Phuthaditjhaba, Thabo Mofutsanyana
Phuthaditjhaba is a Sotho town in the province of the Free State. Flanked by the drama of the Drakensberg Mountains and the Maluti Mountains, Phuthaditjhaba is nestled within a part of the Drakensberg, giving the vistas around it a special kind of wonder that resonate with visitors and make for excellent photographs. On its south-eastern border lies the province of KwaZulu-Natal; while Lesotho is on the south-west of the town.
It was established in 1974 as the capital of QwaQwa, and was originally known as Witsieshoek to European settlers and Qwaqwa to locals. Its current name is a seSotho word that means 'meeting place of nations or tribes'. Long before this, though, the area was inhabited by the San, who were hunter-gatherers, living off the rich abundance of the land and infusing it with their culture and customs.
The area is one of undeniable beauty. Snow on the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains around the town is always impressive, and transforms the landscapes. In fact, it was this snow that led to the San folk calling it Qwa-Qwa, which means ‘whiter than white'.
Because of the mountainous nature of the area, service delivery in Phuthaditjhaba is sometimes compromised. But, this is scarcely an issue when compared to the gorgeous natural surrounds and the deep, touching cultural variety. The people here are known for their friendliness and warm smiles.
Phuthaditjhaba is about 255 kilometres from Bloemfontein, and around 350 kilometres from Durban. Durban is home to the King Shaka International Airport, which is the landing base of millions of tourists from around the world.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Sisonke Guesthouse
Sisonke Guest House is a gem in the heart of Phuthaditjhaba near Harrismith (N3), 500m from Setsing shopping centre and +100 off the main Road. A...
Kamohelong Guest House
Kamohelong Guest House is located in Qwaqwa heartland of Free State. The guesthouse offers accommodation with peaceful garden to relax in. Kamohe...
Things to do in the area
Sentinel Peak trail
Start: Sentinel car park (almost 3 000 metres above sea level)Finish: Sentinel car parkDuration: a whole dayFitness: fit (the hike may be shorten...
Maluti Cave Hike
Start: base camp at Tseki, Phuthaditjaba (Witsieshoek)Finish: TsekiDuration: two, three, four day optionsFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: t...
Noteworthy attractions
Golden Gate National Park
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park d...
Sterkfontein Dam Reserve
Rugged, steep krantzes silhouetted against the skyline, mountain slopes snugly covered with a grass blanket, deep lushly vegetated kloofs and a c...
Clarens Golf Estate
The par 71 golf course, designed and constructed by Golf Data, is bound to excite every level of golfer. All 18 holes meander along and across th...
Basotho Cultural Village
A visit to the Basotho Cultural Village which nestles at the foot of huge sandstone mountains, will give you a deeper insight into the lifestyle ...
Bethlehem Golf Club
The Bethlehem Golf Course is a Par 71 (W69), 18 hole golf course located in the lovely town of Bethlehem in the Free State. Facilities at Bethleh...
Harrismith Country Club
The Harrismith Country Club is a wonderfully kept course in the humble town of Harrismith. The golf course, famously known for being the third ol...
Mount Everest Game Reserve
The privately owned Mount Everest Game Reserve is set in a particularly scenic part of the Free State close to the town of Harrismith and, despit...
Clarens Village Conservancy
The Clarens Village Conservancy (CVC) is a group of people, homeowners and businesses who together look after the town's natural resources - land...
Normandien Pass
The Normandien Pass links Memel in the Free State with Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. The pass is gravel that by all accounts has seen better days, ...
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