Lusikisiki is situated near Port St Johns in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Lusikisiki arose from a military camp that was established in 1894. The village derives its name from the sound of rustling reeds.
The nearby Mbotyi Beach offers hiking, biking, canoeing and swimming, whereas Magwa Waterfall, the most accessible waterfall in the AmaMpondo region, can be accessed by bicycle or by foot.
In Lusikisiki you can encounter the ceremony called Umngquzo, which is similar to a woman’s 21st birthday, but with indigenous beliefs and customs included in the mix. You will hear a distinct lingo at Lusikisiki which comprises a combination of isiXhosa and isiZulu, with its own twists and clicks. Ask a local for a lesson in how to click and you will make the locals proud that visitors are keen to learn how to pronounce some local words.
An annual highlight is when royal families of several other South African tribes are invited to Lusikisiki. Traditional clothing is worn and you can expect to experience traditional song, dance and cooking.
Foods include Isigwampa, a mixture of green plants and maize meal, Umqa, which is pumpkin and maize meal, Umqhafunyeko, comprising maize and beans and its variant Isiqwaqana. History, culture and customs are shared.