Steepside Guest Farm is set in the southern Drakensberg mountains of the Eastern Cape, a short drive from the village of Rhodes and about 39km from Barkly East. The property features rolling fields, sandstone cliffs, and clear streams, creating a peaceful rural setting often bordered by dramatic mountain views. Guests enjoy easy access to Tiffindell Ski Resort, several scenic mountain passes, hiking trails, and historical sites, all within 15–40km from the main gates.

The surroundings support a wide range of outdoor activities, including fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, birdwatching, and exploring bushman art. On the farm itself, visitors encounter local wildlife, indigenous plants, and experience genuine Eastern Cape farm hospitality in comfortable cottages or shaded campsites. The atmosphere is tranquil and family-orientated, ideal for relaxing around a braai, stargazing, or discovering local nature.

Who is Steepside Guest Farm for?

Nature lovers seeking hiking, birdwatching, and quiet rural retreats
Families looking for safe, spacious environments and outdoor activities for children
Adventure travellers on the way to Tiffindell Ski Resort or exploring the Drakensberg passes

Who is Steepside Guest Farm not for?

Those who need luxury hotel amenities and fast internet everywhere
Visitors who prefer city nightlife or dislike gravel roads and remote locations

Resort Group

None

Nearest Town

Barkly East

Distance To Nearest Town

± 39km

Nearest Major City

East London

Distance To Nearest Major City

± 323km

Nearest Major Airport

Mthatha Airport

Distance To Nearest Major Airport

± 200km

24-Hour Front Desk

No

Business Hours / Gates Open During

06:00 - 22:00

Arrival and Departure Times

Check-in: 14:00 - 19:00
Check-out: 10:00

Family friendly

Yes

Day Visitors Allowed?

Yes

Day Visitors Visiting Hours

09:00 - 17:00

Pets Allowed

No

Electric vehicle charing point

No

Nearby Landmarks

Rhodes village
Tiffindell Ski Resort
Scenic mountain passes

Malaria Risk

Yes

Remember to bring along

Warm clothing for mountain weather, hiking boots, sun protection (high altitude sunburn risk), rain gear, binoculars for birdwatching

Special notes to guests

Road access is via gravel roads - 4x4/high clearance vehicle strongly recommended. Weather can be unpredictable - check conditions before traveling.

Year Established

2000

Historic Significance

Traditional family-run guest farm with deep roots in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg region. Committed to sustainable farming practices and mountain conservation.

Busy Months

May, June, July, August

Best Months

March, April, May, September, October, November

Road Towards Main Gate

Gravel Road

Road Condition

Fairly Good Condition

Suitable Vehicles

Bakkie, SUV, Caravan, Trailer

Internal Road Type

Dirt Road

Nearest Fuel Station

Less than 50KM

Phone

082 629 3655

Phone 2

071 243 4062

Email

Petijordaans@gmail.com

Address

Steepside Farm, Rhodes, Barkly East

Street Address Postal Code

9786

Steepside Farm, Rhodes, Barkly East

Get Directions

Driving Directions

From Barkly East, head south towards Rhodes (approximately 39km). Road becomes gravel approximately 15km before Rhodes. Follow signs to Steepside Farm, located near Rhodes village.

Payment Methods

In Person, EFT

Own Generator Allowed

No

Cellphone Reception

Yes

Wifi Reception

No

Wheelchair Friendly

No

Parking Facilities

Open Parking

Communal Facilities

Ablution Facilities, Braai Area

Laundry Facility

No

Nearby Amenities

Barkly East (39km) - fuel, groceries, restaurants; Rhodes village (nearby) - local services and attractions

Nearby Medical Assistance

Nearest clinic in Barkly East (approximately 39km). Emergency services available. Recommend travel insurance and check medical facilities before traveling.

Water Activities

Swimming

Outdoor Activities

Angling / Fishing, Bird Watching, Horse Riding, Road Cycling, 4x4 Trail

Hiking / Walking

Hiking

Outdoor Games

Tennis

Chalet Bed Options

Single Bed, Double Bed

Chalet Room Cleaning Services

Yes

Chalet Bedding & Linen

Sheets, Comforters, Winter Blankets, Pillows, Pillow Cases

Chalet Bathroom

Baths, Shower, Toilet, Washbasin

Chalet Bathroom Facilities

Towels, Toilet Paper

Chalet Patio Facilities

Yes

Chalet Fireplace Facilities

Yes

Chalet Braai Facilities

Own Grid

Chalet Outdoor Facilities

Private Braai Area

Campsite Electricity

No

Wheelchair Friendly Campsite Stands

No

Campsite DSTV Dish

No

Amount of Camping Stands

± 8 Stands

Campsite Stand Covering

Grass

Shade Over Campsite Stands

More Than Enough Shade

Braai Facilities

Private Braai Area

Campsite Braai Facilities

Own Grid

Local Resident Animals

Cattle, sheep, horses, goats, working farm animals. Jackals, porcupines, hyrax, mongoose

Occasional Animals

Crowned eagle, martial eagle, various raptors passing through during migration seasons

Rare Animals

Rhebuck, grey rhebuck in mountain areas, occasionally leopard sign

Local Resident Bird Species

Malachite sunbird, olive thrush, Cape robin chat, mountain buzzard, lammergeier (bearded vulture), various warblers and pipits

Local Plants

Erica species (heaths), Disa uniflora (Red Disa), mountain fynbos species, indigenous wildflowers

Local Trees

Mountain yellowwood, wild almond, yellowwood, stinkwood, various indigenous mountain trees

Geology

Dolerite and sandstone formations characterise the Southern Drakensberg. Ancient volcanic activity created the distinctive mountain scenery.

Highlights about Mammals

Home to smaller mammal species adapted to high-altitude mountain environments. Good opportunities for tracking and observing wildlife in natural setting.

Highlights about Birds

Excellent birdwatching location with mountain and grassland specialists. Lammergeiers (bearded vultures) visible in thermals above mountains. Over 100 bird species recorded in region.

Notable Drives or Routes

Mountain pass routes offering spectacular scenery. Hiking trails through fynbos and mountain grassland. Rhodes village circular drives. Scenic photo opportunities at various mountain viewpoints.