witsieshoek-blog

Bearded Vultures at Witsieshoek

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:14:59 +0100

One of the few places in the world where you can see Bearded Vultures flying freely in the skies is at Witsieshoek. We have a "Vulture Restaurant" where bones are put out for the birds. In addition, one of the resident birds has been tagged by the KZN-Wildlife programme to record details of movement. Read more about Vulture Research, and tagging, here:

Tuesday 26th July 2011: Weather Alert

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:11:18 +0100

Owing to heavy snowfalls, Witsieshoek is currently inaccessible by vehicle or walking. The snow is waist-deep at the Lodge. Electricity, telephone and internet has been cut off. All enquiries are being routed through the Cape Town offices. Phone 021-701-7860 or email info@tfpd.co.za for updates on the situation.

Drakensberg's Amphitheatre: Safe hiking options for the inexperienced

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:22:06 +0100

The Amphitheatre Hike is considered the most scenic hike in the Drakensberg. It's also a very interesting hike because it includes climbing the famous chain ladders of the Sentinel Peak.

Keen, but not happy to go alone? What about joining SA Adventure Trails "Slackpacking"? It's for hikers who do not have the equipment or who are not prepared to carry a heavy pack with all their own food and gear. This aims at making the hike a more enjoyable experience for people who would like to walk the trail with a guide during the day and stay at comfortable lodges at night.

The Heritage Guided Hike has been planned to enable walkers of average ability to reach the heights of the Amphitheatre, and to be rewarded by awe inspiring, never-to-forgotten views from the top of the escarpment - a feat normally only undertaken by fit and experienced hikers who would normally have to camp overnight. By spending 3 days and 3 nights on the route, staying at conveniently located lodges on the way and using a qualified guide to make decisions on routes and weather conditions, it is possible for anyone who is reasonably fit and unafraid of heights to stand on "top of the world" and experience the same sense of accomplishment as the dedicated hiker.

Read more here or contact Paul Colvin of Underberg Hideaways who can be contacted at 082 323 4022 or by email at paul.hideways@gmail.com

Centenary Climb of Sentinel Peak: An MCSA Success

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:10:20 +0100

EVENT: Centenary Climb of Sentinal Peak
DATE: 4 September 2010
PLACE: Sentinel Peak

On Saturday 4 September 2010, the KZN section of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) managed a successful mass climb of Drakensberg’s Sentinel Peak with at least 60 people reaching the summit to celebrate the centenary of the first ascent on 29 September 1910.

The Club arranged for the climbers to stay at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, the closest accommodation to the peak. With a good weather forecast, and some serious back-up support, Hannelie Morris, President of the KZN section of MCSA oversaw an innovative belay system that allowed the safe ascent and descent in one day. “This was a massive undertaking, and only possible because of the number of experienced MCSA members available to help with the safety set-up very early in the morning and to assist the climbers on their way up”, says Hannelie. "The weather in the high ‘Berg is notoriously unpredictable and we are really pleased that we could combine experience and good weather to pull off what will be for many a once-in-a-lifetime climb of the Sentinel Peak.”

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge was packed to capacity, with the “overflow” camping in the grounds. A convivial, happy evening with a braai for 95 people, and a ceremony in the lounge rounded off a successful day. Lize du Plessis, manager of the Lodge commented : “It’s always good seeing big groups together, focused on a common goal. MCSA pulled off a wonderful climb and we loved being able to support the event. ” For many of the climbers this was a first visit to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge since new management took over. “We’ll be back” was the resounding message.

For pictures, look here.

Note to all climbers - Requests for photos:
One from Lize (lize@tfpd.co.za) for the Witsieshoek website and one from Jurgen (jug@flyingpigs.co.za) for his pilot movie on Supersport. Either send directly to them or via Bruce (Bruce.Tomalin@mondigroup.co.za) – then MCSA can keep a collection as well. Please include the photographers name and if possible, names of people in picture.

