Witsieshoek Mountain Resort

A trip that is well worth taking although it is over the border in the Free State is the one to Witsieshoek. From Royal Natal national Park it takes 1½hrs by car, from the same starting point, it takes around 8 hours on foot.

The journey itself is most picturesque, travelling firstly across the Drakensberg over the Oliviershoek Pass (there is a view point at the summit), past the Sterkfontein Dam (see the Pumped Storage Scheme) then turning left to QwaQwa and then left again there. The distance between Bergville and Phuthaditjhaba, the main town in QwaQwa is 118kms.

After passing through QwaQwa the road starts to rise and continues to rise until one is almost in the clouds. Witsieshoek Mountain Resort is passed before a car park is reached. Cars may be safely left in the car park either for a few hours or a few days.

The journey to the summit of the Drakensberg is a two hour journey along contour paths and finally up two chain ladders to reach the top behind the Sentinel. Even a short walk from the car park is rewarded with spectacular views across the face of the Amphitheatre to the Eastern Buttress and Devil's Tooth.

Stop at Witsieshoek Mountain Resort for a night or a meal. It is the highest resort in South Africa at well over 7,000ft. Latest telephone: 0364881207 or 0836713689.