Rhodes

Rhodes is a small village in the Eastern Cape Highlands of South Africa on the border with Lesotho It was originally named Rossville after the Reverent Ross and the name was later changed to Rhodes in the hopes that the mining magnate and then Prime Minister of the Cape, Cecil John Rhodes, would make a contribution to the village. Rhodes was proclaimed a town in 1897. It was invaded 29 times during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The Victorian-era village - declared a Conservation Area in 1997 - is surrounded by beautiful rivers and magnificent mountains. It is the ideal getaway for nature lovers and the town benefits from its proximity to Tiffindell Ski Resort in the winter and during summer months has become renowned for fly-fishing. The road from Rhodes to Tiffindell is scenic but steep.

706 km from Johannesburg. Take the N1 South to Bloemfontein via Kroonstad. Just south of Bloemfontein, take the N6 off-ramp to Reddersburg then Smithfield, Rouxville, Aliwal North and Barkly East. Once in Barkly East the R396 gravel road is well marked and winds through the mountains for 59 km to Rhodes, In heavy rains or snow, the R396 can be treacherous and extreme care should be taken.

There is no hospital or fuel here. Visit the nearby town of Barkley East for facilities the doctor and vehicle mechanical repairs. The road from Rhodes to Tiffindell is scenic and steep. You don't need 4x4, but you do need controlled power, particularly where the cement strips zigzag their way up the most extreme section. (Jan-2015).

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