Eastern Cape Highlands
Barkly East was established in 1874 and named after Sir Henry Barkly, Governor of the Cape from 1870 to 1877. Barkly East is the commercial centre for the surrounding merino sheep farms, and the district is also well known for its cattle studs, dairy produce, grain and potatoes.
Nestling in the foothills of the Cape Drakensberg at 1813 metres, Barkly East is one of the highest, coldest South African holiday towns in the country.
In winter, the high mountain peaks are often snowcapped, while snow sometimes blankets the town and surrounding grasslands, creating scenes more reminiscent of Europe than of the northeastern Cape - hence the town's claim to being the Switzerland of South Africa.
The town cemetery contains the grave of Lord Kitchener's horse, which was buried during the South African War. There are several beautiful sandstone buildings, among them the Dutch Reformed Church and the local museum, which focuses on early forms of transportation and the town's history. Also of interest is the unique railway linking Barkly East with Lady Grey to the northwest.
Owing to the mountainous terrain, a system of eight 'reverses' was incorporated into Barkly East’s railway line, which has a gradient of 1 in 36, one of only two such systems in the world.
In days gone by not so long ago, gricers (steam train anoraks) would visit from far too wide to ‘ooh and aah’ up and down the triple switch-backs (it's claimed there were only three such places in the world). Alas no more, but one of the old puffing billies can be seen in the town. The Class 19D steam locomotive that stands in the town's square is a reminder of the early Old Steam Railway Line.