Things to do in Drakensberg

People come from all the world to experience this incredible pass. This gives anyone who goes up the pass lifelong memories. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience the dramatic landscapes of the Drakensberg mountains and the rich culture of Lesotho in a single day. The main attractions of this great tour are: 1. Scenic Drive: Travel through the KwaZulu-Natal countryside, passing rolling hills and traditional Zulu homesteads. 2. Underberg: A brief stop in this small town which serves as the gateway to the Southern Drakensberg. 3. Sani Pass: An adventurous 4x4 drive up the steep and winding pass, with breathtaking views and hairpin bends. 4. Lesotho: Enter the "Kingdom in the Sky" and visit a traditional Basotho village. Experience the local culture and interact with the villagers. 5. Highest Pub in Africa: Enjoy a meal or a drink at the Sani Mountain Lodge, which boasts the highest pub in Africa.

Take a weekend hike in the Drakensberg Mountains on a 2-day guided tour. Enjoy the convenience of a weekend hike with no need to take leave from work. See the Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world, and the Drakensberg Amphitheatre. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge where you will start your 7-kilometer hike to the Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. Choose to hike via The Gully or the Chain Ladders, depending on your preference and fitness. The 7-kilometer hike takes on average about 3 hours to complete. There are a few steep sections but nothing that cannot be accomplished. In fact, the guide has never had anyone turn around on this hike. Spend the night on the escarpment and enjoy some of the most spectacular Drakensberg scenery. Check out the Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in the world. It plunges nearly 1000 meters over the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment into the valley below. Leave all the logistics, planning, and food up to the guide. Enjoy a safe and enjoyable hike with group sizes between 1-12 people.

Itinerary Day 1: Depart at 08:00 from Durban and head to the aptly named town of Underberg under the Drakensberg mountains. In our guided 4wd vehicle in Underberg we proceed into Lesotho Via Sani Pass The Sani Pass climbs from 1500m to 2874m ASL. The famous switchbacks overlooking the South African valleys are spectacular. Go on a hike of the escarpment overlooking the Sani Pass or pony trek along the cliffs. Day 2: Climb further to the top of Black Mountain Pass at 3240m ASL. The remote villages of the Sani Top and Mokhotlong areas are some of the most remote villages in Lesotho. Get an inside look at the people living in this tough environment with a visit to a village. Picnic lunch is over a beautiful vista of the Senqu river, which becomes the Orange river in South Africa. An important river for several Southern African countries makes the perfect lunch stop. The route from Sani Top to Thaba Bosiu is often called the Roof of Africa route, we have already conquered the Sani Pass as well as Black Mountain Pass. After lunch we tackle Taeeng pass at 3225m and Motebong pass at 2820m. Along the way you will see Letseng Diamond mine–the world’s highest diamond mine and Afriski Moutain Resort and countless villages and other picturesque scenes. We will head to our overnight accommodation in Hlotse. Check-in at Bird Haven at approx. 18:00. Day 3: Breakfast at 07:00, departure at approx. 08:00-30. We backtrack slightly to visit a riverbed close to our overnight accommodation, where there is evidence of prehistoric life forms. If the river is in flood these ancient footprints are hidden to the world but usually the water levels are low enough for us to look at the Dinosaur Footprints We now leave the main road to Maseru and travel to the Kome Caves, home to modern cave-dwellers, these caves were originally inhabited by clans escaping the Lifqane wars and cannibalism. We make our way to Thaba Bosiu along the back roads which go through many rural villages. Thaba Bosiu is a cultural centre of utmost importance to Lesotho and its history. From Thaba Bosiu we drive into the capital city Maseru for lunch at approx. 13:00, this gives one a good understanding of modern-day city life in Lesotho and its mix with Lesotho’s strong culture. By 15:00, We head back into the highlands of Lesotho going through the Mantsa Pass to highland town of Semonkong. Check-in at Semonkong at approx. 17:30 Day 4: Breakfast at 7:30am Hike/4wd Drive to the Maletsunyane Falls Depart the Lesotho highlands via passes that enter South Africa at Qacha’s Nek. We snake our way through the last remote villages of Lesotho. We cross the Senqu river again–which we first saw on day 1 and then follow it along the Senqu river valleys toward the border town of Qachas Nek. Once back in South Africa we are normally in Matatiele around 13:00 for lunch. From Matatiele we skirt alongside the Drakensberg mountains and return to Underberg along scenic back roads, returning usually around 15:00-16:00

