Willowdale Lodge Activities

Set on over 2000 hectares of Highland countryside, Willowdale offers numerous opportunities for the actively inclined, including Hiking, Mountain biking, horse riding, trout fishing and birding. At just over 4500 feet above sea level, Willowdale provides a typical highlands climate with cool dry winters and warm moist summers. Temperatures can range from - 5 to 22 degrees in the winter and 16 to 30 degrees in the summer. Snowfalls occur a few times a year.

Hiking: Willowdale offers the hiker numerous opportunities to discover the various terrain prevalent in the district. From open mountain grasslands to indigenous forest trails. Hikes are unguided but can be tailored to suit your needs.

Horse Riding: Horse Rides need to be pre-arranged. The rides can be tailored to your needs ( 3 hour, 1/2 day and full day) and will take the rider up into some of the most remote and beautiful areas of East Griqualand. Rides are guided and include all meals and equipment. The 1/2 day and full day rides are for riders with previous experience only.

Mountain Biking: The open Grasslands, ancient cattle trails, mountaneous terrain and endless country roads are a mountain bikers delight. Choose your direction and Go.

Fly Fishing: Fly Fishing needs to be pre-arranged. Willowdale has access to two of the most unspoilt and authentic trout fishing lakes in the region. Both lakes are in remote corners of East Griqualand and offer comfortable and fully equipped fishing cottages. Both lakes regularily produce trophy fish in the 10 pound plus region.

Birding: The Southern Drakensberg Highlands are a Twitchers delight. Besides numerous LBJ's, you might also be lucky enough to catch site of rare and endemic species such as the Blue Swallow, the Cape Parrot, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Eurasian Bittern, all three Southern African Crane Species and both the Cape and Bearded Vultures.