Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

Shelling: Shells are washed up on the beach and collect in the pools at
Hluleka Beach, where you can also do some snorkelling when the tide and
swell permit.
Whale-watching: There are several vantage points in the Hluleka Reserve
from which whales and dolphins can be watched.
FAUNA AND FLORA.
Hluleka Nature Reserve: The reserve was originally called “Straghan’s
Grant” after its previous owner, who bequeathed this beautiful 772-ha tract of
land to the government. Today, the reserve, a combination of rocky seashore,
lagoon and evergreen forest is popular for its magnificent scenery (some of
the chalets in the rest camp have been raised on stilts to give visitors a better
view), easy rambles, as well as its prolific bird- and animal life along the
Hululeka River.
KENTANI (including Qolora Mouth)
The picturesque village of Kentani was established as a military post during
the Ninth Frontier War. More than 5 000 Xhosa warriors tragically lost their
lives here when they attacked the British-held stronghold on the advice of their
witch doctor, Xito, who told them that the soldiers’ bullets could not harm them.
Qolora (River) Mouth lies south-east of Kentani and the small resorts nestled
here boast a beautiful beach, ideally suited for swimming and fishing. Roughly
an hour’s walk from the river mouth lies Kobonqaba Point, a popular rock
fishing spot and the place where the Greek coaster, Jacaranda, came to grief
in 1971. The wreck remains intact and firmly wedged between the rocks. Kei
River Mouth lies 6 km south of Qolora.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
Pool of Nongqawuse: A 4-km stroll inland from Qolora Mouth will bring you to
the Pool of Nongqawuse on the Gxara River. Here, a young Xhosa girl had a
vision of how, if her people destroyed all their cattle and crops, they would be
freed of the presence of the white man. Unfortunately her vision had tragic
consequences and led to the mass starvation of her people, after they had
obeyed her.
NATURAL WONDERS
Rock formations: The Boiling Pot and Gates are rock formations that decorate
the beaches of the Qolora Mouth area. Shells and other remnants of marine life
often wash up on the beach.
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