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

Accommodation in and around South Africa