THE AMAZIZI GUIDES
When not guiding or assisting with the Grand or other summit traverses the AmaZizi guides are based at Royal Natal National Park where they are available to takes visitors to Sigubudu Rock art Site. More lately they are keen to introduce hikers to little known areas and routes falling within the proposed Community Nature Reserve & Wilderness Area within the AmaZizi Traditional Authority Area.
They are trained guides and AMAFA accredited rock art custodians. They also work closely with the AmaZizi Wilderness Group (AWG), the Mdlankomo Cultural and Rock art Group (MCG) and other community groups. Elijah Mbonane represents the guides on the AWG.
Elijah started off in the early 1990s as the first community guide in the AmaZizi area. Overcoming countless difficulties he developed a respected community guiding service, the SIYAPHAMBILI GUIDES, and inspired local youngsters with his passion for mountains and hiking. Over the past few years he has been joined by Mathiba Mncube and Sizwe Mkhize.
Guides are self-equipped and are in much demand by both local and international visitors. Much like the Mnweni guides they provide a fascinating insight into local culture, history and fauna and flora and will also arrange for porters or supply points on longer trips. They are all fluent in English.
They have a good working relationship with the Mnweni Guides with whom they participate in joint activities from time to time.
Please contact Elijah Mbonane on 073 137 4690 for all hiking and guide-related enquiries.
Mathiba Mncube
Sizwe Mkhize
Bawinile Mtolo is an experienced community facilitator and has worked on numerous cultural and environmental conservation projects for over 10 years. She is also a member of both the AmaZizi Wilderness Group (AWG) and the Mdlankomo Cultural And Rock art Group (MCG). Bawinile is a Cultural Guide and an AMAFA-accredited rock art custodian.
Bawinile Mtolo
She can be contacted on 074 724 7826 or 073 537 0226 for bookings related to cultural and/or rock art visits.