Northern Ukhahlamba, Eastern Cape
Once you've booked your hotel or Northern Ukhahlamba accommodation explore our destination pages below for info on attractions and what to do in the Northern Ukhahlamba Region.
Ukhahlamba, the Xhosa word meaning ‘barrier of spears’, refers to the majestic portion of the Drakensberg that dominates the northern section of the Eastern Cape, forming a border with the Free State.
This region, through which winds the Orange River, is home to Lake !Gariep, Tiffindell - the only snow ski resort in the country, the hot springs of Aliwal North, and quaint Victorian towns like Lady Grey and the national monument town of Rhodes.
Ukhahlamba is largely sheep, cattle and goat farming country. Its gentle sparseness and lack of evident wealth makes it perhaps a little less sought after by the average traveller, but the fashioning of a tourist route that covers over 600 kilometres between East London and Aliwal North, known as the Friendly N6 Route, has opened up this nether region, where wheat is grown in the foothills of the Drakensberg. It includes the towns of Barkley East, Lady Grey and Tiffindell on its journey, and binds the Ukhahlamba region and its inland towns to the rest of the province.
If you haven't already done so, why not add the Northern Ukhahlamba Region to your itinerary for your next holiday in the Eastern Cape in South Africa?
Destinations / Town & Suburbs of Northern Ukhahlamba
Aliwal North
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Aliwal North
Aliwal North is a small, largely unknown town - aside from its two hot mineral springs that have extremely high concentrations of minerals and gases and formed part of the reason for the town’s development. That and the ... aliwal north information
Barkly East
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Barkly East
In winter, skiers gravitate to this town in the Witteberg Range known as the Switzerland of South Africa. The mountains are generally snow-capped in winter. In summer, wild river trout fishing and still water fly ... barkly east information
Burgersdorp
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Aliwal North
Described as the oldest town in the North Eastern Cape, Burgersdorp lies south in the tip of an inverted triangle between Aliwal North and Venterstad. It is not a town you'll simply happen upon unless you have a lot of time on your... burgersdorp information
Lady Grey
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Lady Grey
The little Victorian-style village of Lady Grey lies surrounded by the Witteberg Mountains, 50 kilometres from Aliwal North on the R58 to Barkly East. You’d be forgiven, if you initially intended staying only a couple of nights ... lady grey information
Oviston
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Oviston
Ovistonsits perched on the edge of the Gariep Dam within the 16 000 hectare Oviston Nature Reserve in the heart of the Nama Karoo. The town of Oviston rests unnoticed amidst open plains of almost white grass, little koppies... oviston information
Rhodes
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Rhodes
The tranquil little village of Rhodes attracts a regular influx of ski-enthusiasts in winter when the slopes of Ben MacDhui (3 000 m high) are shrouded with snow. Instructors, handle tows and skis are available. The surrounding ... rhodes information
Tiffindell
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Tiffindell
A snow resort, in South Africa? Indeed, Tiffindell is South Africa’s answer to Europe’s ski resorts in the Alps, only, to be fair, one cannot expect quite the same deluge of snow. One thing you can be sure of, however... tiffindell information
Ugie
Where to Stay: Northern Ukhahlamba Accommodation
Ugie lies beneath the towering cliffs of the Drakensberg Mountain range on the banks of the Inxu River. It derives its name from another river, however - not the one on whose banks it resides, but the Ugie River in Scotland. To all intents... ugie information
Venterstad
Where to Stay: Northern Ukhahlamba Accommodation
Venterstad lies south west of the Oviston Nature Reserve and Tussen-die-Riviere Game Farm to the south of the Gariep Dam wall. It's rarely that someone visiting this part of the Eastern Cape will not have stumbled across the town... venterstad information
Northern Ukhahlamba
Featured Attractions in Northern Ukhahlamba
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
Carlisleshoek Pass
Just before the top of Carlisleshoek Pass (also spelt Carlisle's Hoek) there is a signboard that suggests that you 'engage lowest gear, keep up revs and take corners wide'. It closes off by saying that you should 'drive confidently', which is one attribute you are probably no longer feeling considering the aforementioned ... 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
Naudé's Nek Pass
Naudé's Nek lies in the southern end of the Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape, and connects the towns of Maclear and Rhodes. It is probably most well known as the highest dirt road in South Africa, with a summit of 2.920 metres. But is also famous for its public telephone in the middle of nowhere. Even if it doesn't make ... 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
Volunteershoek Pass
By all accounts, Rhodes has a colourful history dating back to the 1880s and features many Victorian buildings. In 1997 the entire village was proclaimed as a Conservation Area in the Government Gazette which gives it official protection in order to preserve its unique character - it is the only ... more information
Lady Grey Passion Play
This is a unique production on the African Continent and one of the many highlight on the annual calendar of the Lady Grey Arts Academy. The Lady Grey Passion Play includes a cast of 132 speaking characters as well as a chorus, choir, troupe of dancers and live visual artists, and is ... more information
Lammergeier Private Nature Reserve
Lammergeier Private Nature Reserve invites you to pamper your soul in 8000 hectares of the most beautiful scenery in Africa. A proud heritage of being awarded several conservation awards through the reserves history, ensures the survival of endemic bird and game ... more information
Eight 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
Aliwal North Hot Springs
Aliwal North is famous for its Hot springs. The spa has large thermal pools, including two for children, as well as saunas, a gym and a treatment block with amenities for invalids. Water sports are popular on the Island where 27 waterfowl species have been recorded.
Northern Ukhahlamba
Featured Things To Do in Northern Ukhahlamba
Game Drive in J.A.K. Strydom Reserve
Where: Aliwal North
How much (per person): On Request
The JAK Strydom Nature Reserve is situated ten kilometers downstream from Aliwal North on the banks of the Orange River. This malaria-free p ... more information
Trout Fishing at Lammergeier Nature Reserve
Where: Lady Grey
How much (per person): On Request
The Karringmelkspruit is renown with trout fisherman throughout South Africa for its exceptional quality of spirited wild trout. 13 Km of th ... more information
Northern Ukhahlamba
Holiday Accommodation in Northern Ukhahlamba
For accommodation in Northern Ukhahlamba see:
• Aliwal North • Barkly East • Lady Grey • Oviston • Rhodes • Tiffindell
Or to see all accommodation in this region at once, visit Northern Ukhahlamba Accommodation.
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