No snow? No problem!

For through these regal mountains trickle streams that offer some of South Africa's best flyfishing, while hikers and mountain bikers will be in their element in the spectacular mountain scenery.

Nestled at the foothill of the Eastern Cape's highest mountain, McDhui, Tiffendell looks out across a mountainous valley that is simply breathtaking. During the snow season there’s nothing quite like taking a seat in the resort bar and gazing out across the valley as you sip those snowboarding aches away.

Indeed, there's nothing to stop you doing the same in summer — especially after a hard day's mountain biking. The dirt road heading from the resort towards the small town of Rhodes is a steep gravel incline that'll make you grin with excitement going down and grimace in pain coming back up.

Family groups or those slightly less fit can enjoy gentler dirt roads, while mountain biking enthusiasts can swop the gruelling dirt road to Rhodes for rugged mountain paths.

Tiffendell has bikes available free of charge, but if you’re holidaying there with the intention of making it a biking holiday you'd be better off bringing your own wheels.

Wily wild trout
However, it's flyfishing that is the real summer drawcard. The cold mountain streams (even in summer) are home to cunning wild trout, while the stocked dams at the resort are great for beginners. Guests can rent fishing equipment at the lodge, but keen flyfishers will probably want to use their own gear and head for the Loch Ness dam and river where wily wild trout lurk.

The fishing is outstanding and even though you’ll be sharing the resort with other families, you can be assured of fishing in quiet solititude — the three kilometers of river that Tiffendell guests have access to has been divided into three beats that you can reserve for you and your party alone.

If fishing and biking aren't your scene there are some spectacular walks on offer. A short, but strenuous walk to the top of McDhui peak — the highest mountain in the Eastern Cape — offers a breathtaking view, while the longer walk to the spectacular Telefalls waterfall is well worth the six-hour return hike.

Finally, there's also grass skiing on offer — strap yourself into a pair of roller skis and make your way down the slopes. It's a far cry from the winter version of the sport though.

Rustic comfort
The resort has a range of accomodation on offer — from chalets for families and groups down to very simple rooms with communal bathrooms. Don't plan to spend much time indoors though — Tiffendell isn't about five-star sleeping and designer finishes — the rooms have been designed for those who’ll be crashing into bed after a busy day of mountain fun…

If sampling some South African snow is really what you're after, Tiffindell guarantees a good time in winter. While it may not have snow the whole year round , the stunning mountain scenery and great adventure activities make Tiffindell well worth a visit.

		Accommodation Visitors can choose to stay in chalets or 'communal' lodges. Three- and four-night packages are available. For more information on rates, visit the Tiffendell website. You can also call +27 11 787 9090 for more information or send an email to info@snow.co.za. How to get there From Bloemfontein you're looking at 419km, from Jozi bank on a nine-hour drive (817km) and from Cape Town you can expect a journey of about 13 hours (1177km). If you're doing the trip from Durban, you'll be driving 650km and those in the Eastern Cape will spend six hours in the car if you are driving from East London (521km) or about seven hours (650km) if you are driving from PE. Other things to do In the southern Drakensberg there's a range of villages and towns to explore as well as renowned rock art sites. The little village of Rhodes is as quaint and 'olde worlde' as you can imagine. There are some wonderful churches to marvel at in Burgersdorp and should you wish to venture into Lesotho you could look at doing a horseback trail through the mountains.