We decided to stop at Rhodes to break a trip from Craddock to Durban. Unbeknown to us - and I blame myself for lack of research, which is very unlike me - there was a 58 km long dirt road to get there.. It was a shocker. Our poor town car with town tyres was not a happy bunny at all, and by the time we got to Rhodes we were all more than a little shaken and very much stirred. We were to find out that several members of the very small population drive town cars and tackle that road regularly...wow. We had a very warm welcome, I didn't get the lady's name sadly. We were shown to our rooms, shown the tea and coffee station, the bar and left to our own devices. We took a little drive around the village, more of a Hamlet, which took about 15 minutes. A gorgeous little place, and the tranquility was palpable. Supper was their famous pizzas. which certainly lived up to their name, and we retired to bed. The rooms were very comfortable. Showers were a bit challenging as we're not used to gas heaters - ours kept going out, but we eventually managed, and had gorgeous showers. Our night wasn't very comfortable, but that again was mainly because we are used to a bigger bed, and we battled on the double. The bed itself was very comfortable. Our daughter in the next room had a wonderful night. Breakfast was a welcome selection of cereals, fruit, yoghurt and juice. Plated eggs, sausage, tomato, bacon and rosti, and plenty of toast. We certainly set off on our next leg with full tummies. Just as well because we were advised not to go the route we had planned - through the village towards Durban, through Naudes Nek Pass and through to Mount Fletcher. The road apparently is challenging even for 4 x 4's and very very slow. Unfortunately this meant an extra 3 hours onto our planned trip as we had to go back the way we had come, and we ended up with a 10 hour drive back home. A slightly rambling story, but the road is a big deal, and must be taken into consideration I feel. We have no problem with dirt roads, but this one was one of the worst we've encountered. The hotel and staff were awesome, and at the end of the day we were glad we'd made the stop and seen that part of the country. I think it would have been nice I think to have been warned about the road when booking.
Outstanding
23 Reviews