Tiffindell Ski Resort — Africa’s Highest Ski Slope in the Southern Drakensberg

Tiffindell sits up in the Southern Drakensberg on the flanks of Ben Macdhui, high above Rhodes and Barkly East. It’s billed as the highest ski resort in Africa and the only one in South Africa. Come in winter and you may find manmade and natural snow on the slopes. Come in summer and you’ll find empty, wind-scoured grassland, huge views and a lodge that sits quiet between seasons. Either way it’s worth the detour for anyone running Naudé’s Nek who wants to see what the high escarpment looks like up close.

Access is by gravel from the Rhodes and Barkly East side. Winter conditions can turn rough fast, with snow, ice and fog all possible. Check road conditions and whether the resort is operating before you commit, because hours, lodging and ski season dates change. Cell coverage is patchy at best up here. Carry fuel, water and warm kit like you mean it, and treat it as a day trip off the pass, not a casual stop.

Africa's highest ski slope above Rhodes