Things To Do
in Barkly East
Barkly East is a small mountain town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa located on the high, rolling slopes of the Stormberg and close to the Lesotho border. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, cool climate, and seasonal snow that transforms the area into one of South Africa’s few winter sport regions. The town serves as a quiet base for trout fishing, hiking, 4x4 routes and visiting nearby Tiffindell and Ben Macdhui.
Visitors come for outdoor adventure, rural farm hospitality and a calm, slow-paced local atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Barkly East, where you will be greeted by the breathtaking surroundings of the Drakensberg mountains. Take some time to settle into your accommodation and enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café. After breakfast, embark on a leisurely stroll around the town to soak in its charming atmosphere and historic buildings.
Visit the Barkly East Museum, which showcases the rich history and culture of the region. Spend the afternoon exploring local shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs while mingling with friendly locals. Consider a short hike in the nearby hills for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional South African dishes. Enjoy a quiet evening in the quaint town, perhaps catching a live music performance if available. As night falls, take a moment to gaze at the stunning night sky, free from city lights.
After breakfast, prepare for an adventure on one of the nearby nature trails, such as the well-known Lotheni Nature Reserve. The crisp morning air and scenic views will invigorate your spirit as you take in the beauty around you. Bring your camera to capture the diverse wildlife you might encounter along the way.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, taking a moment to relax and rejuvenate. In the afternoon, consider visiting the nearby historical sites, like the farmstead of the original settlers, to learn more about the area's pioneering history. The cultural experience combined with natural beauty is sure to leave lasting memories.
Return to Barkly East for a leisurely evening, where you can choose to dine at another of the town's delightful eateries. Reflect on your day's adventures while enjoying the tranquil ambiance of this remote area. As you unwind, consider planning your next day’s explorations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a café | $2-4 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🛏️Guesthouse double room (per night) | $50-120 |
| ⛽Fuel (per litre) | $1.00-1.50 |
| 🎣Day trout-fishing permit / guided session | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning highland scenery and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Quiet, authentic rural atmosphere with friendly local hospitality.
- Seasonal snow offers rare winter-sport opportunities in South Africa.
- Limited dining, shopping and nightlife options compared with larger towns.
- Remote location with occasional poor road conditions and patchy mobile coverage.
- Healthcare and specialized services may require travel to larger centres.
- "Goeie môre" - Good morning (Afrikaans)
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Molo / Molweni" - Hello / Hello everyone (Xhosa)
- "Ndiyabulela" - Thank you (Xhosa)
- "Baie dankie" - Many thanks / Thank you very much (Afrikaans)
- "Nice to meet you" - Nice to meet you (English commonly used)
Places to Visit in Barkly East
Visit one of these nice places.
High-altitude vistas with sweeping grasslands, dramatic cloudscapes and, in winter, snow-capped peaks — ideal for sunrise and wide-angle landscape shots.
Clear mountain streams, reed beds and reflections provide intimate nature shots and opportunities for macro photography of flora and insects.
Quaint streets, farm buildings and seasonal pastoral scenes offer charming documentary and street-style photos of rural life.
Scenic road approaches with dramatic ridgelines, especially photogenic in late afternoon light and during autumn color changes.
Food in Barkly East
Barkly East Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh trout from local streams, often grilled or pan-fried; available at guesthouses, local restaurants and trout farms in the area.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked pot or stew prepared with local lamb or beef and root vegetables — traditional, filling and often served at family-style meals.
South African-style barbecue including boerewors (sausages) and lamb chops, commonly cooked at guesthouses or community events.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly markets and roadside stalls sell homemade preserves, baked goods, fresh vegetables and occasionally grilled snacks; great for sampling local produce and jams.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally friendly and polite; greet shopkeepers and neighbours — a simple 'hello' and smile go a long way.
Ask permission before entering private farmland or photographing people at work; many farms are working properties with livestock and machinery.
Casual, practical clothing is appropriate. In church or formal settings, modest dress and respectful behaviour are expected.
Safety
Tipping in Barkly East
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; round up in cafés, leave 10%–15% in restaurants where service is good, and tip guides or drivers modestly for personalized services.
Cash (South African rand) is widely used in town; many small businesses prefer cash or EFT. Some establishments accept cards but coverage can be unreliable — carry cash for rural transactions.
ATMs may be limited or located in the nearest larger towns; plan cash withdrawals in advance and notify your bank of travel plans.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool nights, occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Great for hiking, trout fishing and wildflower displays; bring sun protection and a light jacket for evenings.
Crisp days and clear air with golden grasses and good visibility for photography. Temperatures fall quickly after sunset — layers recommended.
Cold, with frequent frosts and occasional snowfall at higher elevations; possible skiing opportunities at nearby Tiffindell. Roads can be icy — check conditions and carry warm clothing.
Unpredictable weather as temperatures rise; wildflowers and lambing season on farms make for scenic visits, but expect muddy tracks after rains.
Barkly East at Night
Hiking in Barkly East
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Routes up to the eastern Cape’s high peaks offering panoramic views, alpine grasslands and challenging terrain for experienced hikers.
Network of walks in the Tiffindell and Rhodes area with scenic ridgelines, waterfalls and opportunities for short day hikes or longer treks.
Gentler riverside and valley walks suitable for families and birdwatchers, often passing trout pools and farm landscapes.
Longer routes across private farms that combine driving and short hikes to remote viewpoints; obtain permission before entering private property.
Airports
How to reach Barkly East by plane.
Small regional airport serving the Komani/Queenstown area, usually the closest commercial air access for the region; ground transfer or rental car required to reach Barkly East (approx. 1.5–3 hours by road depending on route and conditions).
Major regional airport to the northwest with broader domestic connections; driving from Bloemfontein to Barkly East takes several hours, making this an option for wider flight choices.
Coastal regional airport serving the Eastern Cape with domestic flights; a longer drive to Barkly East but an alternative if combining coastal and mountain travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Historically significant group engaged in sheep and livestock farming; cultural traditions and farming practices shape local life.
Local Black African communities, including Xhosa and Northern Sotho/Sotho speakers, contribute to the cultural and linguistic mix of the area.
English is used for business and tourism; visiting travelers and some residents use English as a common language.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is popular across the region, with local school and club matches drawing community support and weekend social gatherings.
Trout fishing in mountain streams is a major recreational pursuit for locals and visitors, with seasonal peaks in activity.
Farming culture supports equestrian activities, shows and sheep-shearing events that are part of rural life and seasonal festivals.
When winter snow falls, nearby Tiffindell and slopes offer skiing and snow activities, making it a niche but notable local sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barkly East.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; plan ahead, ask guesthouses for vegetable-based stews, salads and egg dishes, and bring snacks if you have strict needs.
These options are less common in town — communicate requirements in advance with accommodation providers; self-catering or bringing specialty items is advisable.
Small kitchens may not be able to fully accommodate severe allergies; bring essentials and clearly communicate restrictions when booking.