The Oliviershoek Pass straddles the border between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal just a few kilometres to the south of the starkly beautiful Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve. The area is a mass of deep dark pine forest that overlooks the northern reaches of the Royal Natal National Park, which boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa.

This is an excellent spot for day trips into the majestic Drakensberg Mountains just a few kilometres away, being close to Mont-aux-Sources, the Inner Mnweni Needle and Cathedral Peak and the Amphitheatre. There are plenty of short hikes in the area for the not-so-experienced hiker, and plenty of climbs for the experienced rock and mountain climber. Horses may be hired for those wishing to trek in the area. At the southern end of the pass is the area known as Little Switzerland, and the surrounding area has ample accommodation.