Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » Drakensberg » Northern Drakensberg » Oliviershoek Pass » BergvilleOliviershoek PassA scenic drive along the Alternative Route to Durban from Harrismith, will take you down the Oliviershoek Pass.The trek-party of Piet Retief started to ascend the Drakensberg along the Oliviershoek Pass on 19 October 1837. They trekked left past the Oudeberg Spring until they reached a fountain, near the present day Retief Rock, where they stopped for a short period. Erasmus Smit named this area Kerkenberg because it reminded him of a church or a place where religious gatherings could be held. During this time Piet Retief was visiting King Dingane in order to negotiate the possibility of acquiring some land for the Voortrekkers. On his 57th birthday (12 November 1837) his daughter, Debora Retief, wrote her father’s name and the date on an overhanging rock with green paint. The other names that appear on the rock are those of the Bethlehem commando that occupied the Oliviershoek Pass on 10 October 1899 with the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War. This rock can still be seen today. It is situated 30 km south of Harrismith, over the steep Oliviershoek Pass at Kerkenberg. The green painted writing is protected against natural elements such as the wind and rain by a glass case, which was placed over the writing much later. With the 1937-Centenary Celebrations a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Mrs. J.C. Preller and in 1986 the English version of the plaque was donated by students of the Pretoria Technicon. The Border of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces is as the top of the Oliviershoek Pass here, lies the large and beautiful Sterkfontein Dam which forms part of the Tugela Vaal Water Scheme that supplies water to Johannesburg. The clear water of this large dam is suitable for watersports such as sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. Overlooking the dam is a spot where the conservation authorities leave carcasses for the Cape Vultures - a vulture "restaurant". From the Oliviershoek Pass the escarpment changes to Karoo sandstone in Kwazulu-Natal, to granites in Swaziland, and finally to quarzites along the Mpumalanga and Northern Province Drakensberg.  
Accommodation in and around Bergville Drakensberg Mountain Retreat-Vergezient Lodge accommodation in Bergville
Drakensberg Mountain Retreat has two accommodation options - the Vergezient Lodge (DB&B) and the Zondertwyfel Barnhouse (Self catering for groups of 12 to 20)The Vergezint Lodge The Vergezient Lodge, with its numerous lou... More
 Montusi Mountain Lodge accommodation in Bergville
Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is the only upmarket destination in the area with a full and uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg's most famous part, the Amphitheatre escarpment. Our gu... More
 Berg House and Cottages accommodation in Bergville
Experience a mountain atmosphere with breathtaking views, described as the "IMAX Views" of the Drakensberg. This private destination on a 1600 acre estate enables you to reunite the mind, body and soul, restore the essential "you"... More
 Drakensberg Inn accommodation in Bergville
The Drakensberg Inn is a bed and breakfast establishment located in the picturesque townof Bergville in Kwazulu Natal.Situated 55km from the Northern Drakensberg, 55km from the Southern Drakensberg and 50km from the well known Cathedral Peak, it is w... More
 Mahai Camp (Royal Natal National Park) accommodation in Bergville
Mahai is a beautifully situated campsite featuring 120 large campsites nestled along the Mahai River with magnificent mountains forming the backdrop. Half the sites have electric plug points and barbecue stands, and the non-electrified section share ... More
 Caterpillar & Catfish Cookhouse accommodation in Bergville
About Us Caterpillar Catfish on Oliviershoek Pass -1730m above sea level - is situated between the Sterkfontein dam and Seletwane Mountain - overlooking the majestic Northern and Central Drakensberg. (AA Highly Rated accommodation TGSA 3 star guestho... More
 Bingelela Lodge accommodation in Bergville
AboutSituated in the with Northern Drakensberg, Bingelela offers earthy hospitality and outstanding service in a charmingly authentic setting. Our stylish yet cosy approach to hospitality means that whatever kind of stay you are looking for, we will ... More
 Hlalanathi Drakensberg Resort accommodation in Bergville
Beautifully set in the Natal Drakensberg, with serviced chalets, and spacious grassed caravan stands overlooking the Tugela River and Amphitheatre. Halfway between Gauteng and the coast, this is an ideal breakaway resort with modern facilities and sp... More
 Kwaggashoek Game Ranch accommodation in Bergville
Kwaggashoek is a wildlife sanctuary with a wide variety of game and birdlife which makes it a birdwatchers paradise. This Private Reserve consists of beautiful valleys, mountain streams, waterfalls and breathtaking views. Animals roam freely around... More
 Three Trees at Spioenkop accommodation in Bergville
The Lodge has been built on a hillside amongst the striking Aloe Spectabilis and the Paperbark Acacia with views that inspired a guest to write ‘Afr... More
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