Legogote

Legogote is an iconic Lowveld mountain and landmark which can be seen and recognised from far away.  The summit stands at about 1 194 metres above sea level.

What does Legogote mean?

Legogote, also spelt Legogoto or Lugogodo, means "the large one' or 'eternal one' in Swazi. 

Legogote is also called Lion’s Head due to the distinctive sphinx like shape of the mountains, with Legogote proper as it’s head, from certain perspectives.

Legogote offers a rare opportunity to see bushman paintings. The location of the paintings are not signposted, so a little searching is required. This site with the paintings is also used by the local community during initiations. 

From the top of Legogote looking east you can see far into the Kruger towards the Lebombo Mountains. Looking north you can see the large residential developments of all the way to Number and Hazyview. On weekends, you’ll probably hear music and merrymaking from the location below.

Climbing Legogote

There used to be a clear hiking trail to the top of Legogote starting at the Petra College. The trail was clearly marked with yellow hiking paint. 

As of 2025, it seems like access to Petra College to hike is now closed, since the Petra College is not operating anymore. 

Luckily, Legogote can be hiked from any side of the mountain. 

As far as we know no local tour operators offers guided climbs to Legogote, so this is for independent travellers and hikers only. Check peakery.com for latest ascents and recommended routes.

Access is from the R538 between White River and Hazyview or the Spionkop road just off the Plaston Road (the road connecting KMIA Airport to White River).

The climb is a pleasant walk, uphill, of course! Well trodden paths by local, cattle and motorbikes can be used to approach and walk around the mountain. 

If going to the summit, there is a very short section requiring upper body strength to haul yourself up, then after that section some light scrambling of the granite dome itself. Be careful is climbing in the rain, though the granite is well textured.

Climbing Legogote is a fun half-day activity when based in White River. Combine this with another half-day activity like visiting the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, and you’ll have a full and memorable day of activities from White River.