About Rhodes MTB Trail
Where: Rhodes, north east of Barkly East, near Tiffendell Ski Resort
Level: difficult (the climbs are gruelling); the route is long
Type of route: mostly gravel and dirt road; 81 km circular route
Best: Rhodes is cold during winter and snowfalls attract skiers and snowboarders to this part of the country; the snow makes this route tricky and slippery. Summers are beautiful.
The hardest part of MTB rides around Rhodes is getting there. Rhodes is not on the way to anywhere in particular. It is more of an end destination in its own right, for it is a popular weekend adventure spot. It lies just south of the country's border with Lesotho on the gravel R396 connecting it to Dordrecht.
Town lies at the foot of the Eastern Cape Highlands, near Mount Ben MacDhui, alongside the Bell River; a quaint collection of architectural styles that give credit to Rhodes' status as a national monument.
The cycle route is unmarked. Start at the Rhodes Hotel in the village and head up the public gravel road (R396) to the top of Naude's Nek. This is a steep and difficult climb up the highest pass in the country.
You may want to catch your breath at the top for the views are spectacular. This is not the highest point on the route, however.
Take the left branch from the top of the pass that continues alongside the Bell River parallel to the escarpment above Maclear and Mount Fletcher. The path passes the Cairntoul Police Station and then whips left to head west along the border with Lesotho past Tenahead Mountain Reserve.
Take the jeep track to Lesotho View. This is the toughest part of the ride; a gruelling cycle for which your thighs will not thank you the following morning.
From the summit head down onto the Ben MacDhui Flats (can get muddy if it's rained) to join Carlisleshoek Road below Tiffindell Ski Resort, still in a westerly direction. From here the route heads south down the punishing Carlisleshoek Pass, an extreme pass that descends more than 573 metres over 6.16 kilometres. Because it is the main access road to Tiffendel, it is well maintained and the worst sections have been concreted.
The hairpin bends, the gradient and the speed combine to make this what Jacques Marais terms, 'one of the hairiest MTB experiences in Africa'.
Two further hairpin bends and a river crossing, and you are back in Rhodes.
Need to Know
WhereRhodes, north east of Barkly East, near Tiffendell Ski Resort
How muchFree
OvernightStay nearby in Rhodes, in Eastern Cape
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Find Rhodes MTB Trail in these collections
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity
* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.
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 ....
Walkerbouts Inn
Walkerbouts Inn is a spacious haven with comfortable en-suite accommodation, fine country cuisine and hospitality in the best traditions of the "...
Reedsdell Country Guest Farm
Set in the picturesque Witteberg mountain range, the southwestern spur of the Drakensberg, 1100 ha of pristine mountain terrain and crystal clear...
Pitlochrie The White House
Pitlochrie The White House is located on Pitlochrie Farm and is perfectly situated in the Drakensberg of the Eastern Cape, close to Barkly East, ...
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, ...
Pitlochrie The Farm House
Pitlochrie The Farm House is located on Pitlochrie Farm, perfectly situated in the Drakensberg of the Eastern Cape, close to Barkly East, Wartrai...
Other things to do in the area
Flyfishing in Rhodes
Day permits for access to beats on more than 200km of running water in the Rhodes area can be obtained from the Wild Trout Association office at ...
Skiing at Tiffindell
Perched in the southern part of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, deep in the Eastern Cape Province, is South Africa's only ski resort, the beautif...
Hiking Ben Macdhui
Ben Macdhui is the highest peak that is situated entirely in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, at an impressive 3 001 metres, or 9 846 f...
Birding in Wild Mountain Country
The Barkly East and Rhodes area of the Southern Drakensberg has prolific birdlife with over 230 species recorded. Wild Mountain Adventures can he...
Quad-bike and Scrambler trails
Bring your own bikes for rides of a lifetime - The spectacular mountainous terrain of the Southern Drakensberg is the perfect setting for awesome...
4x4 Trails in Eastern Cape Highlands
A spectacular drive from Telle Bridge through to Lundeans Nek on good gravel road brings you to Reedsdell. Trails are guided by Chris, ranging fr...
Birding, Botany & Nature Walks
Take in the lovely sight of the Lammergeier or Black Eagle, stop to watch the Jackal Buzzard looking for prey or admire the elegance of the Crest...
4x4 and Quad Trails
The Barkly East and Rhodes area is ideal for the 4x4 and bike enthusiast. Steep mountain tracks (up to 2750m) and challenging river crossings tes...
MTB Trails in Wild Mountain Country
Mountain bike tracks abound in the Barkly East and Rhodes farming districts and we are developing trails for all abilities and levels of fitness....
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...
Groot Doringhoek Pass
The Groot Doringhoek (great thorn corner) Pass is considered one of the highest mountain passes in the country, and thus one of its more dangerou...
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 ...
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...
Bottleneck Pass
The Eastern Cape highlands at the tail of the Drakensberg chain of mountains, roughly between Lady Grey and Barkly East, are awash with spectacul...
Baster Voetslaan Pass
Baster Voetslaan Pass is also, confusingly, known as the Dr Lapa Munnik Pass. You can find out more about him at his memorial plaque close to the...
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...
Fetcani Pass
Fetcani Pass begins a little after the summit of the remarkable Barkly Pass on the tarred R58 out of Elliot. You will need to turn right onto the...
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...
Accommodation convenient to Rhodes MTB Trail
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Eastern Cape Highlands Accommodation / Rhodes Accommodation
Rhodes as a destination
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