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QWAQWA PARK

FREE STATE ECOTOURISM


Postal address: PRIVATE BAG X826, WITSIESHOEK, 9870, SOUTH AFRICA

Tel (International): +27-58-7134444 or 7134191

Tel (South Africa): 058-7134444 or 7134191

Fax (International): +27-58-7134342

Fax (South Africa): 058-7134342

e-Mail:

Web Home Page:


Our situation/ areas of operation:

FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA

Our type of wildlife enterprise:

GAME/NATURE RESERVE

Our wildlife products and/or services:

HIKING, HORSEBACK TRAILS, FISHING The park extends over 22 000 ha high in the Maluti Mountains and Drakensberg. Short grassland predominates, but there are patches of indigenous forest and open areas dominated by protea bushes, with tree ferns growing along some of the streams. A number of game species have been introduced or re-introduced, such as eland, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok, springbok and plains zebra; grey rhebok, baboons and rock dasies occur naturally in the area. A number of rare bird species occur, including bearded vulture, Cape griffon, bald ibis and wattled crane. The high altitude ensures that summer temperatures are mild to cold, and in winter snow falls on the mountain peaks. Location: Adjoining the borders of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal in eastern Free State; south-west of Harrismith. Access: From Harrismith travel along the N5 towards Bethlehem for 8 km, then turn left onto the tarred R712 to Phuthaditjhaba. There are roads to Metshi-Matsho (Swartwater) Dam and Witsieshoek Mountain Resort, but much of the area is accessible only on foot. Accommodation: Within the park there are basic huts on the various hiking trails. Witsieshoek Mountain Resort offers hotel-type accommodation. Fika Patso Dam Resort has 20 self-catering chalets and conference facilities. There is a hotel in Phuthaditjhaba (Witsieshoek). The fully-equipped Eerstegelyk Guest House can accommodate up to 10 people; guided horse rides included. Other facilities: 3 1-day hiking trails (Montaux-Sources, Metshi-Matsho and Wetsi's Cave) with overnight facilities (more trails are planned); trout fishing (licence required) in the Metshi-Matsho Dam; Korfshoek Day Resort has picnic sites - self-catering chalets and camping and caravan sites are planned, as well as horse trails, fishing and a day hiking trail. A 4x4 trail (40 km) is open during winter months; overnight facilities available. Trophy hunting also offered. Open: Throughout the year. Opening time: 24 hours; it is wise to travel only by day. Visit the Tourist Information centre near Phuthaditjhaba (08h00 to 16h30; Saturdays - 08h00 - 13h00) before venturing into the mountains. Beware: Weather extremes may be expected at all times; thunderstorms and bitter cold in winter.