Qwa-Qwa

Qwa Qwa lies peacefully in the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains, tucked away in the northeastern corner of the Free State. The area is the traditional home of the South Sotho people. This is a region of unsurpassed beauty, with breathtaking high mountain peaks and deep valleys giving way to gentle rolling plains. Summer rains bring an iridescent green to the hills and unfold a multitude of flowers, hidden away in rocky valleys under clear blue skies. Qwa Qwa is the ultimate in unspoilt beauty and enchantment. The frequent snow on the peaks surrounding this region led the ancient San to call it Qwa Qwa (whiter than white). Qwa Qwa was a self governing territory during the apartheid years. Today the city thrives the apartheid years. Today the city thrives as a friendly agricultural town and holiday venue set in spectacular high altitude surroundings

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Harrismith 48 km, Kestell 28 km

Dams – Fika Patso, Metsi Matso

HISTORICAL VIEW

Batlokwa Monument

South Sotho Open Air Museum

Statue of Chief Paulus Mopedi – Founder of Qwa Qwa

NATURE

Qwa Qwa National Park

Impressive sandstone formations ablaze with the last red of the setting sun or shrouded in a white winter blanket, are just two of the many moods of this beautiful mountain park. The vleis are filled with birdlife, the kloofs luxuriously vegetated and the caves adorned with mysterious Bushman drawings. The flora is also full of surprises with species such as ouhout, white stinkhout, karee, kiepersol, wild olive and yellowwood. The abundance of veld flowers in spring and cosmos in autumn makes a visit more than worthwhile. Indigenous lilies like Watsonia, gladioli, arums, scilla and many more adorn the rolling, grassy plains while eland, zebra, black wildebeest, blesbok, red hartebeest and springbok go their way undisturbed. This park of 22 000 ha not only has a diversity of fauna but also offers the discerning bird watcher a rich variety of species, including the Bearded and Cape Vulture, Black and Martial Eagle, Secretarybird and Ostrich, as well as various aquatic species.

Location, Accommodation and Facilities

The park is about 60 km from Harrismith on the Harrismith / Golden Gate road (R712) and forms an integral part of the Highlands Treasure Route. The Eerstegeluk Guest House is fully equipped. It makes provision for 10 persons and the tariff includes guided horse rides. Game viewing can be done in this unique way

Recreation

The park is mainly a hiker’s world and the two day Spelonken Hiking Trail of 27 km, with two restored sandstone farm houses serving as overnight spots, will be an unforgettable experience for the hiker. During the winter months provision is made for the 4 x 4 enthusiast with a 40 km route and overnight facilities. The well known Basotho Cultural Village which offers the visitor a unique experience of South Sotho culture and history, is also situated in the park. Trophy hunting in the park is extremely popular and professional hunters participate in this each year. Visitors can enjoy any of the day trips to nearby places like Golden Gate, Clarens, Bethlehem and Qwa Qwa where many art and industrial products are found.

Climate

The weather is very variable and visitors must always be prepared for cold conditions and even snow. The summers are moderate. The annual rainfall is between 750 mm and 1000 mm and occurs mainly during the summer months, in the form of thunderstorms

ATTRACTIONS

Basotho Cultural Village

A visit to the Basotho Cultural Village which nestles at the foot of huge sandstone mountains, will give you insight into the culture and traditions of the Basotho people. On arrival, a friendly receptionist will show you an introductory video which illustrates the building process of the museum. Demonstrations of the decoration of huts, making of basketware, crushing of maize and traditional dances are shown. Your town will commence at the Khotla under the expert guidance of a tour guide as you cannot enter the chief’s village and explore the way of life of his people without first receiving his permission. He will offer you a sip of Sotho beer as a token of hospitality and you may engage in a traditional game of maraba-raba. At the Ngaka (the chief’s bonethrower) the throw of his wishbones will give the visitors a peep into the future. At the dwellings of the first and second wives, visitors will enjoy some motoho and dipadi. The interesting utensils and colourful decorations are discussed and explained.

Location, Accommodation and Facilities

The Basotho Cultural Village lies next to the R712 from Qwa Qwa to Golden Gate. It is close to the popular Amphitheatre of the Drakensberg mountain range and forms part of the scenic highlands route. Cleverly placed between huge sandstone boulders, the restaurant offers delicious traditional meals, as well as light refreshments. The village regularly hosts art exhibitions, as well as live stage performances at the sandstone amphitheatre. The curio shop offers traditional clay pots, basketware and other handmade items. Guided tours of the museum are conducted from 09:00 to 16:30 (weekends until 17:00) seven days a week.

Climate

The summers are moderate and the winters cold. The weather is very variable and visitors must always be prepared for unexpected cold.

Factory Shops – Throughout the town

Fika Patso Mountain Resort & Conference Centre

The famous Sentinel and Ampitheatre, the Devil’s Tooth and the Three Witches contribute to the rugged splendour of the Drakensberg. The majestic Maluti Mountains, with it’s multi coloured sandstone cliffs and the cave dwellings with it’s Bushman paintings, are endlessly fascinating. The attractive 2 bedroomed chalets offer comfortable accommodation. Each chalet is fully equipped for self catering and guests can relax in the homely atmosphere. The Namahadi Restaurant and Boots and All Pub have magnificent views over the mountains beyond. The cuisine is excellent and the fresh mountain trout on the lunch menu is especially recommended. Dinner is a set four course menu and the breakfast or brunch is always a feast.

Recreation

Walking and hiking are the main attractions and the choice of routes is endless. Climbing the chain ladder on the famous Sentinel trail can be very exciting and the breathtaking views from the top of the amphitheatre makes the experience an unforgettable one. Horse riding, trout fishing or shopping at local factories and curio shops for arts and crafts, are some of the other activities available. Golf can also be enjoyed in close proximity.

Climate

The weather is very variable at this high altitude and can change instantly. The summers are moderate and the winters cold with snow at times. Visitors are advised to always be prepared for cold spells, even in summer.

Maluti Picnic Resort

A wicker basket, sandwiches and a blanket would certainly not be out of place here.

The Sentinel

South of the town is the Sentinel car park. From this point, only those on foot can view some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa. A series of trails takes hikers to the back of the Drakensberg Ampitheatre, from where the ‘Devil’s Tooth’ the ‘Eastern Buttress’ and Tugela Falls can be seen.

Witsieshoek Mountain Inn

The Witsieshoek Mountain Inn nestles in the foothills of the Sentinel and the impressive Amphitheatre of the Northern Drakensberg mountain range at a height of 2286 m above sea level, making it the highest resort in South Africa. No words can really describe the breathtaking views from the resort over the Amphitheatre and the Royal Natal National Park. During summer these mountains are snugly covered by seemingly endless green carpets of grass and during winter by soft white blankets of snow. Accommodation facilities consists of standard, as well as luxury rooms. There are conference facilities accommodating up to 40 delegates. The restaurant with it’s excellent cuisine also has an extensive wine list and many mountain adventure stories have shared in the cosy pub or around the open log fire in the lounge.

ACTIVITIES

4 x 4 Routes

Trout Fishing

The Metsi Matso and Fika Patso Dams are open for year round trout fishing

Hiking - Fika Patso Hiking Trail, Metsi Matsho Hiking Trail, Sentinel Hiking Trail

Herbal Trail

Takes one on a two hour long hike through the hills. A traditional healer and a guide give an interesting mix of traditional and modern information

Mountain Climbing

If you would like to venture mountain climbing by means of the chain ladder, an overnight hut and a car park are available at Sentinel Peak

Sport

Golf - Qwa Qwa Golf Club – Make sure you have high altitude balls in your bag