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Looking into the face of the Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers peaceful accommodation with sweeping views of the mountains and valleys. The lodge is ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and adventure travellers seeking to hike this iconic wilderness. Guests can choose from various room types: comfortable rondavel-style standard rooms (some with guaranteed mountain views), premium Sentinel Peak-facing rooms, and a simple backpacker's cabin near the main lodge. All accommodation is offered on a bed and breakfast basis, with hearty buffet breakfasts served in the panoramic-view restaurant which has an a la carte menu and pub for the rest of the day. Witsieshoek is the closest accommodation to Sentinel Peak Trail and the Chain Ladders that lead to the top of Tugela Falls—making it the perfect base for high-mountain adventure. Guides for hiking, or the Via Ferrata, as well as abseiling and quad biking add to the adventure options available.
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.
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
The charming rondavel bungalows are Witsieshoek’s primary and longest-standing source of accommodation, modelled in the iconic round building structure of the local community.
Each room has a generous, extra-length bed (king or twin configurations available) with tea & coffee facilities, cupboard, safe and comfortable chair.
The en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower, vanity and toilet. Amenities are provided.
The Backpackers Cabin is the budget edition to Witsieshoek’s accommodation and is the perfect option for hiker’s and backpackers.
The cabin is situated against the hill just below the main reception area of the lodge and the front of the cabin faces out onto the vast expanse of valleys and dams below, as well as the sprawling town of Phuthaditjhaba, in the distance far below. This is a great spot to watch the sunrise above the early morning mist that covers the lower regions.
The Cabin has six cozy rooms each with two twin beds. There are two communal ablution blocks, one for women and one for men, and the space is heated with oil heating.
A central communal area includes basic self catering facilities.
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Credit Card Facilities, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Licensed, Malaria Free, Parking, Power Generator , Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Available Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Quad Biking, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Quad Biking, Rock Climbing, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
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.
If birding is on your list of leisure activities then the Drakensberg is a fantastic choice. Home to over 300 recorded bird species including the critically-endangered Bearded Vulture and the Lesser Kestrel, it offers an abundance of sightings for the enthusiast.
With numerous micro-habitats ranging from high altitude alpine sites to forested river valleys, the Drakensberg makes up about 37% of all non- marine avian species in Southern Africa, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
There is an informal Vulture Restaurant at the Lodge and each morning marrow bones are placed for the birds. There is a tagged Bearded Vulture, called Jeremia, who comes in most mornings (clear-skies and low wind) to feed and offers photographers and twitchers an extraordinary sight.
With a varied climate, spectacular cliff faces and more peaks per square kilometre than any other country in Africa, the Drakensberg is a haven for serious mountaineers and climbers from all over the world.
The Drakensberg’s general escarpment is made up of basalt formed by molten lava. The heavy annual rainfall in the area, as well as the high altitude, has taken its toll on the escarpment.
The rock is often crumbly which can make climbing difficult. Often, the best holds for climbers are the small patches of grass growing in the rock face. The higher you get the better the rock quality tends to be, and obviously the views too.
However challenging climbing in the Drakensberg can be, the sheer abundance of breathtaking routes to be climbed should far outweigh any reservations you might have.
Some popular climbing routes in the area include Devil’s Tooth, Monk’s Cowl and the Bell. There are also routes going up Sentinel Peak itself, and you can abseil back down. Many climbs require overnight stays and permits.
Witsieshoek Restaurant
The restaurant at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is geared for the hungry hiker. Breakfasts are served buffet-style, with a plated hot breakfast served to individual requirements.
Lunch and dinner at a la carte, with a range of meal options that include vegetarian and vegan food.
The Lodge is licensed and has a range of local wines, beers & spirits.
