THINGS TO DO

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
The peaks of the Eastern Cape Highlands soar up  to  3,000 metres and you can hike to your heart's content in total wilderness. Two guided slackpacking trails, the Highlands Hike and the Wartrail Skywalk, have been introduced taking in San rock art, caves, rock-formations and wonderful birdlife along the way. Carry only your dagbag and sleep in cosy B&Bs each night. Families and those who simply want to relax may prefer to meander along the many trout-filled rivers, stopping to bathe in rock pools and natural  alpine 'jacuzzis'.

PLAY IN THE WHITE STUFF!
The Eastern Cape Highlands is famous for its snow-capped peaks during winter. Those who want the complete alpine experience can head to Tiffindell Ski Resort, nestled at the base of the Cape's highest peak at an altitude of 3,001 metres. Tiffindell offers skiing or snowboarding throughout the winter and can provide lessons and equipment. But if skiing is a bit too technical or expensive and all you really want to do is watch your kids build their first snowman then talk to us about our Snowman Tours. We will use our local knowledge to take you in out Landy to the best spots to have some family fun in the snow.   

GET BUBBLY IN A MOUNTAIN JACUZZI
To feel revitalised and invigorated, nothing beats a soak in a natural mountain 'jacuzzi'. In a total mountain wilderness, with no other people around for miles, you can even get right back to nature and skinny dip if the mood takes you!

HOOF IT UP THE MOUNTAIN
If hiking uphill sounds like too much hard work, then why not let four legs take the strain? Sure-footed horses are available for all levels of rider to explore the Eastern Cape Drakensberg from the saddle. Ride along river gorges, into caves and up to the highest peaks for magnificent views, stopping for picnics and refreshing river swims along the way. The adventurous can take a multi-day horse trail. Our horses are mountain-bred and know this terrain like the back of their hoof.

WATCH THE BIRDIE!
Birding in Eastern Cape Drakensberg is superb with over 230 species recorded. Watching the large raptors of the region soar over the cliffs in search for food is an incredible sight. The keen 'twitcher' will enjoy seeking out and ticking off rare specimens endemic to the area.

CATCH YOUR OWN BREAKFAST
The Eastern Cape Highlands has over 200kms of pristine rivers well-stocked with wild trout and yellowfish - a fly-fishing paradise. Why not bring your rod and try to catch breakfast for the family.

LEARN ABOUT SAN ROCK ART
The Eastern Cape Drakensberg was once home to the San, whose rock paintings are found throughout these ancient mountains. The rock art of this region is rated as some of the best in the world, the San being the first people of South Africa and especially this area. Experience well-preserved paintings in this truly unique and dynamic landscape guided by a local expert who will give you a deeper appreciation of the complexity of this fascinating and sacred art. Day excursions & weekend tours available

PUT THE MOUNTAIN INTO MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Eastern Cape Highlands has terrain to suit all levels of cyclist. From tranquil district roads to jeep track and extremely technical single-track routes we can tailor a route to suit your mountain biking experience. Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings whilst cycling at your own pace. We arrange tailor-made trips including family cycling trips between B&Bs, high-altitude tours of the region's mountain passes and off-road trails for the adrenaline downhill junkies. 

GET DOWN ON THE FARM
Most of the accommodation in the Eastern Cape Highlands is based on working farms. So if you've ever wanted to learn to milk a cow, pick raspberries, feed baby lambs or take part in a cattle drive on horseback, this is your opportunity. Our guest farm accommodation venues have been selected for their charm and tranquility. 

RIDE HIGH!
Guided motorbike and quad tours are available for all levels of rider. Bring your own bikes and we will show you the way through fantastic terrain with minimal fences. Ideal for high altitude training, or just for a fun weekend with your mates. 

GO DOWN THE CREEK WITH A PADDLE!
enjoy a relaxing guided river rafting trip down the scenic River Kraai. You will travel through beautiful sandstone gorges, draped with willow trees and will have the opportunity to admire the bird life, caves and San rock art.

DO IT ALL! - DESIGN YOUR OWN ACTIVITY HOLIDAY
You choose the activities that you enjoy the most and we will use our local knowledge and contacts to design you an activity holiday that is perfect for your needs. All of our trails are tailored to the interest, fitness levels and experience of the group and so are suitable for most ages. 

PLACES TO SEE

Halstone Krans

Sandstone Guest Cottages

Spectacular mountain scenery

Crowned Cranes

San Rock Art Sites

WARTRAIL & NEW ENGLAND
Hidden in the peaceful valleys of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg, the remote mountain farms of Wartrail and New England provide the perfect antidote to the stresses of city life. Also known as 'Wild Mountain Country' this area offers a safe and relaxing escape in a pristine natural environment, far away from the madding crowds.

All types of farmstay accommodation are available, from camping and self-catering cottages to en-suite fully-catered guest houses. Each establishment is unique and meals range from simple fare to delicious farm style extravaganzas. Enjoy personal attention from your hosts, many of whom are descendants of the early settlers to the area. They have many wonderful stories to tell about the area's rich history and culture.

Whether you want to unwind in peace, or fill your family's lungs with fresh air, Wartrail has something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Our recommendations for sights in Wartrail & New England:

• Take a trip to Wooly's of Wartrail for locally knitted scarves and beanies, all manner of woolen goods and - bizarrely - emu products. You'll have to visit to find out why these goony Aussie birds are being reared in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. Kath Isted and her team of ladies also make mouthwatering cakes, great coffee and very tasty light lunches.
  
