reserve, a gravel road branches off the R61 and runs for 47 km to the entrance. The routes differ in their starting points and road types. Check road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations

Coffee Bay, Mthatha, Nyandeni, Drakensberg District, Cacadu, Alfred Nzo, Western District, Nelson Mandela Bay.

For the broader travel overview: Eastern Cape.