• This area is rich in indigenous flora. A short botanical walk, known as the Picnic Forest Trail, has been laid out near Woodcliffe Cottage. A list of trees on the Picnic Forest Trail is available upon request. Trees include ouhout (Leucosidia sericea), horse wood (Clausena anisata), mulberry-leaf trimeria (Trimeria grandifolia), red pear (Scolopia mundii) and many more, while cross-berry (Grewia occidentalis) and cat-thorn (Scutia tnyrtina), and several species of protea, are some of the shrubs or smaller trees found here.


• Bird life is abundant and a list of no fewer than 153 species has been drawn up, including hamerkop, black eagle, African goshawk, lanner falcon, crowned crane and spotted eagle owl - to name a few. Mammals include baboon, black-backed jackal, Cape clawless otter, caracal, Cape mongoose, dassie, grysbok and reedbuck.


• Swim in crystal clear mountain streams.


• Visit dinosaur footprints on Oakleigh. Visits by prior arrangement with the farm owner.


• Mountain bicycling.


• Scenic day trips, over Naude's Nek to Rhodes.


• Visit the Tsitsa Falls and enjoy adventure sports.


• Horse trails can be arranged with Basie Vosloo of Gateshead Lodges. The trails begin in Barkly East and "cross the Dragon’s tail" to Woodcliffe. Contact Basie 082 920 9084 or basie@barkly.co.za

Travel tips:

• Woodcliffe is 22km from Maclear along a gravel road. Visitors are advised that a good clearance vehicle is necessary. We recommend that our guests arrive by 4.30pm.
  
  During the summer months there are frequent thundershowers in the afternoon. Please phone ahead and check on the condition of the road, especially if you are hoping to travel to Woodcliffe via Naude's Nek from Rhodes. Hikers are advised to arrive by 3pm so as to allow enough time for your hike orientation (approx 1 hour) and a 5km walk to Toks cave (1½ hours).


• Farmhouse and cottage guests should bring their fishing rods, hiking boots, mountain bicycles, swimming costumes, swimming towels, hats, sunscreen and insect repellant, a torch, binoculars, a camera and a couple of good books to read. If you are self catering, all your food and drink requirements.

• Hikers - What to take: a warm sleeping bag, mattress roll, stove, food, sun block, rainwear right through the year, warm clothes. Swimwear is a welcome extra in summer, while sturdy boots are essential for the difficult terrain.
  
  Because the area is so remote, hikers are advised to buy all supplies at home. In Maclear you can get your last-minute provisions at Kwa Wicks Spar, Maclear Butchery and drinks at Tops.


• Woodcliffe is not licensed to sell alcohol; guests must bring all their own drinks.


• Woodcliffe is listed with the AA (Automobile Association) as a "Recommended Quality Assured" establishment. We have also been awarded three stars from the SA Tourism Grading Council.

• When planning a trip to Woodcliffe or any accommodation in the Maclear area we suggest that you plan in advance . We will request a 30 % non refundable /transferable deposit to confirm your booking. The balance is payable on departure.


• Woodcliffe has a credit card machine.

Weather:

The annual rainfall is 800 to 1 000 mm, falling between October & March with February and March being the wettest months. Thunderstorms are common, particularly in December & January, while hailstorms are also frequent at this time. Thick mist often occurs during the rainy season.

Each season at Woodcliffe has its joys.

Summer, from November through to March, clothes the mountain in a mantle of shimmering green. Flowers of every description group together to provide a mosaic of colour, the streams and rivers sweep over massive boulders in a babble of excitement. Afternoon thundershowers are frequent and an unseasonal cold spell can deposit a dusting of snow on the higher peaks. Rock pools abound and the rivers are perfectly safe for swimming. If you are keen to tempt a trout, this is the season to enjoy some of the finest fly-fishing in Southern Africa. Summer day temperatures can be as high as 32°C. The summer maximum average temperature is 25°C, and the minimum average 13,9°C.

Autumn, a time of gold's and bronzes in the North Eastern Cape, brings warm browns to the mountain landscape of Woodcliffe. Days are normally clear with chilly nights. Days are excellent for walking and hiking.

Winter snows are frequent and the temperature, particularly on the high 'berg can plunge to a teeth-chattering minus 18'C. Long distance hikes in winter are only recommended for well equipped, highly experienced groups. With days crisp, cool and clear you'll be enticed into the "great outdoors" to step it out and enjoy the invigorating and stimulating environment. You'll find the home comforts of the farmhouse and cottage welcome after a day on the mountains. winter minimum average temperature is 3,3°C while the maximum average is 17,6°C. Snow occurs regularly in winter.

Early spring brings the wind and veld fires, which may disruptive to activities on Woodcliffe.