Homeland of the Xhosa People
Mthatha is a traditional town situated on the banks of the Umtata River in the Eastern Cape. Founded in 1879 under the name Umtata, the town was known as the capital of the Transkei, the homeland of the Xhosa people.
After regulation changes in 1994, Mthatha became part of a municipality and is now the largest town in the region. It is conveniently located close to Port St Johns, Coffee Bay and East London.
One of Mthatha’s main attractions is the Nelson Mandela Museum in the Bhunga Building in Owen Street. This modern museum displays a substantial variety of historic documents and photos of former president Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom'.
Located about 250 kilometres north of East London, Mthatha is the ideal stopover town for visitors exploring the Eastern Cape province. With modern amenities and a number of accommodation options, travellers can refresh and refuel in town en route to their next destination.
The town of Mthatha was founded in 1879 under the name Umtata, and was declared the capital of the Transkei (Wild Coast), known as the homel...