King Madzikane Memorial
Madzikane born in 1749 was the founder and a King of the Bhaca people. One of his grandfather was Sihelem, in 1811 Madzikane united many multitudes of different people and tribes to form amaBhaca consisting of many tribes including amaZulu, amaWushe, amaNqolo, amaNzelu, amaZizi, amaNjilo, abaseNhlwangini, amaQwabe, abaThembu etc.
Madzikane’s father was Khalimesh. In 1819 he (Madzikane) was driven away further by AmaZulu warriors led by Inkosi Dingane.
Madzikane crossed Umzimkhulu River and settled at Nunge Mountain near Kokstad and Mount Ayliff.
In his great house Mdzikane had two sons Sonyangwe and Ncaphayi.
After the death of Madzikane KaZulu in 1836 this nation was splited into two groups, one led by inkosi Sonyangwe went back to KZN and one led by inkosi Ncaphayi remained in the Eastern Cape.
A memorial stone was erected in 1992 along the N2 road and officially opened by former President Nelson Mandela in honour of this warrior.
For further information and to visit this memorial site contact Umzimvubu Local Municipality on the details provided below.
Address: N2, Mt Frere
Contact Person: Shirley Batyi
Tel: 039 255 8506
Cell: 082 747 0435
Ntsizwa Monument
Situated right on top of Ntsizwa mountain.
During the winter of 1828 the campaign of Zulu forces took place and were attached by joint forces of Baca and Xesibe in the area that is now called Ntsizwa.
Nogula, a Xesibe army general and one of Sinama’s sons, led the Xesibe division whereas Madzikane led the Baca division.
Shaka personally led his strong regiment at Umzimkhulu River, he divided his regiment into two,one to Faku and the other to
Madzikane and assigned two generals to lead while he and Fyn remained camping at Umzimkhulu River.The battle arena for
Madzikane was Nunge Mountain Range. Madzikane instructed his son Ncapai who led his regiment comprising of Wushes, Chiyas,
Mpovanes, Nqolos, Xesibes and other to first engage Shaka’s regiment in a running battle around Nunge Mountains.
Whiles he was engaged in his usual muthi practices that led to terrible snow fall. The Shaka’s army suffered a severe cold and Madzikane instructed Ncapai to infight. Shaka’s army was eventually defeated at Nunge Mountain Range, because iNtsizwa ZomkhosikaShaka fell there, this part of the range became Ntsizwa Mountain.
Contact Person: Shirley Batyi
Tel: 039 255 8506
Cell: 082 747 0435
Umzimvubu River
Umzimvubu, the name of Umzimvubu River is an isiXhosa name which means “home of the hippopotamus” Umzimvubu river is a South African river rising in the Drankensburg Mountains in the district of Mount Currie, south of the meeting-point of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Lesotho. It flows for 400km and ends in the Indian Ocean at Port St Johns between the so called Gates St John-cliff faces 365m. The catchment area is about 20 000km square and the river’s drainage is about three quarters that of the Tugela or Vaal River.
The most important tributaries are the Mzimhlava (Umzimhlava), which flows past Kokstad and Mount Ayliff, the Mzimvubu , which enters it from the north-east and the Keneka and the Tina, which join it from the north west, the latter shortly after its confluence with the Tsitsa. Although the mouth of the river sometimes sands up, the last ten kilometers of the river are navigate.
Lugelweni Waterfalls
One of the amazing attractions in Ntsizwa Mountain is a spectacular natural wonder called Lugelweni Waterfalls situated in Lugelweni Village along the N2 between Mount Frere and Mount Ayliff with a beautiful forest and mountain as a back drop to this splendour.
This area is also rich in coal deposits and you will spot various entrances into the mountain that were built by coal miners, some of which are still used by local villagers, among these entrances there is one that start at the top of the fall and goes to Sugarbush Village which is estimated at +- 14km.
For a visit to the falls and to arrange for a hike or a scenic mountain bike trail contact Umzimvubu Local Municipality on the details provided.
Address: Lugelweni A/A, Mt Ayliff
Contact Person: Shirley Batyi
Tel: 039 255 8506
Cell: 082 747 0435
Ntsizwa Mountain
Ntsizwa Mountain formally known as Nunge is one of the eye catching attractions that is worth visiting and explore for its strong heritage.
It is where the recent monument was builded in memory of the Ntsizwa ZikaShaka who most of them died because of the snow while fighting with King Madzikane ka Zulu, hence it was rename Ntsizwa Mountain.
There are numerous hiking trails to explore through mysterious indigenous forests, towering waterfalls and there are mapped trails for the experienced biker with great challenges, as well as some gentle rides for the inexperienced.
These trails take one through the forest, up on to the grassland escarpment or through the magnificent tree plantation.
Hiking
Nature lovers and hikers, this area is a fantastic multi-activity adventure trail in the municipality. Overall the impression is one of endless landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, a solitude in which you can almost feel the
peace and tranquillity and achieve total piece of mind. The design of the trails, the beautiful scenery and the sense of isolation combine to provide a great experience.
….. bring your family and friends. They can spend time in and around these trails while you cycle and enjoy.
Remember: You decide on how far or how hard you want to go!
Culture
Arts & Culture has been identified as one of the major contributors especially for tourism purposes in the Eastern Cape, the ULM area is no different, crafts have emerged as more than just a form of capturing history and telling stories, families and villages are getting tremendous economic benefits from the skill of craft manufacturing. From local arts and crafts such as beadwork, weaving, sewing and pottery to traditional dancing and cuisine. The Umzimvubu region is alive with cultural heritage.
Enjoy and experience this hospitality and rich culture in style, make getting there an informed decision by taking a peep of the excellent Cultural Villages.
A visit to this region would not be complete without a live traditional dance viewing. This can be arranged via the municipality. These local groups are extremely passionate and their energy and rhythm has an almost hypnotic effect on a spectator. One is swept into the culture and lifestyle of the AmaBbaca, AmaXesibe & AmaHlubi, AbaSotho etc. From the beautiful attire and unique make-ups to the rhythmic instruments and dance- one could not get a more on this experience!
Msukeni Community Centre
Msukeni Community Centre is predominantly a craft centre situated along the N2 midway between Mount Ayliff and Kokstad.
The centre boasts a variety of crafters specialising in beadwork, traditional and various other products.
Msukeni Community Centre also has a fully equipped conference centre with it’s own kitchen and break away rooms.
The conference is also used for weddings and other similar functions.
Catering is also provided on request by local entrepreneurs.
Address : Gugwini A/A – Msukeni, Mount Ayliff
Contact Person: Mantuli Mfenqe / Mr Ndiki
Tel: 084 291 4515 / 073 561 1631
Xesibe Tourism Centre
From local arts and crafts such as beadwork, weaving, sewing and pottery to traditional dancing, the Xesibe Tourism Centre is also one of the Tourist Information Centre in the area, alive with cultural heritage.
To experience this, visit this Cultural Village and Information Centre in the N2 Road between Kokstad and Mount Ayliff.
Address : Along the N2 Road
Contact Person: Ms Nosisa Mdutyana
Cell: 084 647 9058/ 073 483 6450 or
Contact Umzimvubu Local Municipality
Contact Person: Shirley Batyi
Tel: 039 255 8506
Cell:082 747 0435