ACTIVITIES on the farm
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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
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.
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:
We 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.
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.
