
Mgwali village, situated 25 km east of the town of Stutterheim, is one of the oldest settlements in the Eastern Cape. The Mgwali Mission is unique. It is the first mission station in the nineteenth century to be governed by a black man, the Reverend Tiyo Soga.
Here you can experience true Xhosa hospitality – taste traditional food and enjoy the entertainment and true African culture.
Local crafts, traditional garments and woven materials are produced here. Visitors can view a museum of photographs, historical art and crafts depicting local history and customs. An elder in the community explains the traditions and ceremonies while taking visitors on an ox-cart trip around the area to Sangomas (traditional healers), a pipe-maker and numerous artisans making traditional Xhosa pottery and other goods.
Your day in Mgwali will start with your arrival, when you will be entertained with singing and dancing. Your guide will take you on your tour, after which you will taste the traditional beer “Umqomboti”. After this warm-up, you are ready to enjoy a traditional lunch of stew and then other entertainment. If you go there over the weekend you are welcome to go to their traditional ceremonies.
Opening hours: Day tours by arrangement. Telephone: +27 (0)43 726-3748 or +27 (0)82 920-8040
More info on the town of Stutterheim | More info on the Amatola Region |