Umtata

Umtata is the gateway to the Wild Coast beaches and resorts

Umtata, gateway to the Wild Coast beaches and resorts, was the capital of the former independent Transkei, from 1976 to 1994. Umtata was founded in 1867 on the Umtata River and has many old and imposing buildings, like the Umtata City Hall built in 1908. Umtata received municipal status in 1882. President Nelson Mandela was born near the town and the first train from East London, after the railroad was built, arrived in Umtata in September 1916.

Capital of the former Republic of the Transkei from 1976 to 1994. The city is located on the banks of the Mtata River, had it’s origins as a ‘white buffer zone’ or boundary between the warring Mpondo and Thembu tribes along the river. A village was laid out in 1879 and granted municicpal status in 1882. Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratic president, was born to the Thembu royal family in a small village near Umtata.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

East London 235 km

Banks

African Bank, FNB, Standard, Bank of Transkei

Dams - Mtata

Rivers – Mtata

HISTORICAL VIEW

Cathedrals

The city boasts two beautiful cathedrals, namely St John’s (Anglican) built in 1906 and All Saints (Roman Catholic).

The Bunga

The domed building which has been the seat of the Transkei parliament.

Umtata Museum

Cultural and natural history of the Transkei, as well as traditional costumes and beadwork.

NATURE

Luchaba Nature Reserve

This highveld reserve flanks the Umtata Dam and comprises grassland and open water. Various species of grazing herbivores such as hartebeest and Burchell’s zebra have been introduced. Of particular interest to the bird watcher, the tall grassland and damp marshy areas provide ideal nesting habitat for Crowned Crane, Marsh Owl and Marsh Harrier. Over thirty pairs of the rare Stanley’s Bustard breed here and the elaborate courtship display of the male, who puffs the feathers of this chest out into a big ball, can be seen from some distance. Birdlife on and around the dam varies depending upon the water level, with large numbers of migratory waders such as Ruff, sandpipers and Greenshank being present when the mudflats are exposed. Cormorants, ducks and geese feed in the open water, while herons and spoonbills stalk in the shallows. Several species of lark, pipit and cisticola occur in the dry grasslands and their correct identification will challenge the ardent birder. Look out for the attractive Blackshouldered Kite as it hovers above the grass in search of rodents, and the spectacular Longtailed Widow as it flaps around whilst being followed by it’s enormous tail and harem of females.

Nduli Nature Reserve

This small bushveld reserve is situated in a valley on the outskirts of Umtata. Acacia caffra and Acacia karoo are the most abundant trees; the tall karoo are the most abundant trees; the tall Cabbage Tree (Cussonia spicata) is common; and Aloe ferox bloom in winter. Impala, steenbuck and blesbuck are among the antelope which have been introduced into the 200 ha reserve. Somber Bulbul, Fiscal Flycatcher, Blackcrowned Tchagra and Yelloweyed canary are common in the thornbush, and several species of swallow and swift course overhead. Two dams on the valley floor are visited regularly by the many antelope and the reedbuck provide nestling sites for Crowned Crane and Red Bishop. A magnificent indigenous garden has been created by the late Reg Tooke in and around an old quarry site on a hillside. A wide variety of aloes, euphorbias, small succulents and cycads are surrounded by flowering trees and shrubs to create a scenic and tranquil setting. There are no overnight facilities at Nduli, the reserve being open to day visitors only. Aid is being sought to develop this urban reserve as an educational centre for the children of Umtata and other parts of the Transkei.

How to get there

The entrance gate is about 3 km south of Umtata on the main East London road.

ATTRACTIONS

Ikwezi Pottery

A self help programme for the disabled.

Izandla Pottery

Beautiful African pottery

Madiba Trail

Named after Nelson Mandela, the trail takes visitors to Qunu, the village where he grew up, and to the University of Fort Hare, his alma mater.

Umtata Dam

The city’s main source of water, recreational facilities

Wonk’ Umntu Handicraft Centre

5 km west of town

ACTIVITIES

Trout Fishing

Mabeleni Dam

Accommodation in and around Umtata