Cradle of culture

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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UgieTowering mountains and winding streams offer opportunities to the visitor in search of adventure or in need of some time and space to unwind.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Mount FletcherFor the cultural and heritage tourist, there is much to be seen in this beautiful region.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Accom

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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.

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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

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Elundini TourismFor more information about Tourism in Elundini:

Tel: 045 932 8100 / 071 793 3217

Email: tourism@elundini.gov.za

Website: www.elundini.org.za