Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes

Walkerbouts Inn - Rhodes has 8 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, each tastefully furnished and equipped to ensure that guests enjoy their stay. In addition to the bedrooms, we have lounge/dining area, a fully licensed pub and an adjoining multi-use Function Room. Established in 1995 and other than during the (ridiculous) Covid-induced closure, Walkerbouts has been operating since 1996. We pride ourselves on providing a “home-from-home” where guests can absorb the ambience of the venue and also of the hamlet, kick back and relax in a venue with hospitality in the best traditions of the “Platteland”. In addition to this, our fine “county cuisine” gives rise to guests being reminded of “visits to Granny” in their earlier years! Located in an elevated position in Rhodes, there are fine views across the Bell River valley, of the village and particularly of the surrounding mountains to be enjoyed from our flower garden that almost surrounds the establishment, complete with a designated “Smoker’s Corner”. The hamlet of Rhodes was established on the banks of the Bell River in 1891. It was named after Cecil John and can truly be described as being ”lost in time”. Proclaimed as a Conservation Area in 1997, this has ensured that it has survived the ravages of “modernization”. Accordingly, the Victorian character of Rhodes has largely been maintained and preserved unlike many, many other South African towns that have fallen into disrepair and neglect. The Bell River flows into the “main drain” of the Eastern Cape Highlands, the Kraai River. This joins the mighty Orange River near Aliwal North that eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay, a journey of more than 2000km. Staying at Walkerbouts Inn allows access to the many outdoor activities such as fly-fishing for both Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth yellowfish on more than 200km of running water that is administered by the Wild Trout Association. The Alpine flowers in summer are a feast for the eye and although generally associated with the Tropics, several species of orchid are to be found in the mountains. Birding outings throughout the year can provide fine views of several rare species most notably, the Bearded vulture but also very much smaller species such as the Drakensberg rockjumper. 4x4/adventure bike/mountain bike routes and mountain passes abound and Walkerbouts is a central point from which to embark upon “clover-leaf’-type outings. A double-edged sword is the fact that access to Rhodes is on a gravel road whose condition varies from time to time, being subject to government road maintenance funding. So, on the one hand, whereas tourism is the mainstay of the village economy, easy access would detract from maintaining the character of the village. In comparison to several towns in South Africa, increased popularity has led to a degree of deterioration, depending on one’s view, of course! In conclusion, Walkerbouts is a special place for special people and in particular for discerning visitors to Rhodes!

Area Info

Rhodes is located in the real Southern Drakensberg and being close to the escarpment, is subject to rapid and radical changes in the weather. The roads to Rhodes are gravel, narrow and winding and must be driven with care. Fuel is not always avaialble in the village so fill up in the last town before embarking to Rhodes.