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.

Link to average temperatures and rainfall for Barkly East

Link to current weather forecast for Barkly East

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We provide a list of useful and essential items for all trails. Contact us if you require a copy. The following list includes some general items that visitors to the region may want to consider:

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 the 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. For trail guests, shuttles can also be arranged from Barkly East or Lady Grey.

If you are planning to travel extensively on the gravel roads (for example the 8 Passes) you may find that slightly lowering the tyre pressure gives you a more comfortable ride and reduces the chances of punctures.

Remember to add anti-freeze to your vehicle if you are planning to visit any time between April and September to be on the safe side.