Rhodes is 1860m above sea level and is 16km due south of the Kingdom of Lesotho. It is surrounded by the towns of Maclear, Ugie and Elliot that lie below the nearby escarpment. Barkly escarpment and Barkly East lies west above the escarpment. It is 60km or 60 minutes drive from Barkly East on a narrow and winding gravel road that must be driven with care. It is a remote village, almost frozen in time, a relic from the past and a living record of the trials and tribulations of the surrounding farming community. The unique nature of the architecture finds it's origins in the Victorian era and is a compromise between fashion, availability of materials and practicality. Houses range from grand trader's residences to flat-roofed "kerk-huisies" used as town houses in days gone by when traveling to the village from surrounding farms was a major outing. These buildings are sprinkled amongst tree-lined streets and all contribute to the quaint charm of the village that was proclaimed a Conservation Area in July 1997 rendering the entire village a National Monument. The terrain in these parts is rugged and the climate can be harsh. Historically, snow has been recorded in every month of the year although the seasonal falls occur from May to August. The soaring mountains give rise to numerous streams which gradually flow into one another and whose water eventually leaves the Highland down the mighty Kraai River to the west or the Umzimvubu River to the east. The streams and rivers are home to rainbow and brown trout as well as indigenous species such as the small and largemouth yellowfish, both great sport fish that can be caught on a fly. The Wild Trout Association was founded in 1991 and has its headquarters at Walkerbouts. Fishing can be arranged on more than 200km of running water within an hour's drive of Rhodes that is located at the geographical centre of the fishery. Other attractions in the area include horse riding, mountain-biking, birding, crafts, hiking, rock art, 4x4 trails, Alpine and sub-alpine flowers in summer and much more. The greatest concentration of fly-fishing in the Highlands of the Eastern Cape is within an hour's drive from Rhodes. Fishing for wild trout on more than 200km of running water can be arranged through the Wild Trout Association. Thanks to Walkerbouts Inn for providing this information.