Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

IDUTYWA (including Willowvale)
Most motorists regard this little town only as the place where one turns off the
N2 main road to reach the Dwesa Nature Reserve, Kobb Inn and Mazeppa
Bay. However, the town has several hotels, sporting facilities and a camping
site. It is also famous for hosting the ”Abakhwetha” dances that form part of
the initiation ceremony of young Xhosa boys.
Willowvale, not far from Idutywa, is the traditional seat of the paramount chief
of the Gcaleka. This picturesque little town gets it name from the wild willow
trees that once grew in the valleys along the rivers. The road through
Willowvale leads to Qora Mouth and Nqabara Point on the Wild Coast.
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Golf: Idutywa has its own golf course.
Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail: The Dwesa/Cwebe Trail passes through the
Dwesa and Cwebe Nature Reserves, a special area enclosing large tracts of
indigenous forest, coastal grasslands, rivers and estuaries and abundant
game and birds. The trail allows meetings with the local inhabitants and other
community-and cultural-based activities. Activities such as birding, canoeing,
whale- and dolphin-watching and scuba-diving are possible in certain areas.
FAUNA AND FLORA
Cwebe Nature Reserve: The 2 140-ha Cwebe Nature Reserve encloses
forest, grassland and quiet beach areas. Follow the well-marked hiking trails
and see a magnificent wonder of nature, the Mbunyana Falls. The lagoons
provide a safe haven for many species of water birds, including the majestic
fish eagle. Fishing is allowed on Shark’s Island.
Dwesa Game Reserve: This reserve lies on the south side of the Mbashe
River, opposite the Cwebe Nature Reserve. Many species of plants found in
the Western Cape also grow here. This phenomenon can be explained by the
fact that the sea currents deposit many of the plants here. Large game such
as rhino, buffalo, antelope, zebra and many different species of birds can be
seen in the reserve.
KEI MOUTH
The village of Kei Mouth was founded during the Frontier Wars to serve as a
staging post. The Great Kei River is up to 200 m wide in places and flows into
the Indian Ocean. The pontoon at Kei Mouth ferries vehicles across the Great
Kei River to the road leading to the Kentani and Willowvale beach resorts.
Today, the village boasts numerous hotels, bungalows, caravan sites as well
- 128 -