Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes was established more than a decade ago by the proprietor, Dave Walker. It is located on the same site as the original farmhouse on the farm "Tintern" on which the village of Rhodes was established in 1891. It is in an elevated position on the western side of the village on a quiet cul de sac with a stunning view across the village.
Attending trade shows such as Indaba, Hooked on Fishing, the Grahamstown Festival and many others on behalf of the local tourism industry, Walker was accordingly nicknamed "Walkabout" by Leon Isted, a late great friend from the farm Bidstone who is sorely missed. On establishing the venue, it was a natural conclusion that the name should a corruption of the nickname and became "Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes".
"Opstal" as it was known at the time, had been used by the founders of the Tiffindell Ski Resort in the early 90s until the fledgling resort could accommodate it's own staff on site. A process of upgrading the venue from this glorified backpackers state to it's current condition ensued. A major revamp took place in 1999 and was completed by June of that year. En-suite bathrooms were added and the premises extended to include a sunny lounge, office and bar dining-room. Walkerbouts was graded by a representative of the AA Quality Assured Programme shortly after the millennium and accorded a "Recommended" rating. It was subsequently also awarded a 3-star rating by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
Taking the "Virtual Tour" on this website will give you a clear idea as to what is on offer at Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes, a veritable "Home from Home" as evidenced by comments in our visitors book such as:
"Die gasvryheid is onoortreflik" - Koos & Mary-Anne le Roux, Smithfield 13/8/2000
"This place has a wonderful feel..We loved the pizza" - Martha & Uli, Heidelberg, Germany, 21/9/2000
"We have had the most incredible time here. Brilliant atmosphere, charming hosts and lovely staff. We will be back." - Jenny, Darty and Nicolas Louw, Constantia Cape Town, 8/7/2001
"Heerlik gebly en ge'eet" - Willers familie, Durban Noord, 17/6/2002
"Wonderful and relaxing. Very hospitable - great food, fantastic fishing" - Nicola & John Martin, Randpark Ridge, Gauteng, 4/10/2003,
"Loved our stay" - Cameron & Colleen McIntosh, Glen Conner, Stellenbosch, 29/11/2004
"Wonderful hospitality - bad for the liver" - Miles Divett & Inge Steiner, 28/4/2005
"Fab! Thanks for everything" - Noelette Buckley, Ireland, 8/8/2006
"Maar dit was nou lekker" - Coetzee Ziestman, Clocolan, 11/4/2007
"Many thanks for a super stay/Wonderful hospitality/Great Food" - Noel and Pam de Villiers, Riverclub, Sandton, 26/1/2008
"A really great experience. People, food & everything was amazing" - Michael, Sean & Wayne Bossenger, Somerset West, 9/6/2009.
"As always, a wonderful , wonderful stay. Excellent food, great hospitality!!" - Simon & Cicely West, Johannesburg, 22/3/2010