Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes, TGCSA 3 star graded & AA Quality Assured Accommodation in the Eastern Cape Highlands.
NB. Fuel, both petrol and diesel can be unobtainable in Rhodes. Visitors are advised to fill up their vehicles' fuel tanks before embarking on the last leg to Rhodes.
Also, when traversing the Naudesnek Pass (and any other high-lying areas) always park facing into the wind. Gusts of wind have been known to rip doors out of travellers hands resulting in serious damage to the door and vehicle.
Beware of the Pitseng Pass route from the Mt Fletcher/Maclear road, a "short-cut" to Elands Heights or Naudesnek. If you want to traverse Naudesnek Pass, the recommended route is via Maclear.
Lastly, the R396 from Barkly Pass/Mountain shadows Hotel is in a shocking state. the recommended route to Rhodes is via Barkly East.
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 Rhodes 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, Getaway shows 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 be 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 establishment from the "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. The lounge is the perfect haven in winter with the sun pouring in warms it up while the icy winter breezes blow by outside. 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.
We pride ourselves on giving guests personal attention including special dietary arrangements, ensuring that they enjoy their stay with us. Well behaved pets are also welcome to share the delights of the experience.
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 recent comments in our visitors book.
And a selection of comments from down the years;
"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
And for another visitor's account, see: http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/2011-october-our-great-eastern-cape-drakensberg-adventure
Occasional weather overview
December 3rd 2011
First "proppah" summer rain on the 1st! Between 20 & 30mm recorded in the area, depending on whether the recorder has a Great Dane or not!
November 7th 2011
Dry and cold conditions prevail. Being dry, great for bikers doing the mountain passes!
October 2011
Having had a fine year's precipitation, the current mini-drought is taking it's toll. This, coupled with unseasonally cold weather and very strong winds that occasionally blow through the night, has resulted in minimal plant growth and rapidly dropping water levels in our rivers and streams.
November 2011
November came and went with much wind and no precipitation.
December 2011
Rain at last and a delightful christmas present indeed!
10th January 2012
Odd showers, enough to dirty the windows and settle the dust only!
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