What is there to do ?
That purely depends on your personal interests, energy levels and how much time you have to spend in the area.
Situated at high altitude and far removed from major development ensures that the Southern Drakensberg remains a pristine environment for the outdoor enthusiast. Besides superb trout fishing, the majestic Sani Pass and hiking, numerous other sports and activities promise a most enjoyable stay.
It similarly offers an opportunity to escape everyday living and “just do nothing" in the stillness of nature, or spend time in contemplative retreat to revive body and soul.
With a wealth of activities to offer in the area here are just a few that visitors could see or do in a day:
Situated at high altitude and far removed from major development ensures that the Southern Drakensberg remains a pristine environment for the outdoor enthusiast. Besides superb trout fishing, the majestic Sani Pass and hiking, numerous other sports and activities promise a most enjoyable stay.
It similarly offers an opportunity to escape everyday living and “just do nothing" in the stillness of nature, or spend time in contemplative retreat to revive body and soul.
With a wealth of activities to offer in the area here are just a few that visitors could see or do in a day:
Hiking:
With over 200 hectares of land there are a variety of hikes both along the river and in the mountains. Guests can take a leisurely stroll to one of the many viewing points or a more adventurous day hike to the plateau along the adjacent World Heritage site. The majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg is South Africa's highest mountain range.
With over 200 hectares of land there are a variety of hikes both along the river and in the mountains. Guests can take a leisurely stroll to one of the many viewing points or a more adventurous day hike to the plateau along the adjacent World Heritage site. The majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg is South Africa's highest mountain range.
For the Family: Many day walks from Cobham, Bushmans Nek and Drakensberg Gardens For the Serious: Giants Cup Hiking trail is a magnificent 5 day hike, or try some of the peaks like Rhino, Siphongweni and Khanti. Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482m) is the highest peak in Africa south of Kilimanjaro. From Cobham you can also access Hodgsons Peaks. In all there are 26 peaks in the Southern Drakensberg higher than 10,000 feet (3050m)
Fishing:
With almost a kilometre of the mighty Mzimkulu River flowing through the property, we have some of the finest wild trout fishing in the country. The Underberg/Himeville Trout Fishing Club (UHTFC) controls approximately 150 kilometres of river and 40 dams in the district. Contact details are www.uhtfc.co.za • Tel - 033-7011041. Drakensberg Gardens, Castleburn and Lake Naverone are all nearby and can be contacted regarding daily fishing rates on their dams. The rivers are closed to fishing every year from Mid May to 1st September (depending on water levels), but the dams are open throughout the year. Please note that only fly fishing tackle is allowed.
With almost a kilometre of the mighty Mzimkulu River flowing through the property, we have some of the finest wild trout fishing in the country. The Underberg/Himeville Trout Fishing Club (UHTFC) controls approximately 150 kilometres of river and 40 dams in the district. Contact details are www.uhtfc.co.za • Tel - 033-7011041. Drakensberg Gardens, Castleburn and Lake Naverone are all nearby and can be contacted regarding daily fishing rates on their dams. The rivers are closed to fishing every year from Mid May to 1st September (depending on water levels), but the dams are open throughout the year. Please note that only fly fishing tackle is allowed.
Canoeing and Tubing:
The Mzimkulu River provides visitors with hours of fun whether its swimming, tubing, canoeing or kayaking.
The Drak Challenge(www.drak.co.za), a two day race on the Mzimkulu River takes place in January or February (depending on water levels) each year. This awesome race passes Orchid Valley early on the 1st day. A new one day race of the route has been added to the canoeing calendar and takes place in late December. Orchid Valley has a limited number of tubes, which depending on the level of the river, can get you to Underberg (if you are brave enough).
The Mzimkulu River provides visitors with hours of fun whether its swimming, tubing, canoeing or kayaking.
The Drak Challenge(www.drak.co.za), a two day race on the Mzimkulu River takes place in January or February (depending on water levels) each year. This awesome race passes Orchid Valley early on the 1st day. A new one day race of the route has been added to the canoeing calendar and takes place in late December. Orchid Valley has a limited number of tubes, which depending on the level of the river, can get you to Underberg (if you are brave enough).
Running and Trail-Running:
There are numerous paths and roads both on the property as well as in the area catering for the trail running enthusiasts.
