REEDSDELL COUNTRY GUEST FARM
Guest Farm Accommodation
near Barkly East, Eastern Cape
Set in the picturesque Witteberg mountain range, the South Western spur of
the Drakensberg, 1100 ha of pristine mountain terrain and crystal clear streams
are home to Reedsdell Country Guest Farm. Holistic farming practices ensure the
sustainability of the fragile ecosystems, while Eco-tourism allows this scenic
environment to be shared responsibly with one and all.
The Guest farm nestles below the sheer cliffs of the majestic peaks of the
Drakensberg among montane grasslands where visitors can hear the gurgle of the
Joggem & Edgehill streams in which shy wild trout abide. Spotting the Mountain
Reedbuck and Vaal Rhebok is a challenge as their shining coats blend in with the
fawn grasslands. Home to the Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) and the Black Eagle
that fly wistfully on the thermals that rise above the dominating Drakensberg
peaks. The surrounding valleys and ridges offer spectacular walks through an
awe-inspiring landscape with many wildflowers and a variety of birdlife.
Here the Drakensberg changes mood with weather and season, often covered in snow
in winter or cascading waterfalls down vertical cliffs inviting a refreshing
swim in summer.
Your hosts, Chris & Kath, have been farming for the last 13 years, with 10 years
in the hospitality industry. The Isted family has been farming in the district
for 6 generations. Chris is an experienced Polocrosse player and races off road
motorbikes competitively.
Reedsdell Country Guest Farm is a comfortable sandstone farmhouse with beautiful
grounds & magnificent views that invite you to just sit and relax or take a
casual stroll to experience the nature around you. Challenging mountain terrain
provides exciting activities for the more adventurous spirits. Situated 300m
from the Joggem river, it is ideally placed for the fly fisherman, with a
variety of activities for the rest of the family to enjoy.
Four bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (main bedroom en-suite) with a lounge and dining
room provide comforts for a pleasing stay. The open fireplace, solid fuel
heater, electric blankets & wall-mounted heaters ward off the winter cold. Meals
provided. Sleeps up to 10 persons
Bedroom 1: King with en-suite bathroom, Bedroom 2: 2 singles & bunk, Bedroom 3:
Queen, Bedroom 4: Double.
A lovingly restored stone barn, Stable Cottage is the epitome of a mountain
retreat. The delightful & tastefully decorated cottage is fully equipped for
self-catering with a kitchen / dining room, lounge, 1 double & 1 twin bedroom
and 1 1/2 bathrooms. The open fireplace and wall-mounted heaters add to the cosy
atmosphere in winter when snow is often seen on the mountain peaks (and on the
ground!) from the comfort of the lounge. The cottage is serviced and meals
provided on request. Sleeps from 4-6 persons, Bedroom 1: Double, Bedroom 2: Twin
or King.
Activities on the farm
- Working farm - sheep, cattle & emus
- Nature walks - guide available
- 4x4 trails
- River Fly-fishing - guide available
- Quad-bike & Scrambler trails
- River swimming
- Greywing Shooting
- Botany - up to altitudes of 2700m
- Birding
- Picnics
- Mountain biking
- Hunting
Activities available in the area (by prior arrangement):
Snow skiing (winter) & grass-skiing (summer). Rock Art - guided excursions,
Hiking trails Botany - up to altitudes of 3001m, Conference facilities for up
to 150 persons Arts & Crafts courses
Activities
Guides:
Chris has lived his life in the area and is an experienced enduro rider &
4x4 enthusiast. He loves the technical challenges of the mountains but caters
his trails to suit every need. Fun loving & knowledgeable, Chris makes the most
of your trail experience, taking you to the best places in the area. Interaction
with the locals is his specialty, adding value to your trail - whether it is
lunch at a local shebeen or up at Tiffindell, you experience life as we live it.
Tskholo Mojaki has grown up on the farm with Chris. He is young, enthusiastic &
extremely knowledgeable of the area. He converses in English, Xhosa & Sesotho.
His specialty is nature & Tskholo has completed his tour-guiding course as a
site guide. His knowledge of the wildflowers, birds & animals is very broad and
he especially enjoys sharing his cultural background with you on every trip you
take together.
Quad-bike & scrambler trails:
Bring your own bikes for rides of a lifetime - groups & families are most
welcome. The spectacular mountainous terrain of the Southern Drakensberg is the
perfect setting for awesome guided trails that provide fun for the whole family.
Steep mountain tracks (up to 2750m) and challenging river crossings test your
technical riding skills. Chris is an experienced Roof of Africa rider who
assesses your ability and tailors the trail accordingly. Trails are guided and
range from easy to difficult & technically challenging.
