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"As
things are, because it's a long way from just about anywhere
else, the folks that get there really want to be there, and
there is a difference between them and the hordes who drift
casually in and out of many other fishing centres I know that
are more accessible and, consequently, too often crowded..."
Dr. Tom Sutcliffe |
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| The Eastern Cape Province,
which is larger than England, boasts a variety of landscapes
from desolate sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean, sub-tropical
mangrove forests, dry bushveld stretching into the Great Karoo,
to the majestic backdrop of the Southern Drakensberg mountains
bordering the Kingdom of Lesotho. |
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To reach the foothills of
the Drakensberg range (highest peak 3482m/11425ft), our route
traverses enormous sheep and cattle farms and climbs the Escarpment,
which is well over 1000m above sea level.
The only sub-Saharan ski-resort, Tiffindell, is an exciting
day-trip from Rhodes. Snowfall usually is from June to September,
although historically, it has snowed in each of the 12 months.
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Rhodes, a Victorian village
which is also a National Monument, nestles on the Bell River,
some 60km from Barkly East. It is the ideal base from which
to access over 200km of running water within an hour's drive.
Rhodes is fondly described as the Centre of the Universe by
the locals, and those who dare challenge the claim are swiftly
put right in the pub after a drink or two. |
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Climate:
- Temperamental spring
(Sep. - Nov.)
- Hot summer
with thunderstorms
(Dec. - Feb.)
- Indian Summer-style autumn
(March - May)
- Cold, dry winter
(June-Aug.)
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