The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency treated local and national journalists to a Summer Media Tour at the Wild Coast recently.
The Summer Media Tour was aimed at promoting and driving domestic tourism while also showcasing the province of the Eastern Cape as a suitable holiday destination for the festive season.
The five-day media tour was launched by Eastern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Mlungisi Mvoko at Wild Coast Sun in Port Edward.
After the launch later that day, the group of journalists checked in at Mbotyi River Lodge, a family hotel and holiday resort in Lusikisiki on the stunning Wild Coast.
In Lusikisiki, the media group stopped at Magwa Falls, a waterfall that has a main water drop of 144 metres.
Magwa Falls Tour Guide, Louis Fourie, said most people see the beauty of waterfalls on TV while they can experience and learn about these attractions on their own.
After the experience of Magwa Falls it was time for a two-day tour of Port St John’s, where the guests got to enjoy kayaking and the Port St Johns Airstrip which boasts magical views of the town and its surrounds.
You can perch yourself on the edge of the 342m high cliff – all with the help of Sonwabo Khangela Ngcambu Tours in Port St Johns.
We also did an adrenalin adventure as we climbed down the ladder and rope through the gap which is quite narrow to watch a blowhole.
On the last day, Ngcambu Tours took us to Isinuka Springs, a sacred traditional spa in Port St Johns.
The bathing pond is considered to have healing powers – both spiritually and therapeutically.
Most people use the 3-metre pool of natural pink water to wash off their so-called bad luck and to also ask for what they need in life, as they believe that the Isinuka is a healing place for them.
Located near the Isinuka, is a place called the Vics hole where people also visit to inhale the scent that is believed to heal sinuses, throat and other respiratory ailments.
Many people who have used the Vics and the water have attested to an excellent outcome, including that of the black and the white Isinuka mud that is used to remove pimples and detoxify their faces.
As we left the Pondoland, our luggage was much heavier as we bought some of the natural products to help grow the economy of the area.
