QwaQwa National Park
National Park Montane national park conserving high-altitude grasslands
Located in South Africa’s Free State, QwaQwa National Park protects highland grasslands and rolling hills. Visitors come for guided walks, cultural tours about Basotho heritage and views across the Drakensberg foothills.
How to Get to QwaQwa National Park #
QwaQwa lies near Phuthaditjhaba in the eastern Free State. Visitors typically drive from Bloemfontein (approx. 3-4 hours) or Bethlehem (shorter) via the R26 and regional roads-a car is the most practical way to access reserve trails and viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting QwaQwa National Park #
- Access the park with a local guide-routes and signage within former homeland areas can be inconsistent.
- Combine a visit with Golden Gate Highlands National Park (nearby) to see complementary landscapes-QwaQwa's cultural story ties into the Free State's broader ecology.
- Go in late afternoon for long, warm light on the sandstone outcrops.
Best Time to Visit QwaQwa National Park #
Visit outside the winter months; spring and autumn offer temperate weather and good hiking conditions.
Weather & Climate near QwaQwa National Park #
QwaQwa National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 0°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (775 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (126 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
.jpg?width=600)
