Southern Drakensberg, Eastern Cape

New England & Wartrail, Barkly East, Eastern Cape, Mountain Holidays

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From gentle strolls next to streams and in open fields, to strenuous hikes to the Drakensberg mountain peaks, the Wartrail/New England area offers some of the best hiking available. Each valley in this region is completely unique, and deserving of exploration.

While hiking in this pristine montane environment, many enjoy the wide array of birds, attracted by the ample assortment of Fauna and Flora.

Cool off in crystal mountain streams and enjoy the fascinating rock formations and the privilege of discovering the many and various overhangs that contain Bushmen paintings.

Route maps and guided walks/hikes are available.

A four to six day guided hike is offered for the serious hiker. The route covers the mountain ranges from New England to Wartrail, exploring each valley's beauty, with the evenings spent in the welcome cosiness of the guest cottages that line the route.

New England/ Wartrail is just a little off the main stream of the Barkly district's fly-fishing, but nicely so, in the sense that it's more undiscovered.

There are good streams here, streams that are small and cosy; tight streams with clear water and strong trout. The Diepspruit is an example, and there are others, like the Willow and the Jochim, all within easy reach. Added to this is the larger Kraai, with rainbows, browns and smallmouth yellowfish. These streams are more dominated by their landscapes, the valleys they flow through, than other streams I know of hereabouts, landscapes that are abundant, almost so splendid you can't find the words to describe them.

You would call these rivers nymphing waters, though one of the best fish I ever had when it came to raw power I took from the Diepspruit on a dry fly, a tiny size 18 Adams. That fish burned line off the reel and in the end I never got to see it, though it left with me the impression of a hooking a swordfish more than a trout! It was the sort of fish that makes you feel you want to go back, just to test yourself, to see what else the water can offer.

Contributed by Tom Sutcliffe.

In the summer our rivers flow well and the water is warm - perfect for a scenic day's paddling. Join us on our inflatable river rafts for an unforgettable experience on the beautiful Kraai river. We can offer day trips and overnight excursions, including the option to camp in a huge riverside cave.

Our rafting trips vary in length according to your needs and the river flow. You will travel through beautiful gorges, draped with willow trees and will have the opportunity to stop and admire the bird life, caves and bushman paintings.

Picnics will be provided on day trips and there will be time to relax and enjoy a swim in the river at lunchtime.

Visit Rosstrevor or Avoca for more details.

There is no better way to relax on a hot summers day than to flop back in a tube and let the river do the work. Floating gently down the Joggem and Kraai rivers you will drift underneath draping willow trees and through sandstone gorges. This is a wonderful way to get close to our water birds and to see the mountains from a whole new angle.

Trips last 2-4 hours depending on your requirements and river flow. A picnic lunch is included.

Visit Rosstrevor or Avoca for more details.

Many guests return year after year for the horse riding and horse trails that are offered in this area. As the horses are used daily on these working farms, they are tame and child friendly.

Horse riding is structured around the riders' experience and many wonderful hours can be spent exploring the mountains and valleys on horseback.

Guided outings are available, contact Millard Mountain Lodge or Edgehill.

Over New Year there is the Gymkhana or Tent-pegging competition, a yearly event, that is fun to watch or partake in. See Wartrail New Year's Festivities for more details.

A winter wonderland - the Wartrail / New England valley experiences on average 4 or 5 snowfalls a year between June & August.

Snowball fights, skiing, bum boarding or snowboarding are just some of the ways you can experience the thrill of being in the snow.

Enjoy the convenience of skiing at Tiffindell Ski Resort in the winter months as a day visitor and staying in the Wartrail / New England valley where you enjoy sumptuous meals and warm beds at the end of an exciting day - a more affordable & homely option. Or experience our exceptional hospitality on your way to or from your Tiffindell Package.

For the lessadventurous, a lovely evening spent in front of a fire or solid fuel heater may be a more attractive option.

Visit Tiffindell.

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.

Mountain bike hire and off-road trails are available at Rosstrevor and Avoca.

For the more competitive, partake in the Wartrail 2-Day MTB Challenge held in December. Visit www.wartrailmtb.co.za

The Wartail Tri- Challenge, Wartrail Mini-Triathlon and the Rhodes Mountain Bike Challenge are other organized MTB events in the area (see Annual events).

Nestled in the Southern Drakensberg, this countryside is the perfect training ground for The Roof or just plain old trail riding if you prefer. Climbing up to altitudes of 3000m, the challenging terrain provides excellent technical riding, while the length of the trail tests your stamina. Bring your own bikes for rides of a lifetime.

Trails can be guided and range from easy to difficult & technically challenging.

Family rides include plenty of stops along the way for refreshing dips in the plentiful rock pools & picnic lunches.

Contact Chris Isted at Reedsdell Guest Cottage.

The rock art of this region is rated as some of the best in the world, the Bushmen being the first people of South Africa and especially this area.

There are a wide variety of paintings, ranging from the older 'classic' phase, right up to a couple of hundred years ago, many in excellent condition.

The paintings depict the cosmology of the bushmen and their shamanistic society. This area was where David Lewis-Williams based most of his early research and a good reference book is " Images of Power" by David Lewis-Williams and Thomas Dowson, as many of the copies of tracings found in the book are from this area.

Experience this art as it was, in this truly unique and dynamic landscape, with its meandering rivers, waterfalls, rock pools and dramatic rock formations.

Guided tours are available and are recommended to attain a deeper appreciation of the complexity of this fascinating and sacred art. Contact Dawn Green on 045 971 9078.

Contact Millard.

