Qwaqwa Nature Park
Harrismith, Free State,
South Africa
Set in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, this is a hiking, game and bird watching paradise, with overnight facilities. Also a 4x4 enthusiast's nature route during winter months, as well as a favourite trophy hunting area when culling
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The QwaqQwa Nature Area has been incorpaorated into the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with access from the R712 either from Harrismith or Clarens through Golden Gate.
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 in the Drakensberg Mountains.
The vlei's are filled with birdlife, the kloofs luxuriously vegetated and the caves adorned with mystical Bushman drawings. The flora is also full of surprises, with species such as Ouhout, White Stinkwood, 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, Blesbuck, 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, Secretary Bird and Ostrich, as well as various aquatic species.
The weather is very variable and visitors must always be prepared for cold conditions, even snow. The summers are moderate, the winters cold. The annual rainfall varies between 750 and 1000 mm and occurs mainly during the Summer months, in the form of thunderstorms.
The park is about 60 km from Harrismith on the Golden Gate Road (R712) and forms an integral part of the Highlands Treasure Route. The Eerstegeluk Guest House is fully
equipped and makes provision for 10 persons. The tariff includes guided horse rides. Game viewing can be done in this unique way.
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 winter months provision is made for the 4x4 enthusiast, with a 40 km route and overnight facilities.
The well known Basotho Cultural Village, which offers the visitor an unique experience of South Sotho culture and history, is also situated in the Park.
Visitors can enjoy any of the day trips to nearby places like Sterkfontein Dam, Clarens, Bethlehem and Qwaqwa, where many art and industrial products are found.
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Location: Harrismith,
Free State |
