Woodcliffe Country House

Woodcliffe Country House is a distinguished farm stay destination situated in the Southern Drakensberg foothills of South Africa's Eastern Cape highlands. Located 22km from Maclear (Nqanqarhu) off the R396, this 1000-hectare working cattle farm offers a unique blend of hospitality and authentic farm life experience.

The property, now in its fifth generation of family ownership, is managed by Phyll and her daughters Samantha and Elizabeth. It is renowned for its pristine San rock art, high-altitude orchids, hiking trails, trout fishing opportunities, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The iconic Castle Kop rock formation, home to various raptor species, stands as a natural sentinel overlooking the property.

Accommodation options include The Loft (a two-bedroom unit in the Farm House), The Cottage (a secluded three-bedroom unit near the Little Pot River), Castle View (featuring a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with panoramic views), and a campsite. All units offer spectacular views of the Drakensberg and its foothills.

The landscape is characterized by distinctive sandstone cliffs, indigenous forests, and seasonal waterfalls. During summer, the valley comes alive with flowing rivers and abundant wildlife, while winter brings snow to the basalt peaks and frost-golden grasslands. The property is participating in the upcoming Grasslands National Park initiative, collaborating with SANParks and WWF-SA to protect the vulnerable grassland biome.

Visitors should note that access requires a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance due to the gravel road approach. The destination embraces the unpredictable nature of farm life, including occasional challenges such as weather events and infrastructure interruptions, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic rural experience.