Qwaqwa Cultural Camino - Slackpacking Trail in the Free State.
The QwaQwa Cultural Camino offers an immersive experience that includes a visit to the BaKoena ba Mopeli royal family and palace, storytelling sessions, hiking trails, educational tours, and an exploration of traditional Basotho culture and cuisine.
You’ll spend your nights at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge and embark on breathtaking hikes in the Tugela Valley, with options like the famous Sentinel Peak, Beacon Buttress Gully, or Gudu Trail. The journey also includes a stay at Bothobapelo Country Lodge, where you’ll hike to the historic Bashoeshoe Caves, participate in educational tours, savor traditional food tastings, and enjoy donkey cart rides.
Explore renowned dams and heritage sites in the area, and cap off your adventure with a guided tour of the Basotho Cultural Village. The package includes dinner, bed, and breakfast, ensuring a complete and enriching cultural experience.
4 Days | 5 Nights
GROUP SIZE: 6-10
*Includes Bed, Breakfast and Dinner, Guide, and Travelling to all route destinations.
*Shared Accommodation. Surcharge for single rooms (on availability)
Parking is available for your vehicles for the duration of your Cultural Camino Experience.
Arrival Day
Arrive by 12:00 at the Pink Tricycle Tea Room for a light lunch, which is provided, followed by a briefing that introduces you to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. At 14:00, pilgrims will be transported to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge in Phuthaditjhaba for an overnight stay. Dinner is served at Witsieshoek Restaurant at 19:00, with breakfast the next morning at 07:00.
Day 1
After breakfast, your group will depart for a guided walk with two route options: the adventurous hike to the Tugela Valley (13.13 km), where you can choose between the chain route to Sentinel Peak (12 km) or the Beacon Buttress Gully (17.16 km). A guide will be available for one of these routes. For those who prefer a less challenging hike, the scenic Gudu Falls trail (6.87 km) offers a beautiful alternative enjoyed by all nature lovers.
Day 2
The next morning, after a buffet-style breakfast at 07:00, pilgrims will embark on a hike from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to Metsi Matsho Dam (14.3 km). From there, transportation will be provided to Phuthaditjhaba for an overnight stay at either Epic Den Lodge or Up 2 Date Guest House. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at HaMagriza’s Indigenous Restaurant & Co-Working Hub.
Day 3
An interesting educational tour of Phuthaditjhaba (14.16 km) starts after breakfast at HaMagriza’s Indigenous Restaurant. This tour offers insights into the rich Basotho culture and history as you visit key sites in the area.
After the tour, pilgrims will be transported to Bothobapelo Country Lodge, where you will experience true African culture, nature, and hospitality. Dinner is served in the dining room.
Day 4
After breakfast, you can choose between two hikes: a 15.03 km route or a shorter 6.87 km hike to the historical Bashoeshoe Caves. Following the hike, a cultural tour at Bothobapelo Country Lodge will provide an educational experience focused on indigenous plants and their medicinal uses, along with indigenous food tastings. Donkey cart rides conclude the tour.
Pilgrims will enjoy dinner and another overnight stay at this beautiful and welcoming lodge.
Day 5
On day 5, as you make your way back to the Pink Tricycle Tea Room in Paul Roux, there will be a stop at the Basotho Cultural Village. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour showcasing authentic Sotho hospitality, aesthetics, and traditions. Visitors can sample locally brewed beer and purchase traditional items like pottery, fabrics, beadwork, grass hats, mats, and baskets. The journey concludes with an option to depart from Paul Roux or stay overnight at Dunlin B&B (bookings at your own expense).