Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Hiking: There is a 6-km walk from Mazeppa Bay along the beach to the resort
at Qora Mouth. By road the route is over 100 km long.
Shark fishing: If shark fishing is to your taste, Mazeppa Bay is the place to be;
sharks weighing up to a record 791 kg have been hooked here. Cross the
suspension bridge on First Beach to reach The Island, one of several ideal
locations for deep-sea fishing and hooking sharks. The other spots are at
Shark Point and The Boiling Pot.
Swimming: First Beach, which fronts the hotel, is the best swimming beach.
Shelly Beach and Second Beach on the southern side of the lagoon are
well-suited for walking, swimming, picnicking, collecting shells and
surfing - despite the presence of sharks!
Wild Coast Horse and Hiking Trail: The Mazeppa to Kei part of this trail is in
the southern Wild Coast area. Visitors can take part in hiking and horseback -
riding, birding, canoeing, whale- and dolphin-watching and scuba-diving in
certain areas, on the route. Meeting the local inhabitants and other community
and cultural-based activities is also possible.
FAUNA AND FLORA
Manubi Forest: Huge yellowwood and sneezewood trees dominate in the
Manubi Forest with its abundant bird- and animal life.
MOUNT AYLIFF
Mount Ayliff lies about 140 km north of Umtata and was probably named after
the Rev John Ayliff who ran a missionary station nearby. However, two other
men named Ayliff, William and James, who were government employees in
the area during the 1870s, may also lay claim to this honour. Of these two
James Ayliff is by far the best known, especially for his frankness and honesty
concerning his part in the Battle of Gwadana in 1877. Apparently he
confidently led the Mfengu into battle against the Gcaleka until his cannon
burst and then, by his own admission: “I ran”. Today the town is a busy trading
post and on a busy day looks like a scene from a “Wild West” movie, with
horses tethered to hitching posts in front of every store and building.
MOUNT FRERE (KWABHACA)
This small village, 100 km north of Umtata on the N2, known by the locals as
KwaBhaca – ”The Place of the Bhaca”, was established in 1876 and named
after Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of the Cape. Today, the village, surrounded by
- 146 -