The Sani Stagger is a gruelling 21 kilometre up or down run from the Sani Pass Hotel to the Top of Sani pass. For the endurance athletes there is the option of the 42 kilometre up and down run. The Stagger takes place in November each year with more details at www.sanistagger.com
There are numerous paths and roads both on the property as well as in the area catering for the trail running enthusiasts.
The Sani Stagger is a gruelling 21 kilometre up or down run from the Sani Pass Hotel to the Top of Sani pass. For the endurance athletes there is the option of the 42 kilometre up and down run. The Stagger takes place in November each year with more details at www.sanistagger.com
Mountain Biking:
Mountain Biking in the area has become extremely popular with an endless variety of terrains to choose from.
Sani Spoors is based 2.5km on the Drakensberg Gardens road, just outside Underberg and provides an intoxicating mix of mountain bike trails of varying difficulty and skill levels, providing fun and excitement for the whole family. Adrenalin filled downhills, strenuous climbs, gentle river trails, technical bridge crossings; all in one safe and scenically beautiful area. Riding is entirely on privately owned
farm land, varying from Pine forest to pastures, cattle tracks and river bank trails. www.sanispoors.com
Other Mountain Bike races in the area include:
Mountain Biking in the area has become extremely popular with an endless variety of terrains to choose from.
Sani Spoors is based 2.5km on the Drakensberg Gardens road, just outside Underberg and provides an intoxicating mix of mountain bike trails of varying difficulty and skill levels, providing fun and excitement for the whole family. Adrenalin filled downhills, strenuous climbs, gentle river trails, technical bridge crossings; all in one safe and scenically beautiful area. Riding is entirely on privately owned
farm land, varying from Pine forest to pastures, cattle tracks and river bank trails. www.sanispoors.com
Other Mountain Bike races in the area include:
- Sani2C MTB Race in May starting in Underberg – www.sani2c.co.za
- Sani Transfrontier MTB Epic in December up Sani Pass – www.sanispoors.com
- Drak MTB Xperience from Underberg in March – www.sanispoors.com
Golf:
There are two golf courses in the immediate area :
There are two golf courses in the immediate area :
- Underberg Country Club
- Glengary Country Club (Drakensberg Gardens) nestled at the foot of the Drakensberg boasts the most spectacular views of Rhinos Horn and the Drakensberg mountains.
Horse Riding :
Khotso Horse Trails is based 6km along the Drakensberg Gardens road and offers daily rides for children as well as adults. Overnight pony trails to Lesotho are also available - (Tel – 033-7011502)
Khotso Horse Trails is based 6km along the Drakensberg Gardens road and offers daily rides for children as well as adults. Overnight pony trails to Lesotho are also available - (Tel – 033-7011502)
Gliding & Paragliding:
Gliding in the exhilarating Drakensberg is available from Drakensberg soaring club on the farm Utopia 8km outside of Underberg.
www.dsc.org.za
Gliding in the exhilarating Drakensberg is available from Drakensberg soaring club on the farm Utopia 8km outside of Underberg.
www.dsc.org.za
Paragliding is available in Bulwer from Wild Sky – 039-8320224
Tennis & Bowls:
Tennis – Himeville has a very active and well maintained club which is open to visitors (price on enquiry); other courts only available by special arrangement. Join club players on Saturday afternoons for some social tennis.
Annual tournaments include Easter Junior , October Seniors and November Vets tournaments.
Tennis – Himeville has a very active and well maintained club which is open to visitors (price on enquiry); other courts only available by special arrangement. Join club players on Saturday afternoons for some social tennis.
Annual tournaments include Easter Junior , October Seniors and November Vets tournaments.
Bowls – Visitors are welcome to the club greens in Underberg or at various resorts (via prior arrangement)
Summit Sani Pass:
A breath-taking must-do for everyone. This is the only road linking Kwa-Zulu Natal and Lesotho and should only be tackled in a 4 x 4 .
The Border post hours are 06h00 to 18h00. A valid passport is required. Enjoy a drink in the highest pub in Africa at 2874m at the top of Sani Pass.
A breath-taking must-do for everyone. This is the only road linking Kwa-Zulu Natal and Lesotho and should only be tackled in a 4 x 4 .
The Border post hours are 06h00 to 18h00. A valid passport is required. Enjoy a drink in the highest pub in Africa at 2874m at the top of Sani Pass.
