The peaceful farms of Wartrail & New England offer the perfect environment for families to enjoy reconnecting with each other and with nature. Far away from the cities you will not find bowling alleys and malls up here in the mountains. Instead, the entertainment is all natural but as you will see from this page, there is no shortage of ways for families to enjoy the great outdoors. Whilst a couple of the guest farms do have televisions, many families prefer to spend quality time in the evenings playing board games, relaxing by an open fire and enjoying homecooked farmhouse meals. Unless otherwise stated, all activities are available at any of the guest farms in the Wartrail & New England area.
SNOW
Wartrail & New England’s high altitude in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg means that we get some of the highest snowfalls per annum in South Africa. Between the end of May and beginning of August, the high peaks are usually snow-capped, and in the valleys we can expect 3-4 heavy snowfalls during the same period.
Snow brings out the big kid in all of us and there are so many ways to enjoy the white stuff with the family. If you just want to build a snowman and have a snowball fight, then check with your hosts as to where the best snowfalls can be found.
ROCK POOLS & WATERFALLS
In summer late afternoon rains mean that the rivers in Wartrail & New England are flowing with crystal clear water – perfect for relaxing with the kids at a riverside picnic. Most of the rivers are shallow, so safe for children to play in and swim. Often the water bubbles up into natural mountain jacuzzis.
Whilst at the river, you could also try a spot of fly-fishing, bird watching or fossicking for agates.
Alternatively you may wish to book a hike with one of our local guides and visit one of the lovely waterfalls in the area. Watching the water cascade down basaltic cliffs and swimming in the crystal water of these pools is an experience to remember.
WALKING
In addition to the more extreme mountain hiking trails in the area, each farm can offer gentle walks, suitable for all ages. There is always plenty to keep kids entertained including birds, farm animals, wild flowers, rock art sites, rivers and interesting rock formations.
Related links: Hiking > Birding > Wildlife
FARMING ACTIVITIES
The main industry is Wartrail & New England is sheep and cattle farming.
This presents a marvellous opportunity for kids to understand how food is produced and to participate in seasonal numerous activities including milking cows, herding cattle on horseback, feeding chickens & orphan lambs, shearing sheep, making hay and catching a ride on a tractor.
Worth a visit are the farm schools that provide education for the children of the farm staff in this unique environment.
CYCLING
The tranquil gravel roads around Wartrail & New England are virtually free of traffic and therefore provide safe and easy cycling for all ages. Your hosts will also able to tell you if there are suitable farm tracks across their lands that you can use.
Related Links: Mountain Biking
SCENIC DRIVES
Why not pack the bags, grab a picnic and go exploring for the day! Scenic drives around the region’s 8 mountain passes can include lunch stops in the pretty towns or Rhodes and Lady Grey. Stop at the top of the passes for spectacular views. In the winter, your hosts will be able to give you advice as to where your best chance of finding snow might be.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANNUAL EVENTS
Check our events page for details of our annual calendar. For families, we particularly recommend the following:
Feb – Crocks Rock Race
Dec – Wartrail Mini-Triathlon & Family Fun Day