• Whilst up at Woollys, take a 11km drive to the top of Lundean's Nek pass for spectacular views of the Drakensberg and Maloti Mountains. You are looking straight into Lesotho. This point is often snow-covered in winter, so is popular with families on a snowman making mission!
  
• The 'New England loop' is usually rewarding for bird-watching, particularly for large congregations of cranes during the winter months.
  
• Cross the Kraai River at Loch Bridge (a national monument in its own right).  There is a layby towards the top of the pass that affords beautiful views of the river and bridges below. This is also a great spot to check out the zig-zag railway reverses of which there are only two of their kind in the world.
  
• Wartrail and New England has a rich heritage of rock art sites. We guide all visits to these precious sites to protect our natural heritage, but do ask your hosts if there is one nearby that you can visit.

RHODES VILLAGE
'Lost in time' would be a fair description of Rhodes Village. Despite its rising popularity as a tourist getaway, the town still has a quaint unspoiled feel. The Victorian architecture led to the entire village being proclaimed a conservation area in 1997 and the only complete town in the country to be declared a national monument from one end to the other. Many of these cottages are now owned by city-dwellers as holiday homes and thus the permanent resident population of Rhodes is very small indeed. Out of holiday season, the place can even have quite a spooky 'ghost-town' feel with many of the businesses are closed during the weekdays.

During winter this sleepy village is suddenly transformed as skiers throng from the cities to head up to Tiffindell Ski Resort. Many people opt to stay in Rhodes and take a daily 19km shuttle up to the resort as a cost-effective means of achieving their family ski holiday. There is a good choice of Guest Houses and self-catering cottages - contact us if you would like a quotation for accommodation in Rhodes.

The Eastern Cape Drakensberg is earning a well-deserved reputation as a venue for hard-core athletes to test themselves. Most would agree that the challenges posed by the high altitude and the mountain weather are tougher than any that their fellow competitors could come up with. These events include the Rhodes Marathon in snowy July, and the MTB Extreme event in September. The Freedom Challenge, one of the world's toughest mountain bike endurance tests, starts off with the Ride to Rhodes from Pietermaritzberg. With a total distance of 550km and including the highest pass in South Africa at an altitude of nearly 3,000m this first leg of the Freedom Challenge is not for the faint-hearted. See our calendar of trails and events for these events' dates and links to more information.

Our recommendations for sights in and around Rhodes include:

• A stop of some kind at Walkerbouts Inn. This is a wonderful guest house to stay at and the food is good. But if nothing else, pop in for a drink in their cosy pub which is full of character (and local characters for that matter). Walkerbouts was included in a book of '101 beloved bars in Southern Africa' (Chris Marais & Pat Hopkins 2007) and it is easy to see why. The inn's namesake Dave Walker is a legendary character - our very own Father Christmas. Dave has accumulated a wonderful collection of  bar memorabilia and his African Clawed Frogs are bizzarely intriguing. 
  
• Drive to the top of Volunteershoek and/or Naudesnek Passes for spectacular views. See 8 Passes Challenge for more details.
  
• Go fly-fishing for wild trout and yellowfish. Permits can be obtained from Walkerbouts Inn and guiding is available, although this is best pre-booked.
  

CLIMATE

Clean and invigorating is the best way to describe the climate in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg and four well-marked seasons occur.

In summer, the days are typically hot and sunny, with regular late afternoon thunderstorms to clear the air ready for the next day.

• Autumn is a time to enjoy magnificent colours, with the grasses and trees decorated in splendid shades of golds and reds. The days are pleasantly warm and sunny - ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
• Winter brings snow and visitors flock to nearby Tiffindell to enjoy the unique opportunity to ski in South Africa. The area is stunningly beautiful at this time of year and what could put a better smile on your face than watching your child build their very first snowman?
• In spring the landscape blooms with fresh green grass and wild flowers. Birding in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg at this time of year is exceptional and the farmlands are bursting with new life in the form of lambs and calves.

All that said, the only thing that is truly predictable about mountain weather..... is that it's totally unpredictable! Come prepared for all four seasons in one day. Layers are your best be and good sun protection is essential. That may seem bizarre advice given our snowy winters, but 'high altitude=high UV' and you can get severe sunburn at any time.

Sun protection
High Altitude = High UV so please come prepared with sun tan lotions, sun-glasses hats and long-sleeved tops. This even applies in winter - UV rays reflect off snow!

Clothing
The only thing that's truly predictable about mountain weather is that it's totally unpredictable! Come prepared for four seasons in one day. Layers are a good bet. There's nowhere really fancy in the area, so you can leave your sparkly dresses, jackets and stiletto heels at home! Practical, warm and comfortable clothing is the order of the day.

Medication
There is no pharmacies in Barkly East, Rhodes or Lady Grey, so it is sensible to bring prescription medication with you. There are however  hospitals and doctors in the towns in case of emergency.

Useful Items
Cameras, binoculars, fly-fishing rods, mountain bikes

Food
If you are self-catering then bring any unusual foods that you may want with you. There are supermarkets in Lady Grey and Barkly East, and a small supplies shop in Rhodes, but you can only rely on getting basic foodstuffs. Supply of fresh fruit and veg is very variable. There are however excellent butchers in Barkly East and Lady Grey and the local meat is good value and of superb quality. 

Most of the roads in the area are fairly well graded gravel. 4x4 vehicles are not required, but high clearance is useful, particularly if you are staying far up in the mountains or wish to take scenic drives along our mountain passes.  There are plenty of accommodation establishments that are easy for smaller cars to get to - just mention this at the time of booking so that we can recommend a suitable venue. Shuttles can also be arranged from Barkly East or Lady Grey.