Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
Eco-tourism adventures
Uncover the Ukhahlamba region
The view from Barkly Pass.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The entire village of Rhodes was declared a South African National Monument in 1997.
The Ukhahlamba region of the Eastern Cape is named after the Drakensberg mountains, the southern tip of which grace this part of the province. Ukhahlamba is the Xhosa name given to these mountains and means ‘barrier of spears'.
Ukhahlamba, Eastern Cape offers some of the most unique South African experiences, with the mountains, hot springs, pretty Victorian towns, lakes and nature reserves being among the top Ukhahlamba attractions.
South Africa's only ski resort, Tiffendell, is located in this region and draws visitors from all over the world each winter who come to experience the thrill of skiing in Africa.
The resort lies near the town of Rhodes - a charming Victorian-era village that offers fantastic mountain views and, with its many rivers and streams, excellent fly fishing spots.
Another Victorian gem is the town of Lady Grey, which was founded in 1856. Among its many historical attractions is the sandstone Dutch Reformed Church, which is a National Monument. It also offers hiking, birding, fishing and fossil trails highlighting well-preserved fossils and san rock art.
Just west of Lady Grey you can pop in at Aliwal North, which is best known for its hot mineral springs. If you're interested in the South African war, make sure you visit the town's Anglo Boer War Garden of Remembrance.
Lake Gariep and Oviston Nature Reserve are two major Ukhahlamba attractions. Spanning 90 kilometres, Lake Gariep is the largest freshwater lake in South Africa and perfect for sailing, power boating and a range of adrenaline-pumping watersports.
Its shores host community-based arts and crafts projects, where you can buy authentic African crafts, as well as the Oviston Nature Reserve, which features large herds of springbuck, gemsbuck, zebra and hartebeest.
Pick up the spirit of adventure at Barkly East and go mountain biking, river rafting, horse riding and hiking.
No matter what your eco-tourism fancy, you'll get your fix in Ukhahlamba, Eastern Cape.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
The Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Tel: +27 (0) 43 701 9600
Email: info@ectourism.co.za
Eastern Cape Parks:
Tel: +27 (0) 43 705 4400
Email: reservations@ecparks.co.za
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to Bloemfontein in the Free State. From there, pick up the N6 motorway and drive to Aliwal North. The rest of the region can be explored from here. If you’re driving; from Johannesburg take the N1 south to Bloemfontein and then the N6 to Aliwal North. If driving from Cape Town or Durban, take the N2 east and west respectively to East London. Here, pick up the N6 to Aliwal North.
Tours to do
Horse riding trails and historical, botanical and fossil tours at Lady Grey; Anglo Boer War tours at Aliwal North.
What's happening
The annual Lady Grey passion play is an artistic production featuring music, dance and singing that is tipped as the only one of its kind on the continent. It takes place in April each year.
Best buys
Arts and crafts made by the local community at Lake Gariep.