Location: South Africa » Eastern Cape » Wild Coast » Rhodes

Rhodes

Rhodes is the snow & sun playground of South Africa

Rhodes lies deep in the southern Drakensberg, in the quiet of the highest mountains in the Eastern Cape, where the purest water springs from the earth. Here in Rhodes lies a retreat from civilisation. Tiffindell Ski and Alpine Resort was established in 1993 on the slopes of the Ben McDhui peak of 3001 metres, and is the only ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. In the winter months from June to August, over 5 000 visitors from all over South Africa take part in the snow fun activities on the slopes. The natural snow is supplemented by a snowmaking system that has guaranteed on average 95 days of skiing a year. The demand for snow fun results in an overflow of visitors into the nearby hamlet of Rhodes.

The entire town of Rhodes, situated in the valley 20km away, is steeped in history, and is a national monument, boasting a 100-year history starting in Victorian times. In summer, the mountain rivers run clean, while the rains bring greenness to the valleys which resemble the Scottish Highlands. The famous wild trout abound, making this area a fly fisherman’s paradise. The accommodation in Rhodes ranges from camp sites and self-catering establishments, through to comfortable resort lodging with central heating and glowing fires. Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding in this pristine environment, together with the many Bushmen paintings, make Rhodes the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature at her best.

 

The quaint village of Rhodes is situated close to Barkly East in the foothills of the Drakensberg. The area is popular winter holiday destinations and ski enthusiasts flock to Rhodes to enjoy the snow on the slopes of Ben MacDhui. The area offers various other outdoor activities including fly fishing in the clear mountain streams, horse riding and hiking.

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Barkly East 65 km

Banks – None

Mountains – Southern Drakensberg

Rivers – Bell, Kara

Snowfall – March - September

HISTORICAL VIEW

Burgher Graves

San Rock Art

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Rhodes Marathon – July

Rhodes Mountain Bike Challenge – October

Bells Fly Fishing Festival – December

Arts & Crafts Workshop

Watch crafters in action. Situated on the farm Elibank. Hand painted tablecloths, wooden benches etc.

Tiffindell Resort

Tiffindell is situated high in the mountains above the historic town of Rhodes, about 200 km east of Aliwal North. Distances from Bloemfontein 388 km, Cape Town 1146 km, Durban 639 km, East London 447 km, Johannesburg 788 km, Port Elizabeth 640 km

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Barkly Bird Walk & Waterfall

Ben Macdhui

Situated in the vicinity of the picturesque little town of Rhodes, 60 km from Barkly East

Burnbrae Mountain Hideaway

A 5 hour hiking trail goes to six rock shelters, five of which have rock paintings. A visit to the ancestral Sephton Cave is a must and features examples of people with eland features and eland with human features. The paintings are well preserved but some have been damaged.

Outdoors

Fishing, Greywing Shooting, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Snow skiing


 

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Accommodation in and around Rhodes

Tenahead Mountain Lodge and Spa    accommodation in Rhodes
This spectacular lodge has 7 grand, en-suite bedrooms with open fireplaces which are lit throughout the snowy winter. Each is beautifully furnished for comfort and luxury. Large double glazed windows grace a single wall of each bedroom, framing panor... More

Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes    accommodation in Rhodes
 Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes is a 3 star, and AA-graded spacious country retreat with comfortable accommodation in 6 bedrooms each with en-suite facilities. Each of the rooms have a wall-mounted panel heater and the beds have electric blankets to w... More

Tiffindell ski resort ==== IS CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE =====    accommodation in Rhodes
 ====THIS RESORT IS CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE =====  From your first welcoming drink, through to your final goodbye, our friendly staff will look after you and see to it that you have a relaxed and unforgettable stay at this unique Af... More

Kinmel Guest Farm & Lodge    accommodation in Rhodes
 Kinmel Guest Farm, offers much to those who want to break away from the rush of city life – Experience the breathtaking beauty and spectacular views of mountain peaks and valley gorges. Peace, tranquillity and a wonderful relaxing experie... More

Rhodes Hotel    accommodation in Rhodes
Deep in the Southern Drakensberg, at the foot of the highest mountain pass in South Africa, lies the picturesque town of Rhodes. Within this unique village (a historic monument in its own right) Rhodes Hotel dispenses peace and quiet with good home... More

Edgehill Guest Farm    accommodation in Rhodes
  Edgehill’s tranquil valley surrounded by stunning mountains is the perfect place to unwind. Far away from the stress of urban life, staying on this working farm will revitalize your senses and lift your spirits. We offer reasonably price... More

Rosstrevor Guest Farm    accommodation in Rhodes
Rosstrevor Guest Farm provides a relaxing and comfortable base from which to explore Wild Mountain country. We offer superb fly fishing, hiking, river walks and a wide range of mountain activities. Alternatively, you can just kick back and enjoy th... More




Directory of accommodation in Rhodes