Wartrail and New England

Wartrail and New England are farming communities in the tranquil valleys of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape. Also known as ‘Wild Mountain Country’ this area offers a safe and relaxing escape in a pristine natural environment

Understand
Clean and invigorating is the best way to describe the climate in Wild Mountain Country and four well-marked seasons occur. In summer the days are typically hot and sunny, with regular late afternoon thunderstorms to clear the air ready for the next day. Autumn is a time to enjoy magnificent mountain colours, with the grasses and trees decorated in splendid shades of golds and reds. The days are pleasantly warm and sunny - ideal for outdoor activities. Winter brings snow and visitors flock to nearby Tiffindell to enjoy the unique opportunity to ski in South Africa. The area is stunningly beautiful at this time of year. In spring the mountains bloom with fresh green grass and wild flowers. Birding at this time of year is exceptional and the farmlands are bursting with new life in the form of lambs and calves.

By car
Wartrail and New England are well signposted off the R58 between Aliwal North and Barkly East. From the R58 the roads are well-maintained gravel, although may be slippery when wet.

If you would prefer to travel via back-country gravel roads then you could travel from Sterkspruit across Lundean's Nek to Wartrail, or across Naude's Nek to Rhodes and then onto Wartrail and New England via Mosheshesford.

By plane
Nearest airports are Bloemfontein (350 km) and Mthatha  (250 km). No shuttle services are available, however both cities have car hire facilities at the airport.

Get around
There is no public transport available in the area, so self-drive is the preferred option. Sedan vehicles can travel the gravel roads with care, although a high-clearance vehicle will help you get more out of your trip to the area. 4x4 is not required.

Eat
There are no restaurants in Wartrail and New England, so either bring your own supplies, or make arrangements with the guest house owner beforehand (many of whom can provide delicious home-cooked farmhouse meals).

Snack lunches and delicious cakes can be enjoyed at Wooly's of Wartrail - see listing below.

Drink
There are no pubs in Wartrail and New England, so either bring your own supplies, or make arrangements with the guest house owner beforehand. Guests staying in the area are welcome to join the Wartrail Social Club on a Saturday for a game of tennis, tea and drinks. There are licenced bars in Rhodes and Barkly East.

Sleep
All types of farmstay accommodation are available, from camping and self-catering cottages to en-suite fully-catered guest farms. Meals range from simple fare to delicious farm style extravaganzas – within driving distance there is a full à la carte country restaurant. Many hosts are descendants of the early settlers to the area. They have many wonderful stories to tell about the area’s rich history and culture.