4x4 trails:
A spectacular drive from Telle Bridge through to Lundeans Nek on good gravel
road brings you to Reedsdell. Trails are guided by Chris, ranging from easy to
very difficult. Pre-trail assessments are done before beginning a trail. The
Dargle Trail - "It was my slightly off-track approach to a rutted mud section,
2693m above sea level in the northern Eastern Cape, which left the ...pick-up in
need of jack & the 'road' in urgent need of reconstruction. "All part of the
fun," Wartrail guide Chris Isted chuckled..." Getaway magazine April 2006. This
is a challenging trail, taking approximately 5 hours and rated a difficulty of 3
by the Getaway magazine. A maximum of 8 vehicles can participate & it is a
strictly guided trail. The scenery from the summit is breath taking & well worth
the effort to get there.
Rock Art:
Tskholo will take you to visit some of our special Rock Art on neighbouring
farms in the area. These sites have been well documented & published by the
academic authorities on Rock Art at the University of the Witwatersrand. These
trips are strictly guided and only available with the farm-owners' permission.
This is a brief visit but for a more detailed excursion, please contact our Rock
Art Specialist guide, Dawn Green.
Fly-fishing:
Fish wild trout in the crystal clear Joggem River and Edgehill stream. Access to
other rivers in the area can be arranged. A river guide is available on request.
Birding, botany & nature walks:
The Drakensberg is a birder's paradise. Take in the lovely sight of the
Lammergeier or Black Eagle, stop to watch the Jackal Buzzard looking for prey or
admire the elegance of the Crested Crane in the sunset. Wildflowers abound after
the first summer rains - wild agapanthus put on a fantastic display, as do the
Erica's, gladioli, orchids and red hot pokers. These you can view within an easy
walk from the farmhouse. For the more energetic, longer walks are teeming with
hidden rewards - allow Tskholo to show you some of our more special fauna &
flora. Take a packed picnic to enjoy at the river along your walk.
Greywing Shooting & Hunting:
The North Eastern Cape Drakensberg is home to an abundance of Francolinus
africanus (Greywing Francolin) and Numida meleagris (Guinea Fowl). Reedsdell
offers classic hunts for the dedicated wing shooter in pristine environments in
the winter months of May - July. Packages include comfortable accommodation,
meals, guiding fees & bag limit. Chris has 10 years experience in guiding shoots
and is well qualified in the practical aspects of Wingshooting as well as the
habits of the quarry. He uses two disciplined English Pointers. Hunting is
strictly selective and environment-friendly, preventing over-utilisation. The
mountainous terrain provides for some exciting moments in the spirit of fair
chase and wing shooters need to be fit to keep up with the pace. Min 3 guns, max
4 guns. Bring your own drinks. Blesbok & Mountain Rhebuck hunting is also
available.
Package:
Arrive at Reedsdell Country Guest Farm on Thursday, and rest your weary
traveller's feet while enjoying a drink around the open fireplace before tucking
in to a hearty farm dinner. An early start on Friday with your guide and his
dogs promises a mornings enjoyment out on the shoot. Rest after brunch before
your afternoon excursion and return to the comforts of home for a relaxing
evening with good food & conversation. Saturday provides more exciting hunting.
Sunday you depart for home with your bounty.
Skiing holidays:
Enjoy the convenience of skiing at Tiffindell Ski Resort (30km away) in the
winter months as a day visitor. Stay at Reedsdell where you enjoy sumptuous
meals and warm beds at the end of an exciting day.
Farm Shop
Woolly's in Wartrail stocks beautiful woollen products - the Pure Cape range of
shawls, scarves & blankets; sheepskin slippers & boots; locally hand-knitted
scarves & beanies from the Masibambane Knitting Group; as well as hand made
items from local artisans - woven baskets, mats & brooms. We also stock the
range of Emuphoria emu oil cosmetics & medicinal rubs, creams & capsules.
Tea Garden
Relax in our tea garden - Mamelo will look after you in our beautiful garden
with magnificent views of the Drakensberg. Treat yourselves to a delicious scone
or muffin with homemade raspberry jam, or a decadent slice of cake with your
tea, coffee or creamy hot chocolate. Light snacks are available for lunch. Order
a picnic hamper in advance.
Emus, Cattle, Sheep & Horses - A real farm experience!
Take a walk to see the emus, watch the sheep & cattle in the lands, and take a
pony ride around the garden. Seasonal farm activities available.
Lots of fun activities for the kids to do!
Woolly's playground & enchanted garden is lots of fun for the kids. Take a net &
go bug-hunting or butterfly-catching!
Fun Walks & Rambles
We have marked several short walks to the river, dam & picnic area. Don't forget
to ask how to get to 'skinny dip pool'!
Follow the Reedsdell & Lundeans Nek signs to Wartrail.
OR
See next to main photo for alternative contact details.
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