The Mhlonto Nature Reserve near Qumbu and Tsolo in the Eastern Cape has become the province’s sixth and third-largest provincial nature reserve. The reserve includes the Tsitsa Falls, Tina Falls, Tina River Valley and Mzoboshe Horseshoe attractions.

The reserve was promulgated in April by MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Sakhumzi Somyo, in terms of the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act.

Plans for the nature reserve began in 2007 and included community consultation, which was concluded successfully. The reserve also attracted an investment of R26.7 million (€1.71m).

Mhlonto is home to various plant species as well as Blue and Grey duikers, baboons, dassies and a variety of small cats. Parks management plans to re-introduce the Mountain zebra, eland, blesbuck and Red hartebeest to the area.

Activities include hiking trails, mountain climbing, ecotourism, cultural tourism and game viewing.