Walkerbouts: friendly accommodation at “The Center of the Universe” – Rhodes (Eastern Cape)

Located in Rhodes, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, the Walkerbouts Inn was established almost three decades ago by the proprietor, Dave Walker. It is located on the same site as the original farmhouse of the farm “Tintern” on which the village of Rhodes was established in 1891. It is in an elevated position on the western side of Rhodes on a quiet cul-de-sac at the western end of Vorster Street.

The view from Walkerbouts across the village is stunning, to say the least, with the magnificent backdrop of the mountains en-route to the Naudesnek Pass. Summer or winter, the seasonal colour scape surpasses description. It has long been the philosophy at Walkerbouts that “the proof of the pudding is in the return rate”. Their solid core of regular visitors who are no longer guests but who have become firm friends are testament to this wonderful venue.

Expect fine country cuisine lovingly prepared with locally sourced produce. Meals at Walkerbouts are an authentic rural experience. This, together with typical Eastern Cape hospitality, makes this quiet getaway a must for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of their working lives.

Walkerbouts Country Inn, Pub & Meals

Walkerbouts Inn, located in the historic village of Rhodes in the Eastern Cape Highlands, was established in 1996 and has been operating ever since.  It is situated on the western side of the village in an elevated position that provides great views across Rhodes towards the mountains en-route to the Naudesnek Pass.  The Walkerbouts Country Inn is the perfect place where guests can kick off their shoes and be themselves.

In addition to a cosy pub, there are two separate dining areas, the largest of which is also suitable for conferences, small weddings and special functions.  The en-suite accommodation is equipped with wall-mounted panel heaters and the beds have electric blankets, all specially installed to ward off the winter chill.

The Walkerbouts Inn can sleep up to 20 guests, made up of 6 rooms all en-suite en 2 family rooms with a queen bed and 1/2 single beds.

Facilities & services

The “Sunroom” can accommodate up to 60 guests for small functions and special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, workshops, teambuilding and it is equipped with an overhead projector and screen for presentations.

Highlands Self-Catering Cottages

Walkerbouts has a variety of self-Catering cottages available that are fully equipped and serviced daily. They also offer pet friendly accommodation and discounts for pensioners, groups and long stay guests. See all the different cottage options below.

Ash Cottage

Base Camp

Bokhaus

ChrPetAli

Eduan Cottage

Oupa Langkoot se Stoortjie

Snow Cottage

Tim’s Cottage

Local attractions & points of interest

• Naudesnek Pass, the highest in the Cape and in the area, Carlisleshoek Pass, the Bokspruit Pass, Volunteershoek Pass, Lundinsnek Pass are but a few in the area.
• San/Khoi rock art by arrangement.
• Fly fishing on more than 200km of running water within an hour’s drive of Rhodes.
• Birding offers several rare or special species can be seen such as the Bearded Vulture, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Ground Woodpecker, Black Harrier and Grey wing Francolin.

• On their doorstep is the quaint village of Rhodes.
• Alpine flora abounds including several species of orchid.
• Rhodes is located on the Bell River that forms part of the headwaters of the Kraai River that starts at Mosesh’s Ford with the confluence of the Sterkspruit and the Bell River.
• Other tributaries are the Klopperhoekspruit, Maartenshoekspruit, Riflespruit, Bokspruit and the Cold Stream.

• The Kraai flows into the Orange River immediately upstream of Aliwal North.
• A species of Hoverfly has only ever been found near Naudesnek.
• The Sloggets Ice Rat can be seen on the plateaux.

Don’t forget to fill up!

Fuel is not available in Rhodes. Remember to fill up your tank and fuel containers before taking the gravel roads to the village. Barkly East, Khowa(Elliot), Maclear and Mt Fletcher have fuel stations.

For more information on the wonderful accommodation offerings and to make a booking, simply fill in the enquiry form below and the trained staff from Walkerbouts will get hold of you with all the details you need.