Rhodes

Rhodes is the snow & sun playground of South Africa

Rhodes lies deep in the southern Drakensberg, in the quiet of the highest mountains in the Eastern Cape, where the purest water springs from the earth. Here in Rhodes lies a retreat from civilisation. Tiffindell Ski and Alpine Resort was established in 1993 on the slopes of the Ben McDhui peak of 3001 metres, and is the only ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. In the winter months from June to August, over 5 000 visitors from all over South Africa take part in the snow fun activities on the slopes. The natural snow is supplemented by a snowmaking system that has guaranteed on average 95 days of skiing a year. The demand for snow fun results in an overflow of visitors into the nearby hamlet of Rhodes.

The entire town of Rhodes, situated in the valley 20km away, is steeped in history, and is a national monument, boasting a 100-year history starting in Victorian times. In summer, the mountain rivers run clean, while the rains bring greenness to the valleys which resemble the Scottish Highlands. The famous wild trout abound, making this area a fly fisherman’s paradise. The accommodation in Rhodes ranges from camp sites and self-catering establishments, through to comfortable resort lodging with central heating and glowing fires. Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding in this pristine environment, together with the many Bushmen paintings, make Rhodes the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature at her best.