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Walk with us...As we discover a land of cultural and historical significance, coupled with exquisite, breathtaking beauty.
The Eastern Cape Highlands,
an area dominated by the
mighty Drakensberg
Mountains, can trace its
history all the way back to
prehistoric days when di-
nosaurs roamed the region,
leaving behind their massive
footprints for us to ponder
their existence.
Ph
oto
: P. Seph
ton
1
WE
LC
OM
ES
YO
U
Formerly one of South Africa’s hidden
gems, the Elundini area is fast being
discovered by local and international
tourists in search of peaceful stays,
wide open spaces and fresh air. While
the natural attractions dominate the
tourism menu here, man’s insatiable
desire for adventure in the great outdoors
is well covered, with any number of out-
door and adventure activities to choose
from. Those in search of sights with more
cultural and historical significance will
also not be disappointed as this area has
many important heritage sites worth
seeing.
The towns of Ugie, Maclear and
Mount Fletcher serve as the primary
development nodes in an area that is so
outrageously beautiful that there are
times that it hardly seems real.
Elundini MunicipalityLocated at the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in the east of
the Joe Gqabi District, known as the Eastern Cape Highlands region,
Elundini Municipality falls between the Maluti Mountains and the Southern
Drakensberg. Ugie, Maclear and Mount Fletcher are the three main towns
in this largely agricultural area, surrounded by impressive natural scenery.
Popular with eco-tourists for its rich fossils, dinosaur footprints, rock art and
outdoor adventure activities, Elundini’s attraction is undeniable.
2
East London
Port Elizbeth
Queenstown
Cradock
EASTERN CAPE
UGIE
MACLEAR
MOUNT FLETCHER
Elundini
Find y
our fe
et A journey through the cradle of culture of the Eastern Cape Highlands, showcasing the Southern Drakensberg’s finest natural splendour.
Situated in the Eastern Cape Province,
Elundini is located at the foothills of the
Drakensberg Mountains in the east of the
Joe Gqabi District, known as the Eastern
Cape Highlands Region.
3
Registered Guides in the areaN a t u r e a n d C u l t u r a l G u i d e s :
Adie Badenhorst: Call 073 020 8801
Helen Lechmere-Oertel: Call 045 932 1826
Adele Moore: Call 083 283 2999 or 045-9321651
(specialising in Wild Orchids and flowers)
C u l t u r a l G u i d e s :
Sheila Bell-Cross: Call 045 932 1437
Phyll Sephton-Borrowdale: Call 082 925 1030 or
045 932 1550
UGIE
MACLEAR
MOUNT FLETCHER
R56R396
To Kokstad
To Umtata
To Lesotho
A leisurely 23km drive from Ugie to Maclear
66km from Maclear to Mount Fletcher
N2
Tsitsa Falls
Naude’s Nek Pass
R396
R393
RHODES
The Tsitsa Falls and gorge is an adventure hotspot not to be missed.
The “Rapture of the River” Fly-fishing Festival is held annually in Maclear.
Clarendon House in Ugie offers comfy accommodation with old-world charm.
Let the journey begin.
Maclear and Naude’s Nek Pass are a floral wonderland with more than 50 species of Orchid.
Experience the heritage and local cultures around Mount Fletcher.
4
UgieTowering mountains and winding streams offer opportunities to the visitor in search of adventure or in need of some time and space to unwind.
5
4
Named after the Ugie River in Scotland, this little town on the banks of
the Inxu River lies between Maclear and Elliot and prides itself on the
natural surroundings that act as one big adventure playground. With a
wide variety of accommodation and enough recreational activities to
keep one busy for a weekend, a week or even a month, Ugie’s undoubted
charm will make it hard to leave this beautiful part of the country.
The numerous icy streams and dams are ideal for trout and here in Ugie the gentle-
man’s pursuit of fly-fishing is an extremely popular pastime, drawing thousands of tour-
ists each year in search of the elusive fish. Streams and dams are stocked with brown
and rainbow trout and although different waters require different fishing styles, the
thrill of catching a large, strong trout on a thin trout rod is quite unparalleled. Many
anglers opt for a catch-and-release policy, but for others, the delicacy of fresh trout
is too much to resist. Ask a local tour guide or your guesthouse operator to assist you
with permits and/or fishing equipment.
