As the festive season begins, the OR Tambo District Municipality is rolling out the red carpet — not only for tourists, but also for the local gems often hidden in plain sight.
With support from tourism and communications officials, the municipality visited several hospitality establishments across the district — focusing on accommodation and visitor experiences in Ingquza Hill, Port St. Johns, Nyandeni, King Sabata Dalindyebo, and Mhlontlo.
The goal? To promote authentic, high-quality tourism and encourage locals to explore their own backyard.
Where the Team Stopped — Highlights from the Visit
Here’s a look at some of the standout spots profiled during the district’s December tourism drive:
| Establishment | Location | What They Said |
|---|---|---|
| KwaNomzi Boutique Lodge | Zalu Hills (R61) | “It’s intimate. It’s scenic. Where love breathes deeper and sunsets hit differently.” |
| Indwendwe Lodge | Flagstaff | “A four-star sanctuary with 16 warm rooms and a dining hall for 100.” |
| Mkambathi Nature Reserve | Near Lusikisiki | “A pilgrimage for nature lovers, a holy place for anyone craving the wild.” |
| Gwegwe Beach Lodge | Mkara | “Yes, a five-star experience right here on Faku land. Exquisite.” |
| Cosy Posy Boutique Hotel | Lusikisiki | “Lusikisiki’s most comforting surprise. Effortlessly beautiful.” |
| Mvemve Boutique Hotel | Lusikisiki | “Strategically placed, warm and homely — a quiet beauty.” |
| Gandundu Lodge | Hombe (Bethel) | “A homely escape from the isiphithiphithi of town life.” |
Local Tourism with Heart and Soul
Each place offered more than beds and breakfasts. From romantic views to family-run warmth, these establishments tell stories about place, people, and pride.
“If your soul is tired… Mkambathi is the place,” one team member reflected after a restful overnight stay at the nature reserve.
The campaign highlights the district’s ambition to turn OR Tambo into a tourism destination of choice, not just for outsiders, but for residents too.
More Places Worth Visiting
Ingquza Hill has even more to offer, including:
- Sips Lodge
- Lalamfene
- Ellenicha
- Myezo
- Flagridge
Contact details for these spots are available in the comments section, according to OR Tambo Tourism.