Winterberg, Amatola
Winterberg lies virtually in the shadow of the Winterberg Mountains that include some of the highest peaks in the province, roughly 20 kilometres from Tarkastad. Winterberg is beautiful. The valley scenery bounded as it is by majestic mountains, crisp, clear air, and incredible scenery allows one to experience real rustic, countryside living.
One of the highlights of staying here in the interior of the Eastern Cape is the trophy trout fishing for which the area is renowned.
The area is steeped in a history that belongs to the Bushmen, Boer and British soldiers, and Scottish settlers. The Winterberg was originally inhabited by San and Khoi people - hence the availability of rock art evidenced in caves and overhangs amongst the rocks. The Winterberg was also home to Piet Retief, responsible for leading a large group of Dutch farmers out of the area on their Great Trek, leaving their farms for occupation by the 1820 settlers.
All of these farms now form part of the Winterberg and Baviaans River Valley nature conservancies, through which many a horse trail, bike trail and hours of walking, hiking and climbing are a remedy for the fast pace of city life. During winter, Adelaide, the highest of the Winterberg peaks that rises some 2371 metres, is occasionally covered with snow; and winter woollies and fireside evenings make for an exciting holiday atmosphere.
The Tsolwana Game Park, Mpofu and Cradock Mountain Zebra Park make for wonderful outings and, if you can brave it, the Winterberg Mountain and Gorge extend their challenge.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Blanco Manor House
Tucked away at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains, offering accommodation near Tarkastad, Blanco Manor House is one of the Eastern Cape's best-...
Peter's Place
Peter's Place consists of a garden flat and a separate guest room in the main dwelling and is situated in the quaint town of Tarkastad. Choose be...
Blanco Guest Farm and Holiday Resort
Blanco Guest Farm and Holiday Resort has been providing accommodation for over 100 years. Tucked away at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains, ju...
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones is a comfortable garden cottage situated in the small Karoo town of Tarkastad accommodating 4 guests. It is in a quiet area and t...
Blanco Country House
Blanco Country House offers accommodation in Tarkastad at the Blanco Guest Farm, nestled underneath Kranskop Mountain where guests can experience...
Braeside Country Cottage
Braeside Country Cottage is situated on the banks of the Tarkastad River and is surrounded by Lucerne lands. The working sheep and cattle farm is...
Things to do in the area
Katberg Hiking Trail
Start: Katberg Forest StationFinish: circular trailDuration: 40 km if doing the trail: 2/3 days, otherwise 1 to 4 hoursFitness: various but the c...
Noteworthy attractions
Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance
Bantu Steven Biko, one of the most recognised leaders of the Black Consciousness Movement, is regarded as one of the greatest martyrs of the anti...
East London Golf Club
The East London Golf Club, skilfully fashioned out of dense coastal bush, hills and dunes, just a few metres away from the warm water of the Indi...
West Bank Golf Club
The West Bank Golf Club, which celebrated its centenary in October 2007, has an 18 hole golf course rated as Number 93 in South Africa. Enjoy lov...
East London Museum
The East London Museum has the world's only dodo egg, a large natural science collection, collections ranging from the prehistoric times of South...
East London Beaches
Think warm Indian Ocean waters and sub-tropical weather that allow visitors to enjoy the climate all year round - East London basks gloriously be...
East London City Hall
The foundation stone of the stately East London City Halll was laid in 1897. The clock tower commemorates the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. ...
East London Coast Nature Reserve
The East London Coast Nature Reserve is a gorgeous stretch of coast that extends from the Great Kei River in the north east all the way to the Ty...
Amalinda Nature Reserve
The Amalinda Nature Reserve is situated less than 10 kilometres from the ever-growing city hub of East London in the Eastern Cape. Established in...
Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
Set close to the little community of Blinkwater, Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve lies on the Post Retief road, almost equidistant between Adelaide an...
Find accommodation in Winterberg
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