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Molteno

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Explore the Commando Drift Nature Reserve and Dorper Wind Farm in Molteno, a historic town known for South Africa’s coldest temperatures.

Best Of Molteno

About Molteno

Molteno, The Highveld Town of Wind and Stone

Dominating the skyline to the south of Molteno, the 35-turbine Dorper Wind Farm is a modern landmark that speaks to the character of this high-altitude region. The town itself sits on the N6 national route, a logical stop for travellers moving between the coastal hubs of East London and the interior plains around Beaufort West, with the smaller centres of Dordrecht and Sterkstroom as its immediate neighbours.

The town’s name is drawn directly from history, having been named for Sir John Molteno, the first prime minister of the Cape Colony. This connection to a formative political figure anchors Molteno in the broader narrative of the region’s development.

For activities, you are directed to specific places. The Commando Drift and Lawrence de Lange Nature Reserves provide the setting for hiking, bird watching, game viewing and mountain biking. The winding Groot Doringhoek Pass is a destination for those who enjoy driving mountain passes and photography, while the broader Route 56 tourist route offers a framework for longer sightseeing trips. In town, you can visit museums, memorials, and churches, or make a trip to the local weather station.

With a subtropical highland climate, Molteno offers distinct seasons; summer highs reach a manageable 27°C, while winter lows can drop to -3°C, occasionally bringing a rare dusting of snow. This makes it a compelling destination for travellers seeking a peaceful getaway with a focus on rural history and outdoor activity, perhaps timed with the annual Apple Festival held at the Onverwacht Apple Farm.

Positioned on the N6, Molteno is a practical base for exploring the Eastern Cape interior, with Queenstown, Hofmeyr, and Burgersdorp within reach for day trips. After a day exploring the reserves or driving the pass, you can find local accommodation and dining in town, ready to plan the next leg of your journey towards the forests of Hogsback or the coast at Port Elizabeth.

Places To Visit

Aberdeen Addo Adelaide Alexandria Alicedale Aliwal North Barkly East Bathurst Baviaanskloof Beacon Bay Bedford Bhisho Boknes Strand Burgersdorp Bushman’s River Mouth Buyskloof Cala Cannon Rocks Cape Saint Francis Cathcart Centane Chintsa Coffee Bay Cofimvaba Cookhouse De Vlakte Despatch Dordrecht Dutywa East London Elliot eMaxesibeni Flagstaff Fort Beaufort Fort Brown Gcuwa Gonubie Gqeberha Graaff-Reinet Grahamstown Gxarha Haga Haga Hamburg Hankey Hluleka Hofmeyr Hogsback Humansdorp James Calata Jansenville Jeffreys Bay Kareedouw Kariega Kei Mouth Kei Road Keiskammahoek Kenton-on-Sea Khowa Kidd`s Beach Kirkwood Klipplaat Komani Kougadam Kromriver KwaBhaca KwaMaqoma KwaNojoli Kwelerha Lady Grey Loerie Lusikisiki Maclear Makhanda Malalane Maletswai Matatiele Maxambeni Mbizana Mdantsane Mdumbi Middelburg Molteno Mount Frere Mthatha Ncanarha Ndabakazi Ngcobo Ngqeleni Nieu-Bethesda Nomlengane Nqanqarhu Nqweba Ntabankulu Nxuba Oyster Bay Patensie Paterson Pearston Port Alfred Port Elizabeth Port Saint Johns Qamata Qolora Mouth Qonce Queenstown Qumrha Qunu Rhodes Riebeek East Saint Francis Bay Salem Selborne Seymore Sidbury Sterkspruit Sterkstroom Steynsburg Steytlerville Storms River Stormsrivier Stutterheim Sunland Tarkastad Thornhill Tsitsikamma Tsomo Ugie Uitenhage Umtata Venterstad Willowmore Xesi