Accommodation - Kingdoms & Peaks - Hiking South Africa & Lesotho (Self-Drive): Johannesburg – Royal Natal National Park – Lesotho – Cradock – Addo Elephant Park

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge | Royal Natal National Park

Nestled at the foot of the Sentinel Peak Mountain range, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge lies within the Royal National Park in the scenic Drakensberg area. Beautifully appointed with its all-consuming mountain views, the Lodge comprises comfortably furnished rooms, equipped with all basic amenities for a pleasant stay. The central Lodge area facilitates a restaurant and a fully-stocked bar. Catering to outdoor enthusiasts, the Lodge offers a variety of Hikes, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, as well as the attraction of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park located just 60 km away. Bestowing beautiful amphitheatre views with simplicity and affordability at the forefront, Witsieshoek comes highly recommended for Hikers and Nature Lovers .

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Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge in the morning light

With floor to ceiling windows across the mountain-facing walls, these rooms offer unrivalled views of the majestic and proud Sentinel Peak without even having to leave the comfort of your bed, and are the finest accommodation that Witsieshoek has to offer.

The Sentinel Rooms have been finished with local stone and slate to help them blend into their mountain surroundings. There are eight rooms, each furnished with stylish Cape Pine furniture and leather armchairs; five rooms have extra length king size beds while three have extra length twin beds. In keeping with TFPD’s philosophy of supporting the local community, the walls are adorned with colourful artworks from local Qwa Qwa artist Gibson, and locally-made curtains and carpets also reflect the style and colours of the Batlokoa community.

View from Sentinel #7 in winter Credit: Mario Fazekas

Exterior view of Sentinel Rooms Credit: Eleanor Muller

View from the bed in Sentinel Room 7 during spring Credit: Eleanor Muller

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Shower, Smoke Alarm, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wardrobe

Witsieshoek is the closest accommodation to the famous Sentinel Peak Hike. This hike starts at the Sentinel Peak Car Park and winds up past the Witches and along the bottom of the Sentinel Peak. It reaches the double chain ladders which summit at the top of the Amphiteatre. It's a short walk from there to either Mont-aux-Sources, or the top of Tugela Falls - the second highest falls in the world. This one-day hike was rated by National Geographic as one of the top ten one-day hikes in the world. It's a 6 to 8 hour hike and goes from 2200m at the Lodge to 3300m at the top of Tugela Falls. The Lodge offers a transfer service to the Car Park for guests. Picnic lunches can also be requested.

Witsieshoek is also a key point on the Royal natal hikes that include Mahai Falls and Gudu Falls. In addition, there is an easy contour-level hike that takes only 2 hours at the start of the Metsi Matso Trail.

Newly built trails to the Namahadi side of the property are well mapped and accessible for hikers and mountain bikers. They move to lower elevations from 2200m to 1900m and are idea mountain hiking alternatives when the higher area of the Drakensberg is covered in cloud.

Hikers keen to explore the Drakensberg are advised to book at least four nights, for three full days of hiking from Witsieshoek.

Your Stay

3 Nights

Bed and Breakfast

Your Rooms

1x Standard Bungalow

Fast Facts

3 Star

Other

Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Sesotho

No. Rooms: 38

Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing

Malealea Lodge | Lesotho

Positioned in Lesotho, Malealea Lodge provides a traditional cultural experience with a stay in one of the remote Basotho villages. Rustically designed, the Lodge comprises of thatched-roof huts, equipped with basic amenities for a comfortable stay. Immersed by breath-taking scenery, the public areas facilitate an outdoor dining area and provide access to a host of activities from various renowned Hiking Trails, Pony Treks and Scenic Drives. Exuding a warm ambience, Malealea Lodge has been described as one of the best cultural adventure experiences, combining simplicity, attentive staff, culture in abundance and unparalleled scenic beauty.

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Your Stay

3 Nights

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1x Larger Room (En-suite)

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Semonkong Lodge | Lesotho

Semonkong Lodge can be found in the province of Lesotho, which is proclaimed as the Mountain Kingdom. Concealed in the picturesque Maluti Mountains and perched on the banks of the Maletsunyane River, and close to the famous Maletsunyane Falls, Semonkong comprises Standard Rooms and African-style Huts, constructed from stone and thatch and rustically furnished with all basic amenities. Here you will find the renowned Duck and Donkey Tavern and Restaurant, offering delicious home-style cuisine and ice-cold beers. With its spectacular surroundings, the Lodge caters to outdoor enthusiasts with Hiking, Pony Trekking, Mountain Biking, Fly-Fishing, Abseiling, and various Community Tours to experience the customs of the Lesotho people. Blending its unique nature and culture, Semonkong is a fairytale waiting to be discovered.

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Your Stay

2 Nights

Bed and Breakfast

Your Rooms

1x Standard Room with Fireplace

Fast Facts

Lodge

Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor | Cradock

Residing in the quiet town of Cradock, Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor comprise of comfortably appointed rooms with antique styled décor containing an abundance of history. Maintaining its Karoo theme throughout the property, Die Tuishuise contains individually decorated rooms embellished by a bygone era and the Victoria Manor incorporates a colonial chic style, with all rooms furnished with basic amenities over both establishments. The central facilities include a pub, a lounge and dining area, as well as a splash pool to cool off after a sweltering hot day. This Guesthouse comes highly recommended when staying in the Karoo and provides excellent accessibility to the Mountain Zebra National Park.

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Credit: DieTuishuiseandVictoriaManor

Your Stay

2 Nights

Bed and Breakfast

Your Rooms

1x Standard Room

Fast Facts

Guest House

Zuurberg Mountain Village | Greater Addo

Located on the edge of the Addo Elephant National Park, Zuurberg Mountain Village sits on a hill in the savannah and offers fantastic panoramic views. Guests stay in cottages that are furnished in a mix of safari style and classic elements. All are equipped with high ceilings, a furnished private veranda, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers and much more. Start the day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy beautiful views. The hotel has a swimming pool, tennis courts, a children's playground, hiking trails, a restaurant, a bar and a large terrace with comfortable armchairs and sofas. Activities on offer include horse trails, hiking trails and game drives into Addo Park.

Zuurberg Mountain Village is located approximately 19 km from Addo National Park main gate. The last 16 km drive to Zuurberg changes from a tar to a winding gravel road.