An undiscovered world

Located on the N2, northwest of Mthatha, Mhlontlo

comprises the two towns of Qumbu and Tsolo.

Still developing as a tourist destination, Mhlontlo

has a number of unique natural attractions that

rival some of the best in the world. Be the first of

your friends to have seen such impressive sights as

the spectacular Thina and Tsitsa Falls, Ntlangano and

the Thina River Ribbon.

1

Experience our cultureMhlontlo invites you to experience the warmth

of amaMpondomise through traditional dances,

singing and accommodating tourists to a guest

house offering traditional meals and an authen-

tic cultural experience.

Adventure awaitsAdventure tourists can take up the challenge of

finding previously undiscovered San (Bushman)

rock art or hidden waterfall caves, indigenous

forests, waterfall rivers, historic and archaeo-

logical sites, and endemic flora and fauna.

Tsolo, located just off the N2 is a gateway to the

Maloti route with mountainous regions such as

Tsolo mountain allowing you a splendid view of

the Drakensburg Mountains.

Traditional culture and outdoor adventure ...experience the best of both.

1

N2

Tsitsa Falls

MTHATHA

TSOLO

QUMBU

To East London

To Kokstad

Only 41km from Umthatha to Tsolo

R396

N2

To Mount Fletcher

To Ugie

MACLEAR

R56

East London

Port Elizbeth

Queenstown

Cradock

Mthatha

EASTERN CAPE

QUEENSTOWN

PORT ELIZABETH

EAST LONDON

INGQUZA HILLIN THE

OR TAMBO DISTRICT

Mthatha

Port St Johns

CRADOCK

N10

R61

N6

Coast road

QumbuTsolo

4

N6

N10

R61 N2

N2

2

Mhlontlo Local Municipality

Find y

our w

ay her

e

2

Here is Tsolo Mountain

N2

Tsitsa Falls

MTHATHA

TSOLO

QUMBU

To East London

To Kokstad

Only 41km from Umthatha to Tsolo

R396

N2

To Mount Fletcher

To Ugie

MACLEAR

R56

Discoverancient rock art

3

Some of the adventures are so

unique and undiscovered, that we

recommend you take a guide to

assist you in your travels.

Tsitsa Falls

Stay at Tsitsa Falls

Cultural dancing

Local crafts

3

4

OriginsDisco

ver ou

r hist

ory

4

Mhlontlo Local Municipality falls within the OR

Tambo District Municipality and incorporates the

towns Qumbu and Tsolo. It lies on the north east side

of the Eastern Cape alongside the N2 route between

Mthatha and Mount Frere and the R396 between

Tsolo and Maclear.

The municipality was named after King Mhlontlo,

the last monarch to rule the amaMpondomise tribe.

Although the royal line has not been officially recog-

nised since the British colonial government purported

to abolish it on the grounds that Mhlontlo was impli-

cated in the killing of a magistrate, the line of succes-

Ludidi Ka MonumentThis monument was dedicated in recognition of Chief Ludidi Ka

Mthimkulu’s struggle to establish the Hlubisi as a great nation.

5

sion has never been broken. Currently there many calls for the

kingdom of the amaMpondomise to be officially reinstated

and if this were to happen, the amaMpondomise leader would

become the seventh recognised king within the Eastern Cape.

The Mhlontlo Municipality is named after the last monarch to rule the Mpondomise tribe - King Mhlontlo.

King Mhlontlo’s Grave

Beautiful, untouched and peaceful, this is a region where rivers carve their way through desolate remote gorges, creating inland vistas, adventure and tourism opportunities awaiting to be discovered.

64

As you stroll down the Thina River, don’t be sur-

prised to hear the roar of water cascading down

the Thina Falls. This stunning waterfall cuts

through the rocks and forms a deep pool below,

one of the secret fishing spots for local anglers.

Thina FallsWHere

the w

aters

meet

6

The Thina River RibbonThe Thina River Ribbon is a ribbon-shape formation caused by the Thina

river along which tourists will spot vulture colonies, ‘esiqithini’ which

means ‘the island’ and have a pleasure of exploring a variety of flora and

fauna. An adventure hiking trail along this river is envisaged.

7

Thina Falls Pool

64

The jewel in the crown of Mhlontlo and

one of the biggest and most impressive

waterfalls in South Africa, especially

during the rainy season, the Tsitsa Falls

really is one of the undiscovered gems

of the Eastern Cape. Located just 30

kilometres from Qumbu and 71 kilom-

tres from Mthatha, it won’t be long be-

fore this waterfall is a household name.

A 34-kilometre hiking trail connecting

Tsitsa falls and Ntlangano has been

constructed. The trail will take you

three days, with rest huts due to be

constructed along the trail. The route

is enriched with indigenous plants and

wild animals.

Thina falls is approximately 25 km

from Tsitsa falls.

Tsitsa Falls

WHere

the w

aters

meet

8

Tsitsa Falls

Stay and Conference at Tsitsa FallsA 20-bed lodge with conference facilities accommodating up to 70 guests

has been constructed adjacent to the waterfall. The setup makes it conve-

nient for leisure and business occasions. The stunning stilted tented camps

offer panoramic views of the Tsitsa Falls and the surrounding areas.

Conference Centre at Tsitsa Falls

9

Come explore and experience the beauty of nature at its rawest, whilst you inhale a cool misty vapour rising up from the surface freshening the air.

Come meet the locals

64

WHere

the w

aters

meet

10

Mnga Waterfall It is in Mhlontlo where you will find Mnga Waterfall. The unique

caves are hidden behind waterfall curtains

Mabheleni Dam is a famous fly-fishing spot and tourist des-

tination in Mhlontlo. Local and international tourists alike

are attracted by the trout fishing and also enjoy the camping,

caravanning and canoeing. A fly-fishing competition is held

annually during September.

