About Route 56

Route 56 is not only a great alternative to the N2 through the former Transkei, it is also a highly scenic route covered in mountain trails, opportunities to fish for trout and some fine examples of San rock art.

Marketed as 'the shortest route between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal', Route 56 officially starts at Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape and heads into the KwaZulu Natal highlands via Matatiele to Kokstad, and then on to Umzimkulu, Ixopo and Richmond before joining the N3 at Pietermaritzburg.

Did you know? The highlight of Route 56 is the town Matatiele. The name comes from the Sesotho, meaning 'the ducks have flown' and probably refers to the fact that Matatiele was once dominated by wetlands and marshes.

It hugs the fringes of the Eastern Cape section of the Drakensberg. Not only is the route beautiful to drive but it is also a road less-travelled, quite literally, as fewer people know about it, making it far less congested than the N2 (keep the route to yourself).

At the moment these unexplored southern reaches of the Drakensberg remain a remarkably untamed part of the country. Guest houses, even though they have sprung up along the route in the last few years, remain sporadic at best.

Route 56 actually begins further west in the Eastern Cape, at Queenstown where you can follow it in a north easterly direction through Elliot, Ugie and Maclear (where adventurers turn off to the beautiful village of Rhodes) before it joins Mount Fletcher.

Today what is left of the important wetlands is protected in the Matatiele Nature Reserve that also protects important grasslands, rare species of plants and the bird-rich Matatiele commonage.

The Mehloding Hiking Trail starts and ends just outside the village. It follows a route through the foothills of the mountains and rural villages, taking in rock-art and incredible views.

Need to Know

WhereRoute 56, Follow the R56 from either Molteno or Pietermaritzburg, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

OvernightStay in Drakensberg Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Drakensberg

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to Route 56

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation

Drakensberg as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Matatiele property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.