Woodcliffe Country House and Cave Trails is a 1000 Ha cattle farm extending into the upper slopes of the southern Drakensberg in the north Eastern Cape and is situated 22km from Maclear. Nearby is the remarkable Naude`s Nek pass, at 2 620m it is the highest mountain pass in South Africa. A vehicle with good ground clearance is neccessary to reach us.
On the slopes of the southern Drakensberg near Maclear, where the valleys and waterways cut and gouge their way to the sea, can be found what many describe as the ultimate `eco` experience.
At Woodcliffe the peaks of the high berg soar to touch the sky. Cascading waterfalls laugh and chatter through the stunning riverine landscapes, where indigenous forests cling. Here the call of birds without number chase the sound of city life. Woodcliffe is a delight for the ecotourist, hiker, artist, photographer, birder and fisherman.
Woodcliffe is a treasure for those who enjoy the enduring majesty of high mountains and lush valleys.
Woodcliffe is one of the few places that offers comfortable accommodation in the Maclear area, on a farm . Choose between the cottage and the country house. This is an excellent base for exploring the natural wonders of the area.
The rock art on Woodcliffe and in the surrounding area, of Maclear, is world-famous for its clarity and preservation.
The Maclear district is well renowned for it`s fly-fishing. Woodcliffe is situated on the headwaters of the Little Pot River. Fishermen are assured of a challenge to catch the wiliest wild trout.
A botanical paradise is found on the mountain slopes of the area. Guided flower walks in the summer months will impress you as you find orchids, disas and gladiolus growing on the mountainsides.
Day walk and hikes.
Bring your mountain bike for excellent and challenging MTB routes.
Fly fishing, bring your own rod.
Book a guided tour of local rock art or wild Drakensberg flowers and orchids (summer months).
We suggest that you arrive before 4.30 pm. Please note the last 22km from Maclear is on gravel, a vehicle with good ground clearance is necessary.
Approach from N2: Take the Tsolo turn off. Travel through Tsolo and up Ntywenka pass to Maclear. At the 4-way stop, travel straight up the main street and turn left at the NG Church.
Approach from East London via N2 to Umtata: Left turn off at Ultra City and cut across Umtata towards the airport road.(This road allows you to completely miss the CBD). Once you join up with the airport road turn left & drive past the airport towards Langeni forestry station. Keep traveling until you get to Ugie, turn right at the intersection onto the R56 towards Maclear. At 4 way stop street in Maclear at KFC turn left into the main street & turn left at NG Church.
Approach from Mt Fletcher/Matatiele: Drive into Maclear past Aucamp Motors on your left hand side. Turn right at the stop in front of the NG Church.
Approach from Ugie / Elliot: At the 4-way stop, turn left up the main street and turn left at the NG Church.
- From the NG Church, follow directions to Rhodes via/oor Naudes Nek as you travel through Maclear. You will see a "Woodcliffe 22km" sign.
- Travel approx 300m and turn right in front of a big stone house.
- Zig-zag for approx 1km. Turn right at 4-way stop.
- As you leave Maclear you will pass the golf/country club. The tar changes to gravel.
- Travel about 14km.There is a left turn at the "Woodcliffe Cave Trails" sign and continue for 8km.
- The road splits into three. Take the middle fork to Woodcliffe Farmhouse
- Collect the key from Phyll (Tel: 045 9321 550)
- Cellphone signal is lost about 5km out of town.
