Best Eastern Cape stays for a winter road trip

The Eastern Cape often flies under the radar when it comes to winter getaways — but those in the know head inland, where mountain peaks blush with snow, sheep farms steam in the frost, and old sandstone towns hum with heritage.

This is a province of soulful silences and slow drives, where the backroads yield both dramatic views and places that wrap you in warmth.

From the southern Drakensberg to the cultural heart of the Karoo and the whispering forests of Hogsback, here’s where to stay if you’re chasing crackling fireplaces, hearty hospitality, and scenic seclusion.

Rhodes

Tucked beneath the escarpment near the Lesotho border, Rhodes is often dusted in snow come midwinter—and the drive in alone, over Naudé’s Nek Pass, is worth the trip.

• Walkerbouts Inn: Expect classic country hospitality, generous dinners, and a cosy pub frequented by mountain guides and trout fishers.

• Rhodes Hotel – A character-filled country hotel with creaky floorboards, hearty food, and a rich sense of place. Perfect for travellers looking to step back in time.

• Den Hagen Guest Farm – Set just outside the village, this working farm offers panoramic mountain views, warm hosts, and true rural tranquillity.

• Swallow’s Nest Self-Catering – Ideal for longer stays or independent travellers, this comfortable cottage has everything you need to settle in for a snowy weekend.

Barkly East & Wartrail

This region is all about dramatic scenery—deep valleys, icy rivers, and high-altitude farms with a frontier feel. It’s ideal for off-grid stays, 4×4 exploration, and those who want to unplug.

• Reedsdell Country Guest Farm: Nestled beneath the majestic cliffs of the southern Drakensberg, this farm offers antique-filled cottages and scenic walking trails.
• Wild Oak Guesthouse – Situated in the heart of Barkly East, this cosy guesthouse is perfect for an overnight stop or a quiet weekend. Expect garden views, en-suite comforts, and winter-ready touches like heaters, electric blankets, and extra throws. There’s also free Wi-Fi and a tea-and-coffee station for warming up after a snowy drive.
• Old Mill Inn – Set on the edge of Barkly East with peaceful mountain and river views, this charming B&B offers a quiet escape just 1.8 km from the local golf course. Two en-suite rooms (with twin beds) cater to couples or solo travellers. Guests can enjoy a full English breakfast, packed lunches for outings, and optional dinners on request. The lush garden and communal braai area invite slow afternoons, while the nearby San Rock Art site offers a glimpse into ancient history.

Lady Grey

Known as the Eastern Cape’s “theatrical town,” Lady Grey is home to a vibrant arts scene, a dramatic mountainous backdrop, and a small but soulful town centre.

• Mountain View Country Inn: A stately, old-school guesthouse with hearty meals and panoramic views.

• Karnmelkspruit River Resort – Just outside Lady Grey, this riverside retreat is perfect for nature lovers. It offers 25 rustic campsites without electricity and one solar-powered self-catering cottage ideal for groups. Set beneath trees along the Karnmelkspruit River, guests can hike, swim, or try their hand at trout fishing (at an additional cost). Don’t miss the dramatic gorge, vulture sanctuary, and historic train tunnel nearby.

Hogsback

Hogsback may be more fantasy than frontier, but it’s one of the best places to curl up in winter. Surrounded by Afro-montane forests and waterfalls, the village is steeped in mist and legend.

• The Edge Mountain Retreat: Famous for its views over the cliff edge and its spacious cottages.

• Away with the Fairies: Adventurous and youthful, this stay is known for its legendary cliff-top bath and eco-conscious vibe.

• Tree Haven Retreat – Tucked into the forest canopy, these cosy A-frame chalets offer a blend of comfort and adventure. Designed to reflect the surrounding woodland beauty, each unit features modern touches and scenic views — ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking stillness and starry nights. Whether you’re hiking, reading by the fire, or simply soaking up the misty mountain air, Tree Haven is a soulful escape into nature.

• Fourfields Hogsback – Nestled in nature with a blend of comfort and artistry, this guesthouse is ideal for those wanting forest views and creative calm.

• Terra-Khaya – An eco-lodge high up on the hillside, Terra-Khaya is rustic, solar-powered, and community-driven — perfect for eco-conscious travellers who don’t mind trading luxury for meaningful connection.

Nieu-Bethesda

Set beneath the Sneeuberge Mountains, Nieu-Bethesda is one of the most atmospheric villages in South Africa. The roads are dirt, the nights are quiet, and the stars are dazzling.

• Ganora Guest Farm: Just outside town, this working farm offers fossil tours, rock art excursions, and excellent Karoo meals.

• The Bethesda: A stylish stay within walking distance of the Owl House and the local brewery — perfect for weekend wanderers.

Cradock (Nxuba)

Cradock is a winter town through and through, with frostbitten mornings, historic buildings, and literary echoes from the life of Olive Schreiner. It’s also a great base for road trippers heading in multiple directions.

• Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor: A street of lovingly restored Victorian cottages, perfect for romantic or family getaways.

• Linduli Farmstay – Just outside Cradock, this wool and mohair farm offers a peaceful Karoo escape in the mountains. Choose from luxury off-grid cabins, a fully equipped farmhouse for families or friends, or wild camping stands for the more adventurous. With vast open spaces, rich birdlife, and total stillness, Linduli is perfect for reconnecting with nature.

Somerset East (KwaNojoli)

With its oak-lined streets and historic water mill, Somerset East is a detour worth taking. Fly-fishing is big here, as is mountain biking and Karoo cuisine.

• Angler & Antelope Guesthouse: In the heart of KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East), this charming guesthouse blends old-world warmth with modern comfort. Hosts Alan and Annabelle are known for their personal touch, hearty home-cooked meals, and a whisky collection that rivals most bars. Alan’s fly-fishing passion is infectious — ask him about guided trips. Cosy rooms, mohair blankets, and down duvets make this a Karoo stop worth staying for.

Uniondale & Joubertina

If you’re heading westward along the Langkloof, the towns of Uniondale and Joubertina offer quirky overnight options and scenic drives over the mountains toward the Garden Route.

• Schulteheim Hotel, Uniondale: Eccentric, historic, and full of character — rumoured to be haunted, too.

• Die Kraaltjie, Joubertina: Off-grid lovers will appreciate this self-catering cabin with views, a fireplace, and deep quiet.

A road trip through the Eastern Cape’s highlands and heartland isn’t about fast mileage. It’s about slow mornings, padstals with personality, sandstone churches, and the smell of wood smoke in the air. Whether you’re snuggling into a Karoo farmhouse or soaking in a forest bath in Hogsback, winter in this part of the world offers something rare: a stillness that warms you.

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