Support local tourism: visit Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge

In search of the best among the best in responsible tourism? Look no further – the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is one of the best responsible tourism destinations.

This Free State establishment was the overall winner at the 2022 World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards. It also won gold in the Local Economic Benefit category at the same awards, beating 26 finalists from 21 countries. Nestled in the Northern Drakensberg Mountains in Phuthaditjhaba, the lodge boasts some of the best hiking trails in the country, including Sentinel Peak Trail and its Chain Ladders, the Mont-auxSources, the Amphitheatre, Eastern Buttress and parts of Maluti Mountains. All these are easily accessible from the lodge, making it the best accommodation for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.

The lodge offers affordable accommodation that’s ideal not only for hikers, but for families, and small or large groups.

Your choice of accommodation is from the cozy bungalows, the large sentinel rooms with unrivalled views of the majestic Sentinel Peak and a backpacker’s cabin located just below the main reception area of the lodge that is perfect for backpackers on a budget.

All accommodation comes standard with buffet break- fast at the panoramic Vulture Restaurant, a sufficient meal to sustain you for an adventurous day as you explore the wild and breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, bird watching or even camping in the wild. There is an option of having a guide for hiking trails – to help with the deep knowledge of the area, its bird species, the rich flora and fauna, but most importantly its local communities made up of loving people. There is also a growing number of local mountain and bird guides who can help you find and identify the local birdlife. Originally built in the 1970s as State property, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is now owned by the Batlokoa community of King Morena Mota – after government gradually gave it over to the traditional council.

It is currently managed and marketed by the Transfrontier Park Destinations on behalf of Batlokoa, a partnership that was formed just as the community thought it was best to close the lodge down.

Creating jobs for local communities

With an eye firmly focused on a viable and sustainable tourism model that balances the needs of the local community with those of nature, the lodge ensures that the bulk of its revenue remains within the community.

Batlokoa provide the majority of Witsieshoek Mountain

Lodge’s workforce. Local communities also benefited from the refurbishment of the lodge, with local seamstresses making curtains, a potter creating unique bedside light pieces and other décor items and home carpet weavers supplying bedside and décor rugs. With the skills gained from being trained partly by Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, many of these businesses are still standing and supplying other tourism establishments in the area.

Tseseng village

While you are at this holiday destination, you can visit the local Tseseng village and meet wonderful traditional crafters and artists, and enjoy interesting elements of the Batlokoa culture, such as traditional music and oral poetry.

Since re-opening in 2011, the lodge has benefited the local economy to the tune of R77. 7 million and 46% of that resulted from local procurement policies and practices.

There is no better feeling than knowing that your vacation has helped develop the lives of the people and the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge does just that.