Fly-Fishing
TO
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6
Tractor museumEven for those without an agricultural back-
ground, the Tractor Museum in President
Street is a fascinating exhibition of the
farmer’s best friend. Entrance is free and the
museum is well worth a visit for a window into
Mr Bob Kaschula’s passion for the world of
tractors. Open weekdays.
AT
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Ugie
Bastervoetpad (Barkly East/Elliot to Ugie)
Linking the top of the Barkly Pass to Ugie, this scenic road comes with
magnificent panoramic views. The road can be quite rough and requires
technical driving at some points, so high clearance vehicles or 4x4s are
recommended, especially in wet weather.
Prentjiesberg TrailsThe Prentjiesberg Trail features a three-day, 50 km
circular trail through the spectacular Ugie surrounds,
including an indigenous forest, a Protea woodland,
caves with San (Bushman) paintings and unbelievable
panoramic views overlooking Ugie.
Blesbok, mountain reedbuck and dassie are likely to be
seen along the way, while birdwatchers should keep an
eye out for crowned and black eagles, bearded vulture
and the lanner falcon. The top of the mountain is home
to stunning rock pools for those brave enough to dip into
the icy water. The walk is clearly marked with footprints
and arrows and accommodation includes a hut, bunga-
low and cave that sleep 12 each and have toilets and
water. Permits are required and can be obtained in Ugie
along with a map and brochure is available.
7
Ugie Methodist Church
Located in the town centre, the Ugie
Methodist Church is a stately example of
north-eastern Cape architecture.
GatbergJust outside the entrance to Ugie is the
Gatberg, an amazing site where wind erosion
has created a large hole at the summit of the
mountain called Gatberg (Hole Mountain).
Dinosaur footprintsThere are many fascinating examples of the fossilised footprints of these prehistoric beasts on various
farms between the towns of Ugie, Maclear and Mount Fletcher. New footprints are still being discovered
to this day. Some of the best examples of dinosaur footprints are found on Oakleigh Farm, contact Ginger
Jenkins on 045 932 1675 to arrange a visit.
Clarendon HouseOriginally established as an orphanage in
1918, this historical building has been con-
verted into guesthouse accommodation
combining old-world elegance with modern
facilities.
8
3
MaclearMother Nature has looked favourably on this part of the world, with rare fauna and flora scattered around the area – home to some of the most stunning vistas imaginable.
9
TO
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The tranquil town of Maclear, named after the Astronomer Royal of the Cape from 1834 to 1870, Thomas Maclear, is
situated in the picturesque valley of the Mooi River in the mountainous region of the Eastern Cape. With over 1 000km
of rivers and streams available, Maclear is also the Mecca for wild trout fishing in South Africa, while outdoor
adventure lovers will enjoy horseback, hiking and 4x4 trails and abseiling in the great outdoors.
These trails are situated on Woodcliffe, a private farm outside Maclear. The walks
are clearly marked and lead through some amazing Drakensberg scenery. With the
farmhouse used as a base camp, caves and mountain cottages can be used for over-
nighting en route. The main attractions include the Drakensberg scenery and fresh
air, indigenous forests, waterfalls, San paintings and dinosaur footprints.
A short botanical walk, known as the Picnic Forest Trail, has been laid out near
Woodcliffe Cottage and many species of flora are encountered and identified along
the trail. Bird life is abundant and a list of no fewer than 153 species has been drawn
up, including Hammerkop, Black Eagle, African Goshawk, Lanner Falcon, Crowned
Crane and Spotted Eagle Owl—to name a few. There are numerous examples of
Bushman paintings in the mountains of the Woodcliffe Trail, but special—and not
always easy—detours have to be taken to see them.
Woodcliffe Cave Trails
10
AT
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Mac
lear Bird-Watching
Bird lovers are in for a treat, as the Maclear
area is home to some very interesting species
including the orange-breasted rockjumper,
Drakensberg siskin and mountain pipit as well
as the fascinating ground woodpecker. The
natural grasslands, wetlands and mountains
are home to all three crane species - Southern
Crowned, Blue and the rare and endangered
Wattled crane. Yellow breasted Pippits breed
here in summer, while the mountain ranges
provide nesting place for Cape Vultures and the
endangered Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer).
Small pockets of Afro-Montane forest give
sightings of Bush BlackCap and Olive Wood-
peckers, to mention but a few.