- Sani Pass Day Tours – Tours depart daily at around 9h00 and return by approximately 16h00. Many include a visit to a
Basotho village, or can be tailored to your specific need. Contact Sani Pass Tours (033-7011064) - SUndertake a Self-Drive – A unique experience for the adventurous at heart with a 4x4 vehicle.
See Ancient Rock Art:
Accessible only when companied by an accredited rock art guide. Recorded by UNESCO for World Heritage Site status of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, as being the largest and most concentrated group of rock paintings in Africa south of the Sahara; outstanding both in quality and diversity of subject. Hikes to these caves are not recommended for the unfit or young children. Short or long hikes available, all with entrance fees and light packed lunch included can be arranged. Contact Sani Pass Tours on 033-7011064
Accessible only when companied by an accredited rock art guide. Recorded by UNESCO for World Heritage Site status of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, as being the largest and most concentrated group of rock paintings in Africa south of the Sahara; outstanding both in quality and diversity of subject. Hikes to these caves are not recommended for the unfit or young children. Short or long hikes available, all with entrance fees and light packed lunch included can be arranged. Contact Sani Pass Tours on 033-7011064
Birding:
For enthusiastic birdwatchers there is an exceptional variety of 296 species of birdlife in the area including some very rare and endemic species. Depending on the time of the year, some of the birds you can see include Bearded vultures (Lammergeier),
Stanley Bustards, Auger Kestrels and Black Eagle, The Drakensberg Siskin and Orange-breasted Rockjumper, Wattled Cranes and Quail.
For enthusiastic birdwatchers there is an exceptional variety of 296 species of birdlife in the area including some very rare and endemic species. Depending on the time of the year, some of the birds you can see include Bearded vultures (Lammergeier),
Stanley Bustards, Auger Kestrels and Black Eagle, The Drakensberg Siskin and Orange-breasted Rockjumper, Wattled Cranes and Quail.
Flora:
There is a large number of mountain wild flowers to view on the plateau above the lodges.
Sani Pass Flower walk – Contact Bill Small (033-7011269 a/h)
There is a large number of mountain wild flowers to view on the plateau above the lodges.
Sani Pass Flower walk – Contact Bill Small (033-7011269 a/h)
Explore Local History:
Reichenau Mission – situated about 15 km from Underberg on the R617 towards Bulwer. Experience the fascinating history of the church and restored grain mill. Walk down the steep stairs behind the mill to the waterfall on the Pholela River. Take a guided tour of the mission.
Ikhwezi Craft Cooperative Project - run by Zulu women
Himeville Museum – on the main road in Himeville is regarded as one of the best local museums in the country
Reichenau Mission – situated about 15 km from Underberg on the R617 towards Bulwer. Experience the fascinating history of the church and restored grain mill. Walk down the steep stairs behind the mill to the waterfall on the Pholela River. Take a guided tour of the mission.
Ikhwezi Craft Cooperative Project - run by Zulu women
Himeville Museum – on the main road in Himeville is regarded as one of the best local museums in the country
Just have Fun:
Cheesery – 2km along the Drakensberg Gardens Road, taste and buy a delicious variety of speciality cheeses and yoghurts.
Dairy Visit – Experience the daily milking at one of the many dairy farms in the area (by special prior arrangement)
Quad Tours – Experience a self-drive trip in the scenic surrounds on quad bikes or other 4-wheelers. Watch the spectacular sunset and night-life on your return. All trips are guided.
Duck ‘n Dolittle – 1km along the Drakensberg Gardens Road is a restaurant and craft shop with an animal farm for the children where
they can feed the animals. Enjoy a stroll or MTB ride along the Sani Spoors Trails starting from Duck ‘n Dolittle.
Cheesery – 2km along the Drakensberg Gardens Road, taste and buy a delicious variety of speciality cheeses and yoghurts.
Dairy Visit – Experience the daily milking at one of the many dairy farms in the area (by special prior arrangement)
Quad Tours – Experience a self-drive trip in the scenic surrounds on quad bikes or other 4-wheelers. Watch the spectacular sunset and night-life on your return. All trips are guided.
Duck ‘n Dolittle – 1km along the Drakensberg Gardens Road is a restaurant and craft shop with an animal farm for the children where
they can feed the animals. Enjoy a stroll or MTB ride along the Sani Spoors Trails starting from Duck ‘n Dolittle.
The Splashy Fen music festival, Classical music festival, Bells Fly Fishing Festival, equestrian events, golf and other sporting events are all on the Southern Drakensberg District Diary – www.drakensberg.org