Barkly East, Northern Ukhahlamba
Barkly East, sometimes spelt Barkley East, lies nestled amongst the majestic mountains of the southern Drakensberg, between the villages of Lady Grey and Elliot. One of the highest lying towns in the country, elevated at about 5800 feet above sea level, it stands to reason that snow fall, that lovingly decks surrounding mountain tops at the very least, is almost guaranteed during winter. It is one of the main draw cards to the area and the reason that Barkly East is known as the Switzerland of South Africa.
The beautiful green valleys of this part of the world, surrounded by picturesque, rugged mountains, form the backdrop for a thriving sheep-farming industry. With its obvious scenic advantages, Barkly East also offers excellent trout fishing in sparkling mountain streams. There are some fine examples of San art in surrounding caves, and a breathtaking series of wildflowers, that seem always to be in season. These attract an array of birds that include the yellow breasted pipit, ground woodpecker and bearded vulture.
Township tours, the Barkly East museum, which packs in the town’s rich historical background, some wonderful hiking trails, and the chance of snow, are all good reasons to visit. If snowflakes fail to fall in the town itself, Tiffindell Alpine retreat is a wonderful escape throughout the year - children can bum board, and in summer there is a series of other activities that include grass skiing, mountain boarding, for the extreme sports’ enthusiasts, horse riding and mountain biking.
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Visitorials: We Love South Africa
Barkly East Visitorial
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We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Barkly East. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Barkly East because ...
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Barkly East
Barkly Pass
Barkly Pass is the only one of the eight passes in the Eastern Cape that is tarred. It is also the one you can expect to close around the beginning of winter when the first snowfalls begin, overnight as they tend to do, making the road that links Barkly East and Elliot more than a little hazardous. Despite its tarring ... more information
Bastervoedpad
If you want to see scenery to die for then drive the Bastervoetpad, or Baster Voetpad as it is sometimes written. It links Barkly East / Elliot to the town of Ugie, which it does via the Drakensberg Escarpment. The Bastervoetpad pass is gravel, difficult to drive in places, and easier on the descent than the ... more information
Joubert's Pass
Joubert's Pass, regarded as the third highest pass in South Africa, links Lady Grey to Barkly East via the Witteberge. The pass traverses farmland and the Lammergeier Private Nature Reserve before descending into Lady Grey, the peaceful and pretty little village, tucked just inside the Eastern Cape border with ... more information
Lundean's Nek Pass
Lundean's Nek Pass, also sometimes spelt as Lundin's Neck, links the little mountain farming community of Wartrail with the Telle bridge Border Post into Lesotho. In broader terms it links the Witteberge Mountains with Lesotho, and is one of the eight passes you will find in the Eastern Cape. The scenery on ... more information
Otto Du Plessis Pass
Whilst still on the tar road between Lady Grey and the Clifford turn-off it is possible to see part of the unique railway linking Barkly East with Lady Grey to the northwest. Owing to the mountainous terrain, a system of eight ‘reverses’ was incorporated into the line, which has a gradient of 1 in 36, one of only ... more information
The 8 Mountain Passes of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg
The Eastern Cape Drakensberg is a developing and unspoiled area, perfect for 4×4 enthusiasts and currently offering superb value for money. For the ultimate driving adventure combining spectacular mountain views with some of the highest passes in South Africa, see if you can complete the ‘Eight Passes Challenge’ … more information
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Things To Do in Barkly East
4x4 and Quad Trails in Wild Mountain Country
Where: Barkly East
How much (per person): On Request
The Barkly East and Rhodes area is ideal for the 4x4 and bike enthusiast. Steep mountain tracks (up to 2750m) and challenging river crossing ... more information
4x4 Trails in Northern Ukhahlamba
Where: Rhodes
How much (per person): On Request
A spectacular drive from Telle Bridge through to Lundeans Nek on good gravel road brings you to Reedsdell. Trails are guided by Chris, rangi ... more information
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On Holiday in Barkly East
• Barkly East Map
• I ♥ Barkly East because …
• Barkly East Accommodation
• Rhodes Accommodation
• Aliwal North Accommodation
• Northern Ukhahlamba Accommodation
• Northern Ukhahlamba Family Friendly
• Eastern Cape Accommodation
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