Tsitsa FallsThe Tsitsa Falls and gorge, situated about 70km to the
east of Maclear (just off the N2 route) is an adventure
hotspot that is not to be missed. Here one can abseil down
the 28m waterfall or catch a zipline across the gorge to a
San (Bushman) rock art site. Other activities here include
kayaking, kloofing and fly-fishing. Contact Addi or Angela
Metcalfe on 045 932 1138 for more information or log
onto www.tsitsafalls.com.
11
Ph
oto
: G. B
rits
FishingVisitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to fly-fishing in Maclear and this
highly-skilled art has put the area firmly on the tourist map. Fishing ranges
from fast-flowing streams, to slow, deep rivers with huge pools. Many dams
have been built, providing the fly-fisherman with the option of still-water
fishing. The “Rapture of the River” Fly-fishing Festival taking place annually
around April-May.
Naudes Nek PassWith a summit of nearly 3 000m above sea
level, Naudés Nek Pass is the highest dirt
road in South Africa. The pass connects
Maclear with Rhodes and is best travelled
in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, but it still
presents a challenge, particularly in winter
with heavy snowfalls.
Sivewright BridgeThe Sivewright Bridge on Station Street, is a beau-
tiful sandstone structure dating back to 1899 and
has been declared a provincial heritage site. It has
been replaced by the CE Kirk and Ugie Bridges, but
remains an attraction worth seeing.
SportsMaclear is home to a nine-hole golf course that
features some spectacular views. Other sporting
facilities include the town’s tennis and squash courts.
Dinosaur footprintsAs in Ugie, the area has many examples of fossilised
dinosaur spoor. Two types of dinosaur have been
identified – a larger four-footed type and a smaller
two-legged variety.
Rock ArtThe Maclear area is home to numerous fine
examples of San rock art, found in the
mountain caves. Uniquely, this area is a hotspot
for polychrome-shaded rock art. These paint-
ings are world-renowned and have been
featured in the National Geographic publication.
12
Ph
oto
: G &
R B
rits
3
Mount FletcherFor the cultural and heritage tourist, there is much to be seen in this beautiful region.
13
Mount Fletcher is named after Reverend John Fletcher, founder
of the first mission established by the British Methodists in 1882.
First inhabited by the Hlubi tribe, the area is now home to the
Basotho, Amahlubi, Amampondomise, Bathembu and Baphuthi
tribes. While the region has all of the natural beauty of the Ugie
and Maclear areas, organised tourism here is limited. However,
for the cultural or heritage tourist, there remains much to be seen.
Situated on a point in the Togwana River, the Tsikeletsi Waterfall is a sight
to behold when in the river is in full force. Traditional healers from the
area have used this waterfall for its fabled healing powers.
Tsikeletsi Waterfall
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Cultural Dancing & CuisineExperience the heritage and local cultures, which are
expressed and showcased through traditional dancing,
craftwork and cooking, including the local home-made
beers.
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Moun
t Flet
cher
Zibi Meyer CaveThis cave, where the forefathers of the
Amahlubi would gather to pray to their
ancestors, is considered one of the sacred
areas of Elundini. Today, locals still make
their way to the cave to pray for rain, good
harvests and God’s blessings. The cave’s
unusual name is derived from the late Chief
Zibi and his friend, German priest Reverend
Meyer.
15
Oscar MpethaStruggle icon Oscar Mpetha was born and raised right here in Mount Fletcher, while it was still a
part of the independent homeland of Transkei. After moving to Cape Town, Mpetha was elected
as the secretary general of the African Food and Canning Union, before turning his focus to the
African National Congress, where he was elected as the president of the Cape branch. He would
go on to become a highly respected trade union organiser despite being detained by police during
the 1960 State of Emergency and imprisoned on charges of terrorism in 1985. Today the Oscar
Mpetha High School in Nyanga, Cape Town, bears his name.
Heroes’ monumentIt is here, in this memorial garden,
where fallen heroes from the struggle
era are recognised and remembered for
the part they played in bringing an end
to Apartheid. Tribute is paid to the likes
of Oscar Mpetha, Siphiwo Mazwai and
Alfred Nzo, whose sacrifices will never
be forgotten by the community.
