WHERE TO EAT
Kinmel Guest Farm
Wilma and Willem Jansen live on this farm, just east of Rhodes. The self-catering accommodation is in a converted barn on the same property. There are three units, sleeping four, eight or 10 people. Rates: R295 per person sharing; R275 during the school term if you stay for more than one night. Children get discount. GPS: S30.79043 E27.97753 Contact: 082 789 5519 (Willem/ Wilma); kinmel.co.za
Welgemoed Trout Lodge
This lodge is on the Bokspruit and good for groups of up to 10 people. It costs R250 per person sharing (minimum charge R1 750 per night). There’s also a minimum two-night stay per booking. GPS: S30.90089 E27.91212 Contact: 082 770 7710; welgemoedlodge.co.za
Swallow’s Nest & Amanzi Empilo
Trail runners Hylton and Sunelle Dunn started Alpine Swift Trails outside Rhodes: a high-altitude training facility for athletes. It sounds hectic, but anyone who loves mountain biking, trail running or hiking is welcome. They have two self-catering houses: Swallow’s Nest (sleeps two) and Amanzi Empilo (sleeps four). Rates from R300 per person. GPS: S30.78380 E27.99839 Contact: 072 529 2747 (Hylton); alpineswifttrails.co.za
Tiffindell Ski Resort
At 2 720 m above sea level, Tiffindell is the only place in South Africa where you can ski. You can visit year-round: Summer is great for hiking and mountain biking. Summer rates: R375 per person. Contact them for ski packages in winter – there are some good deals. GPS: S30.65336 E27.92586 Contact: 045 974 9004; snow.co.za
Tenahead Mountain Lodge
A luxurious place near the summit of Naudé’s Nek. From R990 per adult sharing, breakfast included. Children get a discount. GPS: S30.70951 E28.13727 Contact: 046 624 8525; reservations@riverhotels.co.za
Rubicon Restaurant
Rubicon is open daily from 7.30 am until late. (The kitchen closes at 8.30 pm.) Order a Rubicon breakfast (R75), bobotie (R53) or a beef burger (R65). They also sell biscuits (R25 for a packet of coffee biscuits) and other home-made items. Where? On the south-eastern edge of town. Contact: 083 659 3271 (Elizma)
Toeka se Kontreirestaurant & Bernie’s Brewery
Toeka’s restaurant offers fine dining (dinner only) in small sittings (max 18 people) for about R295 per person. Booking is essential. Bernie’s Brewery, on the same premises, is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm. You can sample ales and other beers (about R30 each) or order a meal like Weisswurst (R95) or Bernie’s Lunch (R125) – a platter consisting of cheeses, ham, salami etc. Jams and preserves are also for sale. GPS: S30.80419 E27.94566 Contact: 083 267 6534 (Bernard); bernie@ berniesbrewery.co.za
Clay Café
This little coffee shop is open from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. They serve snacks, delicious milkshakes (R20) and coffee (R20) that comes with a koeksister! Do a pottery class (R100 for children; R130 for adults). A class is about 90 minutes long. Where? In the main road (Muller Street), almost opposite the old hotel. Contact: 073 833 6068 (Irene)