Centenary of the First Ascent of the Sentinel (Northen Drakensberg)

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:46:31 +0100

WJ Wybergh and Lt NM McLeod first climbed the Sentinel via the standard route on 29 September 1910.

The KZN section of the mountain club of SA are celebrating this ascent this weekend (4-5th September 2010). The idea is for as many people as possible to ascend the Sentinel via any route they wish on the morning of the 4th and then have a celebratory jol at the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge this evening.

Watch the space for pictures and stories!

Bonitas Mont-aux-sources Challenge

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:46:30 +0100

EVENT: Bonitas Mont-aux-sources Challenge
DATE: 11 September 2010
PLACE: Royal Natal Park
DISTANCE: 50km

The Mont-aux-Source Challenge is one of the great South African endurance races. Started in 1993, this year we will see the 18th race on 11 September. The 350 entrants will climb and run a 50km route with the greatest scenery of any endurance race in the world. The route map can be found here.

We are really looking forward to the event. There is a very special energy about being around people who train and participate in events of this nature. Witsieshoek are hosting a water table for the event, and will be welcoming competitors and their supporters to the Lodge.

Artikel in Die Volksblad: 31 Julie 2010

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:18:54 +0100

Die Witsieshoeklodge in die Phuthaditjabaomgewing was vir jare ’n toptoevlugsoord vir moeë bergklimmers en stappers. LIENTJIE MENTZ het gaan kyk na die planne om dié oord op te knap en het die sneeu netnet misgeloop.Lees verder hier

Snow days

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:57:16 +0100

The second snow-fall of the 2010 winter is here. This is the real deal. It's a wonderland.

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge in the snow.

Our first snow-woman for this winter.

But she needs company. Come and join us this week-end and build her a companion! Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge has a lovely restaurant and bar. Day visitors are very welcome.

Lize’s Diary: The Crack Hike via Mahai Falls and Forest.

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:04:02 +0100

Sunday the 20th of June was a lovely winter’s day and Tony, the boys and I spent the day out walking. It was perfect weather and the scenery absolutely stunning. We started the walk from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to Mahai Waterfall where we had planned to turn around and go back home, however the adventurous side kicked in and we kept on going and were not disappointed. We experienced amazing scenery as well as baboons and antelope on the mountain slopes.

The amazing thing about this walk is that the scenery keeps on changing. From Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to Mahai Waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes and after about an hour and a half we reached the beautiful Mahai Forest which has the look and feel of a fairy forest; it was absolutely breathtaking. We continued on to the turn to The Crack below Sphinx Rock. The start of the Crack’s path is very steep and you do need to have some level of fitness. The climb up The Crack requires some rock climbing as well as a climb up a short chain ladder. I would not recommend this for the very young. The walk via Mahai Falls to and out of The Crack and back to Witsieshoek is at least 5 hours.

I would recommend a family walk with a picnic basket to the Mahai Forest. After the picnic walk back via Mahai Falls. This walk is in total 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. There are numerous other ½ day and day hikes in our immediate area and I will write about these in detail in further news items.

The Crack is on the route of the very challenging Mount Aux Sources Challenge which takes place each year and consists of a 50km run up mountain passes, chain ladders and steep gullies to the top of the Amphitheatre and back, beginning and ending in the Royal Natal Park. Only 212 participants take part. The start / finish is in the Royal Natal Park at 1300 meters (4300 ft) and peaks at 3100 meters (10200 ft) giving an overall ascent / descent of 1800 meters (5900 ft). The aim of the challenge is to raise funds to save the Bearded Vultures.

Enjoy the comfort

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:13:09 +0100

There are fitness work-outs ... and there is carrying new leather lounge furniture! Phew. That was a job, but such fun. We're please to show you that the comfy leather lounge furniture has arrived, along with the new carpets. It's now a warm, relaxing atmosphere... the perfect place to hang out in the evening.

Come and join us these holidays and re-discover the joy of Witsieshoek!