16
Kwa Bhaliwe Rock art - Upper TsitsanaThis ancient sacrificial site has been opened to tourists. The site is more than 100 metres, making
it the biggest in South Africa. It is assumed that the san people settled here, leaving grave sites in
the area, which attract archaeologists, environmentalists and researchers alike. The art is of high
quality and still very much in tact.
EL
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I
Accom
moda
tion Woodcliffe
S e l f - C a t e r i n g | M a c l e a r Call: 045 932 1550 or 082 925 1030
Bob’s Place B & B | M a c l e a r / Ts o l oCall: 045 932 1931
Address: Highfield Farm
Decklan’s Chalets B & B | M a c l e a rCall : 045 932 1071
Address: Wade Avenue, Maclear
Foresters Lodge B & B | U g i eCall: 045 933 1989
Address: 6 Main Street, Ugie
Tortoni’s Cottage B & B | U g i e / M a c l e a rCall: 082 558 8773
Address: Tortoni Farm
Forty Winks
B & | U g i e
Call: 072 469 4336
Address: 1 Smit Street, Ugie
Die KliphuisS e l f - C a t e r i n g | M a c l e a rCall: 045 932 1039
Address: Uitsig Street
PradaB & B | U g i e
Call: 082 875 1434
Address: 2 Van Riebeek Street
Clarendon HouseB & B | U g i e
Call: 045 933 1138
Address: 12 Main Street, Ugie
Rose’s B&B B & B | M a c l e a r / Ts o l o
Call: 082 897 4590
Address: Open Farm
Sinanto B&B
B & B | U g i eCall: 082 742 9533
Address: 1027 Entokozweni
Location, Ugie
The Cottage S e l f - C a t e r i n g | M a c l e a rCall: 045 932 1384
Address: Wade Avenue, Maclear
Tsitsa Falls BackpackersB a c k p a c k e r s | M a c l e a r / M o u n t F l e t c h e r
Call: 045 932 1138
Address: The Falls Farm
Vrederus S e l f - C a t e r i n g | M a c l e a r / R h o d e s
Call: 045 932 1572
Address: Risler Farm
Hope Farm HolidaysS e l f - C a t e r i n g | M a c l e a r / Ts o l o Call: 045 932 1942
Address: Hope Farm
Amambanguba B&B B & BCall: 078 134 9396
6km from the R56 on the way to
Matatiele
Noxolo’s B&BB & B | M a c l e a r Call: 073 481 9848
On the R56 outside Maclear on
the way to Matatiele
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Annual Rose Show | U g i eThis spectacular display of roses is on show on the second
Saturday in November.
Rapture of the River Fly-fishing Festival | M a c l e a rThis popular festival is held annually in April / May. For more
information, contact the Maclear Fly-fishing Club: Theuns
Botha on 073 674 3326 or Noel Wagenaar on 045 932 1038.
Fees Zonder Naam | M a c l e a rThis lively event encourages social interaction between the
villages of Maclear, Ugie and Elliot. Visit www.fzn.co.za for
information.
Ugie Ladies Flyfishing Festival | U g i eThe Ugie Ladies Fly-fishing Festival is held annually over the
long-weekend in September.
AN
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EN
TS
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Ncedokuhle B&BB & B | U g i eCall: 073 215 0252
Siphelwande B&B B & B | M a c l e a rCall: 082 435 2857 or 045 932312
Canzi B&BB & B | U g i eCall: 073 648 0002
Joe Nozuko B&BB & B | U g i eCall: 076 362 3691
Kagiso Khomo B & B | U g i eCall: 083 371 1356
Prentjies Chalets S e l f - C a t e r i n g | U g i eCall: 045 933 1018
The Flintstones B & B | M a c l e a r / M t F l e t c h e r
Call: 045 932 1560
Address: Waterbron Farm
The Country HouseB & B | U g i e - M a c l e a rCall: 082 600 8585
Address: Remia Farm
Lala Lapha G u e s t H o u s e | M o u n t F l e t c h e rCall: 074 410 9049
Linacusisa B & B | M a c l e a rCall: 072 297 8680 or
045 932 1063
KiepersolB & B | U g i eCall: 045 9331433
Address: 5 Berg Straat, Ugie
CR
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Elundini TourismFor more information about Tourism in Elundini:
Tel: 045 932 8100 / 071 793 3217
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.elundini.org.za