Rhodes: Nature, Seasons and Excursions

Rhodes combines a distinct flowering season with activities ranging from birdwatching to mountain biking. When planning your trip, consider the seasons, the route and specific visiting requirements. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rhodes, you can choose your travel dates based on whether flora, guided walks or a mountain bike tour is your priority. Nearby excursions also have their own seasonal and access requirements.

Seasons and activities

The flora in Rhodes flowers each year from November to April; local conditions can affect its progress. Birdwatching, flower viewing and horse riding are also among the activities available in Rhodes. From November to March, guided walks and talks about gardens and wildflowers are offered in Rhodes. These periods overlap from November to March, but the flowering season continues through April. Check the current arrangements for these seasonal tours before your visit.

Near Rhodes, Tiffindell Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding in June, July and August. This period falls outside the flowering season and the guided walks in Rhodes. This makes it possible to plan activities in Rhodes and a visit to the resort for different times of year. Check whether the resort is currently operating before making plans.

Mountain biking and the road

From Rhodes, the mountain bike route follows a gently undulating road; a moderate 10 km climb leads to the lower sections of Naude’s Nek. Check local road conditions before setting out.

Fuel is not available in Rhodes; fill up before travelling on the gravel roads to the village. As fuel availability can change, check locally. There are different things to check for the drive and the mountain bike ride: fuel before setting out, and road conditions before cycling.

Local history and excursions

Rhodes was founded in 1891 and named after Cecil John Rhodes. In 1997, the village was declared a Conservation Area and given National Monument status. The dates mark two different milestones: its founding and naming, and its later designation.

Near Rhodes, ancient rock art in the form of sacred cave paintings can be found on a private farm. Access is only possible by prior appointment. As appointment and access arrangements may change, confirm them before travelling.

Fly fishing in the wider travel area

In the wider travel area, day permits for fly fishing in waters of the Wild Trout Association are arranged and paid for at the Rhodes Information Centre. Fishing stretches can be booked in advance; bad weather may require changes. For current plans, confirm permit and booking arrangements with the Rhodes Information Centre. Keep the permit, possible advance booking and weather-related changes in mind together.

For the wider travel overview: Joe Gqabi.