THANDO MGEDEZI of NEWS24 reports:
The ECPTA treated local and national journalists to a Summer Media Tour at the Wild Coast recently.
The Summer Media Tour aimed to promote and drive domestic tourism while also showcasing the province of the Eastern Cape as a suitable holiday destination for the festive season.
After the launch, later that day, the journalists checked in at Mbotyi River Lodge, a family hotel and holiday resort in Lusikisiki on the stunning Wild Coast. And the discovery of the Wild Coast’s hidden wonders began …
In Lusikisiki, the group stopped at Magwa Falls, a waterfall with a main water drop of 144m. Tour Guide, Louis Fourie, said that, sadly, most people only see the beauty of waterfalls on TV when they can experience and learn about these attractions for themselves.
After the Magwa Falls experience, we set off for a two-day Port St John’s tour. We got to enjoy kayaking and the Port St Johns Airstrip, with its magical views of the town and its surroundings.
With the help of Sonwabo Khangela of Ngcambu Tours in Port St Johns, we got to perch on the edge of a 342m high cliff. We also climbed down the rope ladder through a narrow gap to watch a blowhole – what an adrenalin adventure!
On the last day, Ngcambu Tours took us to Isinuka Springs, a traditional healing site of natural sulphur springs in Port St Johns. The bathing pond here is considered to have spiritual and therapeutic healing powers. Most people use the 3m pool of natural pink water to wash off their bad luck and ask for what they need in life, as they believe that the Isinuka is a powerful healing place.
Located near the Isinuka is Vic’s Hole, where people inhale a scent that is believed to heal sinuses, sore throats and other respiratory ailments. People also use the black and white Isinuka mud to remove pimples and detoxify their faces.
We left Pondoland with luggage much heavier than when we arrived as we bought some of the natural products that contribute to the growth of the economy of the area.
