Country Hospitality
Plan a slow weekend, a family gathering, a riding trip or a base for exploring the Historical Village and surrounding countryside.
The Amathole District · Eastern Cape
Thomas River Conservancy
A living country landscape where conservation, farming heritage, outdoor adventure and warm Eastern Cape hospitality come together.
Discover Thomas River
A hidden gem with deep roots.
Thomas River is a close-knit farming community shaped by conservation, working farms and the restored Historical Village. Visitors come for the annual MTB Challenge and Trail Run, then discover a quieter year-round destination for history, nature and country weekends.
The Conservancy brings together local landowners to care for more than 31,000 hectares of farmland and natural habitat, protecting water sources, indigenous vegetation, wildlife and the landscape that gives Thomas River its character.
Stay A While
Farm stays, village accommodation and country weekends.
Accommodation is arranged through participating hosts in the area. The old site described Thomas River as a place for farm holidays, camping, country weddings and peaceful weekends close to nature; this refreshed site keeps that promise, with clearer visitor pathways.
Nature On Your Doorstep
Spend the day on quiet routes, near dams and streams, among grassland flowers, birdlife and changing mountain weather.
Heritage Setting
Stay close to old stone buildings, railway history, museums and the village atmosphere that gives Thomas River its sense of place.
Things To Do
Adventure, nature, heritage and country life.
Ride
Mountain biking
Farm roads, river crossings, single-track and rugged mountain terrain, including routes used by the Thomas River MTB Challenge.
Walk
Hiking & nature walks
Follow peaceful paths through grassland, rocky ridges, riverine thickets and panoramic viewpoints.
Cast
Fishing & waterways
Explore selected farm dams, mountain streams and waterways by prior arrangement with local hosts.
Observe
Birding, wildlife & flora
Look for grassland birds, wetland life, indigenous plants and seasonal wild flowers across the Conservancy.
Outdoors
Hunting on local farms
Responsible seasonal hunting experiences are hosted by participating farms, subject to permits, rules and availability.
Explore
Scenic drives & photography
Travel quiet roads through open farmland, valleys, bridges, stone ruins and broad Eastern Cape skies.
The Conservancy
Conservation rooted in community.
The Thomas River Conservancy grew from farming families working together to protect the land they live on. The goal remains simple and practical: blend agriculture and conservation so that people, water, wildlife and open spaces can thrive together.
31,000+ hectares under stewardship
19 farming families in the original conservancy story
Year-round nature, heritage and outdoor experiences
History Lives Here
Thomas River Historical Village
The restored village is central to the Thomas River story: old railway buildings, museums, stone structures, a church, wagon and rock-art collections, and the home base of the annual MTB Challenge and Trail Run.
30-31 October 2026
Thomas River MTB Challenge & Multitrust Trail Run
Come for the challenge and stay for Thomas River. The annual weekend brings riders, runners, families and supporters into the heart of the Historical Village.
MTB 60 · 35 · 19 · 8 km routes
Run 19 km · 8 km trail runs
Weekend Friday spit braai and country hospitality
Open race website
Plan Your Visit
Start with the right person.
For event enquiries, use the race contact. For general Conservancy, accommodation or farm-hosted activities, the Wardle family can help direct visitors to the right local host or arrangement.
MTB Challenge & Trail Run
Anita · 071 352 6709
Conservancy & Farm Visits
John Gary Wardle · 082 493 2452
Mark Wardle · 084 245 3247
Reid Wardle · 082 825 6240
Fishing, farm stays, hosted activities and local arrangements.