An unusual contrast opens up a view of Drakensberg District: it is home to the site of South Africa’s only mountain ski resort. It is located in Senqu Local Municipality and, as of February 2026, had been closed since 2020. What is remarkable, then, is not a ski offering available for use, but the variety of other things to discover: highlands around Rhodes and Barkly East, water activities at the Gariep and historic sites such as Lady Grey.
Highlands and Grasslands National Park
Near Rhodes and Barkly East, Grasslands National Park lies in the Eastern Cape Highlands. As of February 2026, it was South Africa’s newest national park. Its proclamation put Joe Gqabi on the national and international tourism map. At the same time, the park protects rare grassland ecosystems and important water catchment areas. Here, the highlands are not just a landscape, but also a habitat whose protection is part of the park’s character.
The highlands around Rhodes and Barkly East offer hiking opportunities considered to be first-rate. This adds another perspective to the national park: the park represents the protection of grasslands and water sources, while hiking brings the highland landscape to the fore as an experience. Both are part of a trip where nature need not be limited to a single place.
Water and Wellness
Water sports, boating and swimming are possible at Gariep Dam, which is also considered an excellent fishing spot. The Orange River in Walter Sisulu Local Municipality also offers opportunities for boating. If you are considering swimming or fishing as well as boating, these activities are specifically associated with Gariep Dam.
Aliwal Spa Holiday Resort in Aliwal North offers a different aspect: it is a thermal bath and wellness destination, accessible via the N6. The range of water experiences therefore extends from activities at Gariep Dam to a wellness destination in Aliwal North. J.L. De Bruin Dam Resort, meanwhile, is a leisure and camping destination just outside Burgersdorp. These places offer different focuses, without implying a shared excursion route.
Protected Areas and Wildlife
Buffelspruit Nature Reserve, a municipal reserve, lies on the outskirts of Aliwal North. It is known for open grasslands and populations of plains game. Oviston Nature Reserve offers a different scale: it covers 16,000 hectares on the southern side of Gariep Dam. Its wildlife includes various antelope species, Cape otters, African wildcats, Cape hares, Cape porcupines and indigenous mongooses.
The two reserves give the nature theme distinct contours: Buffelspruit combines open grassland and plains game on the outskirts of Aliwal North; Oviston combines a large protected area with its location at Gariep Dam and diverse wildlife. Travellers who organise their ideas by nature interests can thus distinguish between landscape and wildlife viewing without confusing the two reserves.
San Rock Art and Railway Heritage
Cultural history also has its own points of interest. The area around Lady Grey is rich in sandstone and San rock art. The town’s historic sites include the Powder Magazine. This combination of geology and cultural heritage gives Lady Grey its own profile among the region’s discoveries.
In Steynsburg, the tunnel offers a glimpse into South Africa’s railway heritage. Together with the San rock art and historic sites of Lady Grey, it provides a view of different traces of the past: railway heritage here, rock art and historic sites there. Alongside highlands, water and nature, a cultural focus is also available for planning a trip.
Discover more destinations: Barkly East, Jamestown, Venterstad, Steynsburg, Bloemendal, Burgersdorp, Nomlengane, Ugie
For the regional travel overview: Eastern Cape.
