Plan your trip
HOW TO GET THERE
The village is 120km from East London, or 58km south of Queenstown, on the N6.
STAY HERE
Kenwyn B&B is a gracious home that sleeps 19 in wellappointed en-suite rooms. R410 pp excluding breakfast. Dinner on request. 045-8431912, kenwyn.yolasite.com
Old Oaks B&B has two double bedrooms (with bathroom facilities in the room), from R425 pp B&B. For self-catering there is a family unit (sleeps four) from R950, and a cottage for two, R375 pp. Dinner on request. 082-0865907, airbnb.com
Thomas River Historical Village is perfect for selfcatering reunions. The former station master and foreman’s houses sleep 12 and 14 respectively, R200 pp. The old post office sleeps 16 and is good for backpackers, R100 pp. There are also 23 campsites, R75 pp. 045-843-1504, oldthomasriver.co.za
Ferndale 4x4 Trails and Outdoor Adventures is 25km from town. The campsite has a braai area and kitchen lapa with electricity, and ablutions with hot water, for R100 pp. A self-catering chalet can sleep 10 (at a push) for R300 pp; minimum charge R700. 045-843-1741, ferndale4x4.co.za
DO THIS
Hike up Windvogelberg, or bring your own mountain bike as there’s a track to the top. Get sporty at the Cathcart Country Club, which offers golf, tennis or squash. 082-482-2607. To join a bowls game (R25 pp), contact Linda on 083-349-7229. Travel back in time. Pop in at the museum (call Helen Riggs, 071-544-0006, to open); view the stained-glass windows at St Alban’s Anglican Church (call church warden Ndumiso Magida on 078-129-7002). Also don’t miss Thomas River Historical Village, 28km from town on the N6 to Stutterheim. oldthomasriver.co.za
See animals and rock art. Glengarry Game Lodge, 28km towards Queenstown, offers game drives, which include viewing San paintings – for day visitors by arrangement. From R100 pp. Birders are welcome (125 bird species), free for unguided tours. 082-705-6541, glengarrygamelodge.co.za Ferndale 4x4 Trails and Outdoor Adventures Tackle a challenging 4x4 trail (R250 per vehicle) and try some catchand-release fishing (R50 a day), 071-793-3976, ferndale4x4.co.za Do a scenic drive on the Happy Valley road. Rugged vehicles only.
EAT HERE
Old Oaks Coffee Shop serves breakfast, light lunches and substantial meals. The beef burgers, with patties made by a local farmer, are a speciality (R65). 48 Main Street, 082-0865907 (closed on Mondays). Wagonwheel Pies and Coffee Shop on the N6 has legendary pies and pineapple juice. 045-843-1300 (open mornings only on weekends).
Ramble Restaurant at Thomas River Historical Village hosts up to 80 people for Sunday lunch. Steaks from R100 for a 200g fillet. 045-843-1504 (closed on Mondays).
Cathcart Butchery is known for its excellent biltong, 045-843-1040.