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.

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.

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

1.     TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

The peaks of the Wartrail area soar up to 2,800 metres and you can hike to your heart's content in total wilderness. A new 5 day slackpacking trail, 'The Wartrail Skywalk', has now been introduced taking in bushman paintings, caves, rock-formations and wonderful birdlife along the way. The slackpacking trail is guided by local farmers who can entertain you with local legends, show you the most secret places and will spoil you rotten with wonderful food and hospitality at the end of each day's hike. Families and those who simply want to relax may prefer to meander along the many trout-filled spruits, stopping to bathe in rock pools and natural  alpine 'jacuzzis'.

2.     GO ON THE PISTE

Tiffindell Ski Resort is nestled at the base of the Cape's highest peak - Ben McDhui (3,001 metres). Here you can experience skiing or snowboarding on real snow between May and August. The Eastern Cape Drakensberg's natural snowfalls are supplemented with snow-making machines, to give good conditions for the whole winter. Lessons, clothing and equipment are available, so there's no excuse not to try this exhilarating sport for the first time.

3.     GET BUBBLY IN A MOUNTAIN JACUZZI

The area's streams bubble and wind their way down from the high mountain peaks. Ideal for family walks, you can enjoy swimming in natural pools and discovering waterfalls. 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!

4.     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 - so you can trust them!

5.     WATCH THE BIRDIE!

Birding in this area of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg is superb with over 230 species recorded. Watching the large raptors of the region (e.g. Black Eagle, Bearded Vulture) soar over the cliffs in search for food is an incredible sight. The keen 'twitcher' will enjoy seeking out and ticking off several rare specimens endemic to the area.

6.     DRIVE 8 SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN PASSES

7.     CATCH YOUR OWN BREAKFAST

The Eastern Cape Drakensberg has over 200kms of rivers filled with wild trout - a fly-fishing paradise. Why not bring your rod and try to catch breakfast for the family.

8.     LEARN ABOUT SAN ROCK ART

There are many unique and interesting Rock Art sites in the region. We have a local qualified archaeologist who conducts tours and can explain the symbolism of the paintings.

9.     PUT THE MOUNTAIN INTO MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain bike tracks abound in this farming district. Bring your own bikes and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while cycling at your own pace. Guided  MTB tours can also be arranged. Your guide selects the route according to the clients' fitness levels and technical riding skills. These cycling tours are suitable for the leisurely family picnic mountain bikers to the adrenaline downhill junkies. 3 day 'Off Rhodes' MTB tour itinerary.

10.     GET DOWN ON THE FARM

Most of the accommodation in the area is based on working farms. So if you've ever wanted to learn to milk a cow, feed baby lambs or take part in a cattle drive on horseback, this is your opportunity.

11.     RIDE HIGH!

Guided motorbike and quad tours at high altitude are available for all levels of rider. Enjoy the stunning scenery and test your technical ability.

12.     GO DOWN THE GORGE WITH A PADDLE!

Jump into a two-man inflatable and enjoy a relaxing guided river rafting trip down the scenic River Kraai. Rafting trips vary in length according to your needs and the river flow. You will travel through beautiful sandstone gorges, draped with willow trees and will have the opportunity to stop and admire the bird life, caves and bushman paintings.

13.     DO IT ALL!

Wild Mountain Adventures offers a 5 day multi-sports activity holiday which takes the slackpacking concept to a whole new level as you can experience a different mode of transport each day - hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and finally river rafting on the Kraai. This unique  adventure trail includes an optional overnight camp in a cave, visiting rock art sites, staying in farm cottages, rock pool swimming and plenty of bird watching opportunities. Each tadventure trail is tailored according to the interests, fitness levels and experience of the group so is suitable for most ages.

Further information regarding the Eastern Cape Drakensberg can be obtained by emailing wildmountain@polka.co.za or calling Kate Nelson on 079 536 3996