Wartrail/New England nestles in the Witteberg range of the Southern Drakensberg. This uniquely beautiful area is fascinating in its history and culture. From Dinosaur fossils to the famous railway reverses, early settler cave-houses to the exceptional Bushman paintings thathave drawn archaeologists from around the world.

Most of the families here are descendants from the first settlers in the area, and have many interesting anecdotal stories to tell from clashes with King Moshesh's raiding parties to weddings that spanned days due to flooding rivers.

A private museum with old agricultural implements and artifacts can be seen by prior arrangement and many of the caves that contain Bushmen paintings are strewn with archaeological artifacts.

The spectacular mountainous terrain of the Southern Drakensberg is the perfect setting for awesome guided 4x4 trails that provide fun for the whole family.

Steep mountain tracks (up to 2750m) and challenging river crossings test your technical driving skills.

Trails range from easy to very difficult and can include trips up Naude's Nek (highest pass in the Cape) and Bastervoetpad - on the edge of the escarpment with dramatic views down to Elliot.

Pre-trail assessments can be done to test the driver's skills & ability.

See information on the 8 mountain passes.

With 220 species of birds recorded in this montane environment, Wartrail/New England is a haven for bird lovers.

Of interest: the Lammergeier, Black Eagle, Rock Kestrel, Gymnogene, Ground Woodpecker, Orangebreasted Rockjumper, Alpine Swift and many more.

Spend days on end exploring this wonderful environment and the rich diversity of its bird-life.

Bird lists are available.

The following game is available to hunt in the area on farm plains and up to 10 000ft - Blesbok, Grey Rhebuck & Mountain Reedbuck.

Providing a challenging hunt for those who can brave the crisp, cold weather, are physically fit and enjoy being outdoors experiencing nature.

Contact Reedsdell Guest Cottage.

Because of the pristine environment and lack of pollution, stargazing is a must for everyone due to the clarity of the night skies, especially during the winter months.

Star maps are available for those with specific interest or just lie back and watch the universe slowly unfolding!

As this area is situated in the high 'Berg', there are ample opportunities to take a slow drive and enjoy the beauty of the scenery around you.

Day trips include Jouberts Pass, the third highest mountain pass in South Africa and Naude's Nek Pass, which is the highest.

See information on the 8 mountain passes.

Wartail / New England is well known as an area that has some of the most beautiful gardens, many of which have been featured in Garden and Home magazine over the years. Garden tours are available.

Vegetation from 3 of the biomes is found here, namely: Grassland, Great Karoo and Fynbos.

Elsa Pooley's "Mountain Flowers" is helpful to have when walking in this exceptional montane environment.

When out walking it is possible to come across a group of buck seeking shade in a copse of Ouhoudt trees or watch the exhilarating flight of a buck across the mountainside.

Most commonly seen are the Grey Rhebuck, Mountain Reedbuck and Blesbok. Also found are the Duiker and Grysbok.

This area is a premier region for running as it is safe and offers a wide variety of routes. The softer dirt surface and ample hills of the roads, or the challenge of mountainous terrain allow for perfect training opportunities. Meet up with family and friends after your run at one ofthe many rock pools for a picnic and refreshing swim.

For those who are interested in races in and around the area see Annual Events for more details.

Pick as much as you can of this delicious fruit, and enjoy the surrounding mountain countryside. The raspberry- picking season is from late January to early May depending on frosts.

Picking by prior arrangement only.

Local raspberry growers are Millard, Pitlochrie and Kenmure.

Wild Brambles can also be enjoyed during the autumn months.

Head out into the hills for an afternoon of fun, and experience the thrill and challenge of this wonderful sport. Enjoyed in the heart of these beautiful mountains, after your shooting, sit back with sundowners and watch the sun idly settling.

Own equipment is not necessary. Contact Millard.

Because of the mountainous terrain and the regions' high rainfall, Wartrail/ New England has some of the most beautiful rock pools and waterfalls.

Watching the water cascade down basaltic cliffs and swimming in the crystal water of these pools is an experience to remember.

The North Eastern Cape Drakensberg is home to an abundance of Francolinus africanus (Greywing Francolin) and Numida meleagris (Guinea Fowl).

Reaching altitudes of 3001m above sea level, the terrain is predominately montane grassland with farmlands providingan excellent habitat for the birds.

Hunting is strictly selective and environment-friendly, preventing over-utilisation. The mountainous terrain provides for some exciting moments in the spirit of fair chase and wingshooters need to be fit to keep up with the pace.

Classic hunts are offered for the dedicated wingshooter in pristine environments in the winter months of May - July. The hunts are guided by experienced farmers who are well qualified in the practical aspects of Wingshooting as well as the habits of the quarry.

Packages include comfortable accommodation, meals, guiding fees & bag limit. Clients' dogs are welcome on the shoot on condition they are under the supervision of the guide at all times.

Contact Reedsdell.

Wartrail / New England is mainly a wool farming district. Smaller enterprises include cattle, dairy, raspberry & egg farming.

Settled in the 1870s, many of the farms are still home to descendants of the original settler families. Beautiful & spacious sandstone farmhouses are typically found on most of the farms in the area.

Expect to be woken by the noise of the farm activities and animals, and enjoy delicious home-cooked and often home- grown meals.

Get back in touch with what must be one of the oldest professions and participate in the numerous activities: picking berries, milking cows, herding cattle on horseback, feeding chickens & orphan lambs, shearing sheep, making hay and catching a ride on a tractor.

Worth a visit are the farm schools that provide education for the children of the farm staff in this unique environment.

The mountains are well known for their healing ability and the incredible beauty and peace of the surroundings are conducive to total mind and body renewal.

Spend your time reading in the shade of a tree, listening to the bird calls, or lie back in one of the 'jacuzzi' rockpools with the mountains soaring around you.