Ugie, Eastern Cape Highlands
In 2008 the pretty village of Ugie made history when it snowed in the little town that lies between the towns of Maclear and Elliot in the wild west region of the Eastern Cape for the first time in years. Small and insignificant Ugie may appear to be, but the town has its own website, a Facebook group with no fewer than 141 fans, and a rather thrilling rock formation known as Gatberg - a large hole in the mountain south west of Maclear.
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 and purposes Ugie began as a little mission station at Gatberg, established by a reverend called William Murray who was born in Scotland. He was the first white man to settle permanently in Ugie.
But it is not the history that draws people to the villages of Ugie and Maclear, only 21 kilometres apart. Rather it is the incredible natural scenery - the towering mountains that form a backdrop to the towns, winding rivers and huge dams that lure fishermen of every description, and the hills and dales that provide hours of hiking opportunities.
Visitors will enjoy visiting the Gary Kashula tractor museum, the Ugie Methodist Church, easily viewable from most parts of the town, cave trails in the Prentjiesberg (the Prentjiesberg dam lies just outside of Ugie) and Woodcliff, and skiing at nearby Tiffendell Ski resort.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
If we hadn't been recommended to stay in Ugie, we'd never have known about this little dorp. We were pleasantly surprised at the gorgeous scenery, which is its main appeal. There's a bit of history there, if you're interested in that sort of thing. Ugie is definitely worth a visit, at least once.
J-P Hunke (Simons Town)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Toll Inn Guest Farm
Situated about 7.5km from Aliwal North en route to Lady Grey, the Toll Inn Guest Farm is surrounded by trees and bordered by the Kraai River. The...


Oak Lane B&B
Oak Lane B&B is situated in the picturesque town of Maclear in the Eastern Cape. Come and experience the feeling of being at a home away from hom...

Pitlochrie The Cottage
Pitlochrie The Cottage is located on Pitlochrie farm, perfectly situated in the Drakensberg of the Eastern Cape, close to Barkly East, Wartrail, ...

Kinmel Guest Farm
A holiday farm for all seasons! Summer splendour of cascading waterfalls and lush green mountain sides in contrast with the magnificent colours ...

Tenahead Mountain Lodge
In a remote region of South Africa where three mountain ranges meet - the Drakensberg, the Witteberg and the Maluti - lies a very special place ....

Mooivlei Guest Farm
Mooivlei Guest Farm offers two very comfortable and homely stone cottages which are fully furnished and consist of an open plan bedroom, dining a...

Siloam Village
Situated at Oviston Nature Reserve at Lake Gariep, Siloam Village offers great accommodation for those seeking a more tranquil laid-back break wi...

Maclear Manor
Situated in the beautiful town of Maclear in the North Eastern Cape, the stunning scenery and mountains offers guests the perfect countryside ret...
Noteworthy attractions

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...

Oviston Nature Reserve
The Oviston Nature reserve lies close to the little Karoo towns of Venterstad and Oviston roughly two hours' drive from Bloemfontein. That it is ...

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 beginni...

Bastervoetpad Pass
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 t...

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 r...

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 farmlan...

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 P...

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 we...

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 wit...
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