Founded in 1885 on the Slang (‘snake’) River, Elliot was named after Major (later Sir) Henry Elliot, well known peacemaker among warring tribes on the eastern frontier of the Cape Colony. He also served as Magistrate of the Transkeian Territories (1891 – 1902). Today the town is known for it’s mushroom farming – a mushroom has even been incorporated in the town’s coat-of-arms. The surrounding, mountainous are with it’s astounding rock formations is rated among the best scenery in the country. Situated on a crossroad on the shortest route from Durban to Cape Town. Elliot is a farming centre, specializing in sheep, cattle and grain. There are shops and services in town to suit most needs and visitors have a wide choice of accommodation. Day drives and circular routes from Elliot, take in some of South Africa’s most spectacular mountain passes, where unique rock formations protrude like stately figures from some mystic past. One is captivated by the awesome beauty of mountain streams cascading over mighty precipices, down rocky ravines and rolling hills. Apart from it’s natural beauty, such rugged terrain provides exciting challenges to the hiking fraternity.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Barkly East 64 km, Maclear 74 km, Queenstown 178 km, Aliwal North 192 km

Altitude: 1450 m above sea level

Average Rainfall: 500 mm – 800 mm per year

Banks

FNB (ATM), Standard (ATM’s 2)

Dams: Thompson

Rivers: Snake

HISTORICAL VIEW

Bastervoetpad

In the aftermath of the Great Trek of Griquas at Phillipoliss (in the Free State), under the leadership of Adam Kok III, found themselves in a difficult, and then later unacceptable position. Following the Bloemfontein Convention of 1854, the Boers began to buy land in Kok’s territory and this situation was the beginning of the end for the Griquas State. As more and more Griquas sold their land to the Boers during the 1850’s many of them lost their means of subsistence. This situation eventually become intolerable and Kok decided to move to Nomansland beyond the Drakensberg (the area now known as Griqualand East of Kwazulu Natal). Early in 1859 am exploring expedition, comprising of more than hundred able bodies men under Kok’s leadership, left Phillipolis. They crossed the Orange River and passed on in a south easterly direction near the present site of Dordrecht till they reached Theodore’s Rand and then, traveling in a north easterly direction, passed the heads of the Tsomo and Gatsberg (where Maclear today stands), onward over the eastern spurs of the Drakensberg until they reached Nomansland. There is no accurate record of the exact route taken by Kok and his followers but local tradition has it that the party used the route now known as Bastervoetpad when traveling through the area. After Kok’s return to Phillipolis, by a different route, the Griquas sold up all their land and in 1861 left Phillipolis. The trek, which consisted of 2000 people, 300 wagons and carts and 20 000 head of cattle took almost two years in reaching their destination near Mount Currie, close to the present day Kokstad.

San Rock Art

The longest series of Bushman paintings are to be found on a farm close to Elliot. Beautifully preserved, they tell the story of an extinct nation which existed and lived in these parts.

NATURE

Gatberg

This is one of the Drakensberg’s most fascinating rock formations. The Gatberg (‘hole mountain’) has a large hole at the summit, supposedly caused by wind erosion over millions of years.

Gilliecullem Waterfall

(80 m) One of the most spectacular in the country. Located 18 km from town.

Thompson Dam Nature Reserve

This nature reserve and resort offers breathtaking views of the Drakensberg.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Agricultural Show – September

Thompson Dam

Angling, Bird Watching, Boating, Watersports and Wildlife

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Ecowa

Two circular trails of six and nine hours respectively. The Protea Walk 2 – 4 hours, Nerine Walk 2 – 3 hours. All trails start at the Mondi Hut, sleeping 10 people on bunks with mattresses, outside shower and longdrop.

Naude’s Nek

Otto du Plessis

Tout

Fly Fishing

The Elliot Kingfisher Angling Club has two beautiful dams well stocked with Rainbow Trout within 3 km of town, namely the Thompson and Army Dams

Outdoors

Angling, Bird Watching, Boating, Game Viewing, Water Sports

Scenic Routes Bastervoetpad

Circular day trip from Elliot via the Bastervoetpad Pass (footpath) to Ugie via the Noah’s Ark Road back to Elliot.

Naude’s Nek Circle

From Elliot via the Sterkspruit road over Mosheshsford and Rhodes to the summit of Naude’s Nek Pass – the highest pass negotiable by vehicle in South Africa – and descending over the Pot River Pass to Maclear and back to Elliot via Ugie

Otto du Plessis Pass Circle

From Elliot through the Tsomo Valley up to the Otto du Plessis Pass (Saalboom Pass) over Clifford to Barkly East and back through the Langkloof Valley to Elliot

Satan’s Nek

20 km from Elliot on the Elliot / Engcobo tarred road.

Accommodation in and around Winterton