Witsieshoek, Drakensberg
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is one of South Africa's most exquisite gems, spanning some 1 600 kilometres and extending through Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal right down into the Eastern Cape. Witsieshoek is in the northern parts of this range, and boasts some of the most magnificent vistas imaginable.
Witsieshoek is a tranquil escape from city life and everyday responsibilities. It offers unrivalled views of the gorgeous Sentinel Peak, which makes for the perfect backdrop to your photographs and a number of fabulous activities. These activities include:
Bird watching:
In and around Witsieshoek, a number of beautiful birds can be found soaring through the clear skies or perched amongst the natural foliage. In fact, more than 300 different species have been identified here. Some of the exciting species for which bird watchers should be on the lookout include the bearded vulture, lesser kestrel, large wattled crane, Cape griffon, Cape parrot, and Drakensberg siskin.
Hiking:
There are a number of trails and routes through the mountains of the area. The rocky terrain is perfectly complemented by the awe-inspiring views. There are several rivers in the area, complete with pools and waterfalls. There are also caves along the way, some of which showcase the ancient art of the San people. All of these combine to create a hiking wonderland.
Rock Climbing:
The cliff faces of the Drakensberg are ideal for travellers wanting a little adventure. The most popular climbing routes in the area are Devil's Tooth, Monk's Cowl and the Bell.
Witsieshoek is a little over an hour's drive from the beautiful Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which is perched just below the Maluti Mountains. This park is aesthetically breath-taking and is home to a fantastic variety of plants and animals.
Really, this area promises visitors a unique collection of fauna, flora, vistas and memories.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers peaceful and affordable accommodation in cosy and rustic mountain-facing rooms or private hikers cabins that lo...
Things to do in the area
Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Drakensberg accommodation is always special because it promises a place to stay in some of South Africa's most spectacular countryside. The area ...
Gudu Falls Hike
Start: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, Mahai campsite or Thendele Camp, Royal Natal National Park, Drakensberg, KwaZulu NatalFinish: Witsieshoek Moun...
Maluti Cave Hike
Start: base camp at Tseki, Phuthaditjaba (Witsieshoek)Finish: TsekiDuration: two, three, four day optionsFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: t...
Noteworthy attractions
Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
Lying virtually at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountain, the dam was the site of one of the most bloody battles to ensue during the Anglo-Bo...
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandsto...
Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
The Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, with its numerous free standing peaks and magnificent mountain scenery, is one of the most favoured parts of t...
Cobham State Forest
Cobham is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Dominated by Hodgs...
Garden Castle State Forest
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the Bushman's Nek Valley. The Garden Castle reserve i...
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
Historic Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Drakensberg region of the Ukhahla...
Himeville Nature Reserve
The Himeville Nature Reserve stretches along the eastern boundary of Himeville Village and was proclaimed to its present size of 104 ha in 1973. ...
Kamberg Nature Reserve
Kamberg Nature Reserve, one of the smallest of the KZN Wildlife resorts, lies in the foothills of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park - one of the ea...
Lotheni Nature Reserve
Noted for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp, Lotheni is situated in a remote section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Many delightful...
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