Phuthaditjhaba, Eastern Free State
Formerly known as Witsieshoek, the Eastern Free State town of Phuthaditjhaba is located in a scenically stunning ‘corner’ where the Kwa-Zulu Natal Drakensberg meets the Lesotho Maloti Mountains.
Phuthaditjhaba is the Capital of the former Independant South Sotho Homeland of QwaQwa, re-integrated into South Africa after the fall of Apartheid in 1994. The name Phuthaditjhaba means ‘The Meeting Place of Nations’, and QwaQwa means ‘Whiter than White’ in reference to the often snow-capped mountains that surround the town.
Attractions include the nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park (which incorporates the former QwaQwa National Park and the Basotho Cultural Village). Local activities include pony trekking and hiking. The stunning Sterkfontein Dam which is a popular venue for inland mountain watersports and camping is also just north of Phuthaditjhaba.
Phuthaditjhaba is the start of the Maluti Cave Hiking Trail, and the incredible 1 day Sentinel Hiking Trail with its views into the Kwa-Zulu Natal Drakensberg starts from the Sentinel Car Park below the highest peak on the Mont-Aux-Sources massif, just past Phuthaditjhaba. The Car Park is accessed via the R57 from Phuthaditjhaba, and is about 50 kms up the mountains on a windy pass. The Sentinel Peak is accessed via chain ladders from there.
Getting there: From Harrismith take the R712 west; from Clarens take the R712 east though the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. From Bethlehem, take the N5 to Kestell, then the R57.
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