The OR Tambo region is situated in the north-east of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The region’s boundaries stretch from the Indian Ocean in the east to the rolling hills of the former Transkei in the west, to the Mbhashe River in the south and KwaZulu-Natal in the north.

This region has the second-highest population, estimated at 1,5 million and a population density of 90 per square kilometre. The OR Tambo region covers an area of about 16 000km², about 9% of the Eastern Cape province.

The seat of OR Tambo is Mthatha. The OR Thambo region is the birthplace and home to some of South Africa’s great leaders. Oliver Reginald Tambo, former ANC president after whom the municipality is named came from this region. Nelson Mandela, the first democratic president of South Africa is the Eastern Cape’s most famous resident! His home is easily spotted on the N2 in Qunu.

Port St Johns is a highlight on the Wild Coast tour route with its towering cliffs, where the Umzimvubu River breaks through in its final sweep into the Indian Ocean.

Forming part of the famous Wild Coast, the OR Tambo region’s Wild Coast route is an unspoiled, rugged coastal paradise, with undulating green hills that roll down to blue lagoons and majical stretches of wild coastline.

One of the many traditional Xhosa villages to visit here is Jonopo Village at Qunu, which is about 7km from former South African president Nelson Mandela’s residence. It is situated on the N2, 34km from Mthatha.

The region offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit every taste, including luxury guest houses, Bed and Breakfast establishments, chalets, caravan and camping facilities as well as self-catering cottages all along the coast.