Witsieshoek resort

Thumbs up from my side on the progress made at Witsieshoek resort. As many will know the resort fell into disrepair some years ago. It was taken over a while back by the Transfrontier Destinations group and they are currently in a redevelopment program that includes a major overhaul of all accomodation and the restaurant. There will even be a wedding chapel (not the idea of the hardened mountaineer for sure, but a good way of getting tourism money there).

Progress seems good with the first units near completion, it looks very good. The restaurant was good again, we had a good Sunday afternoon meal with some great coffee. No lammergeiers this time (but we did see one circling above the Oribi loop at Goldengate on Monday morning).

I sincerely hope the project is completed successfully. Good marketing will then be required to make people aware of this though. Given the remoteness of the place I'm sure it will remain mostly berg enthusiasts who visit, but the wedding chapel etc can easily provide an entry to newcomers who will easily fall in love with the views and be back for more.

Sounds good - we are a group of 15 from a local hiking club that want to spend a night there in October. I was a little concerned with the price hike (R440pp b & b) since we were there last year (R280pp). As we are hiking early Saturday onwards - we only want a good meal and warm bed for the night. Are they going to cater for the hikers like they used to? During construction the rates should not have been increased! What will they be after construction? The old habit of driving through early Sat from Jhb and hiking straight away might prevail......

Hi Jax

Just a quick note to confirm that your reservation this time is for Dinner, bed and breakfast which (in addition to Witsieshoek becoming VAT registered in the meantime) accounts for the difference in the cost. I will contact you off-line to establish whether we need to change to a bed & breakfast booking, in which case the rate will drop to R354 per person. Either way, it's going to be great to see you in October.

Best wishes,
Eleanor Muller

Hi Riaan

Thanks so much for the encouraging words. Witsieshoek is indeed a special place, and we are committed to seeing it return to a vibrant, hospitable destination that is charming and comfortable - and a genuine community asset.

Just a small point. There are no current plans to build a wedding chapel (although you've got us thinking!). What is being planned, subject to being able to get the funding, is the rehabilitation the old Backpackers building into a lookout restaurant and functions venue. Weddings then become a possibility.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Lodge soon.

Best,
Eleanor Muller
for: Transfrontier Parks Destinations

OK, thanks for that update. I probably got confused with 'functions' venue and wedding venue (which includes a chapel). Probably got carried away a bit on Sunday speaking to Deon.

Regards

Anyone know if the building work has been finished and if the resort will be operating over December? Their site does'nt have much info.

Hi

Sadly the Sentinel Chalets are not yet complete, and we see little likelihood that they will be ready this year, based on current lack of progress. The situation is hugely frustrating because as management operators we have no control over the building which is being done through the Extended Public Works Program. We are negotiating (heavily) at various levels for a change in process which we hope will allow things to move rapidly come the New Year.

At this stage the bungalows are available, but have not yet been renovated. The linen's new and clean, but the rooms are very tired. The communal areas - dining-room, lounge and pub are running well and it's a festive place to be after a day's walk in the Berg.

If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me directly - email: eleanor (at) tfpd.co.za

Regards
Eleanor
(Head Office Marketing: Management Operators)

Dear Diverian

We share your concern about the rubble and the extent to which it has not been removed timeously by the builders. We bring it up at every site meeting. I'm going to print out your thread and pictures and ask for it to be tabled yet again and a commitment to a clean up.

We are (we hope!) a day or two off announcing the re-opening dates for the Sentinels... Everyone is pushing for the first week-end of August, but there are still some 'material issues' to deal with before we can confirm the date. I will keep this forum updated.

Regards
Eleanor Muller
Marketing: Management Operators