Mabheleni Dam

Get back to nature and stay in the Mabheleni Dam Campsite.

11

104

The Mhlontlo Municipality is rich in both cultural and

natural heritage sites. It is a land of missionaries, with

the Shawbury and St Cuthberts Missions being testi-

mony to how important heritage is to us.

Missionaries

A ric

h her

itage

12

Shawbury Mission

St Cuthberts Mission

11

Rock ArtGo back in time and discover the numerous rock art sites around

Mhlontlo. Many are yet to be discovered so contact a guide at the

local municipality to explore the area for hidden rock art.

Explore the area to find previously undiscovered San (Bushman) rock art or hidden waterfall caves.

13

Shawbury Mission

124

Mhlontlo is fast making a name for itself as the danc-

ing capital of the Eastern Cape, producing numerous

groups of fantastic traditional dancers. The Sino-

musa Cultural Group is the most famous of these and

has performed their style of cultural dance, known as

Ngobhe Umxhentso, across South Africa as well as

abroad in Bulgaria, Russia and Brazil. They compose

the songs themselves and have already produced

two CDs, called Zwelimnandi and Masiyemba.

They also produce lovely examples of traditional

wear and beadwork. The group trains people from

the community and also mentor up-and-coming

small dance groups. They now have a youth part of

the main group that performs with them.

Traditional DancersCu

ltural

Exp

eriences

14

Mhlontlo is fast making a name for itself as the dancing capital of the Eastern Cape, producing numerous groups of fantastic traditional dancers.

15

Rural TrailsTsolo is home to rural horse riding trails

as well as the area’s oldest traditional

hut, where one can witness the customs

of the amaMpondomise people.

12416

Shop around and pick up special arts and crafts from

the communities of Mhlontlo. Local craft traditions

of the area include beadwork, sewing, pottery and

weaving. The Xhosa ceremonial clothing is often

elaborately decorated with fine embroidery work.

Arts & Crafts

Local craft traditions of the area include beadwork, sewing, pottery and weaving.

Tradi

tiona

l craf

ts

16

Traditional Clothing

The Xhosa ceremonial clothing is often elaborately decorated with

fine embroidery work.

As an effort towards SMME support and skills development, a youth

development centre was established at the Tsolo Junction. The multi-

purpose centre consists of a library, art and sewing centre as well as

a computer lab.

17

1614

The area has a number of accommodation options in Tsitsa Falls

Lodge, Tsitsa B&B, Qumbu B&B, Stones B&B and Summer Pride

B&B. All B&Bs offer conference facilities accommodating between

20 and 70 guests. Tsilitwa Guesthouse has been designed to fulfil

your cultural craving. It is located in one of the developing villages

approximately 35 Km from Qumbu. All the B&B’s are strategically

located in town along the N2 road, whilst Summer Pride is situated

in Tsolo just at the Maloti Route gateway.

Where to Stay

Accom

modat

ion &

Serv

ices Accommodation at Tsitsa Falls

Stones B&B

047 553 0140 / 078 301 5442

Tsilitwa Guest house

047 557 0051 / 082 564 8890

Summer Pride

047 542 0108 / 082 485 0113

Qumbu B&B

047 553 0234 / 082 258 3071

Tsitsa B&B

047 553 0024 / 083 455 6110

Tsitsa Falls Lodge

047 553 7000

Book your stay

18

1515

Book your stay

Health Servies:

Ambulance

10177

Qumbu Health Centre

047 553 9906

Mhlakulo Health Centre

047 542 9045

Shawbury Clinic

083 492 9131 / 083 378 0610

Dr Malizo Mpehle Memorial hospital

047 542 6300

Nessie Knight Hospital

047 557 0051

St Lucy’s Hospital

047- 545 9631 / 057 532 6259

Tsolo Clinic:

047 542 0216

Tsilitwa Telemedicine Clinic

083 310 4808 / 047 557 0051

Police Services:

Police

10111

Qumbu Police Station

047 553 0003

Tsolo Police Station:

047 542 0003

Tina Falls Police Station

047 553 0041

Sulenkama Police Station

047 531 3010

Vukuzenzele Tours

083 351 2849

Tumelo Mahashe Tours and Shuttle Services

084 358 377 / 087 80 2 1151

SWAS Travel & Tourism Consulting

079 366 7787

Useful Contacts

Emergency services

19

Investment opportunities exist in the agricultural,

forestry, tourism, wholesale and retail sectors, which

the municipality has prioritised as the main sectors

for economic development.

Among other programmes aimed at promoting lo-

cal economic development, a programme called the

Mhlontlo Tourism Programme (MTOURP) has been

designed. The municipality seeks to partner with both

local and international private businesses/investors.

The proposed Tourism Route has with it opportuni-

ties varying from accommodation establishments,

game farming, adventure activities, food outlets, tour

operating, entertainment centres, sport facilities and

general tourism facilities which investors can tap into.

Investment Opportunities

1614

Invest

in ou

r touris

m

20

Tourists will experience rugged natural beauty and a true cultural awakening in Mhlontlo. We look forward to welcoming you.

Thina Falls Cleavage

ADDRESS: Mhlontlo local Municipality

96 Church Street , Qumbu, 5180

TELEPHONE: 047 553 7000

FAX: 047 553 0189 or 047 553 0452

WEBSITE: www.mhlontlomun.co.za

Contact Mhlontlo Tourism

Experience a rural, natural splendourMhlontlo

Proudly sponsored by the Mhlontlo Local Municipality