Depart from Durban and travel to the Natal Midlands. Stop at Howick Falls, a 95-meter waterfall that plunges into the Umgeni River below. The area is rich in natural beauty and local legends, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Proceed to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. A tour of the Nelson Mandela Capture Site offers a poignant journey into South Africa’s history, marking the spot where Mandela was arrested in 1962 before his 27 years of imprisonment. Located near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, the site features an impressive outdoor sculpture of Mandela's face, made from 50 steel columns that align to form his profile as you approach. The on-site museum tells the story of Mandela’s life, his fight for freedom, and the significance of his arrest in the larger struggle against apartheid. Head to the Drakensberg mountains for a hike. Hiking in the Drakensberg offers an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s most dramatic mountain range. With towering peaks, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls, the Drakensberg presents a hiker's paradise. Trails range from easy walks through wildflower-filled meadows to challenging routes that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, encounter diverse wildlife, and stunning panoramic views, all while being immersed in the rugged beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After hiking, take a lunch break, own expense, before commencing with journey back to Durban arriving at around 6 PM.

This tour begins in Gauteng with a short tour of Johannesburg and Soweto After 1 night's stay in Centurion we will spend a full day traversing the panorama route in Blyde river canyon system in Drakensberg mountains followed by checking into the beautiful Sabi Sands game reserve greater Kruger Day 3 4 and 5 will be spent in Sabi sands filled with game drives and bush walks and free time at the lodges. There is nothing better than sleeping in the Lowveld and listening to the wildlife noises around you Day 6 and 7 will be spent in the beautiful Timbivati private game reserve greater Kruger with more photographic game drives and bush walks and also a massive chance of photographing the last of our wild white lions in Africa. Day 8 wil be spent as a full day in central Kruger National park between skukuza and olifants camps with alot of emphasis on photographic opportunities and a check in to Balule private game reserve greater Kruger. Day 9 and 10 wil be spent in Balule game reserve filled with game drives and a hands on conservations effort depending on availability at the time. On day 11 you will be transfered back to Johannesburg or any . of your choice and this will conclude your tour. All transfers, 4 to 5 star accomodation and 3 3course meals per day all included. Drinking water will be available at all times and the very best of guiding at tour disposal are all included!

We depart from Durban at 7.30am and head off to Howick Falls. From Howick Falls we proceed Nelson Mandela Capture Site where we spend an hour or 2. Thereafter we take our final leg of the tour to the Drakensberg where we will also do some hiking into the Mountains. We return back to Durban in late afternoon arriving at around 6pm. Howick Falls are simply breathtaking, and the deafening rush of water from the viewing deck is incredibly relaxing and mystifying at the same time. At 95m, they're the same height as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and date back to when Kwazulu Natal was first inhabited by man. Several arts and crafts stalls can be found on the viewing platform and along Morling Road which leads down to the falls. Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 outside Howick, Natal, South Africa. He spent the next 27 years of his life in prison. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates this moment in history with a visitor centre and a world renowned sculpture. The Drakensberg Mountain Region has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Drakensberg region is extraordinary, thanks to the dramatically beautiful setting. This region is home to the awe-inspiring mountain range which is predominantly found in the KwaZulu Natal Province. The Drakensberg Mountain range is more than 200 kilometres long and combines rugged peaks with verdant valleys and spectacular backdrops. It creates a natural border between the kingdom of Lesotho and the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Depart from Durban at 6am and head to the Drakensberg Mountains, a 2,5 hour journey. Arrive in the Drakensberg Mountains and go foot hiking for about 2 hours. Enjoy the experience. Take a short meal break (own expense) before returning to Durban. The Drakensberg Mountains are a majestic and rugged mountain range in South Africa that stretch for over 1,000 kilometers along the eastern border with Lesotho. The highest peak stands at 3,482 meters (11,423 feet) above sea level. The Drakensberg offers breathtaking landscapes, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls. The region is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including baboons, elands, and zebras. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and fly-fishing, among other activities. The Drakensberg Mountains are a natural wonder that offer visitors an unforgettable experience of South Africa's stunning beauty, rich culture, and exciting outdoor adventures.

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg, traveling through some of South Africa's most scenic coastal towns, game reserves and other natural wonders. See the big 5, hike in the Drakensberg Mountains, and explore the Blyde River Canyon. Day 1: Depart from Cape Town and drive along the picturesque coastline to Betty’s Bay to see the endangered African Penguins. Proceed to Benguela Cove wine estate to taste 5 Wines. Proceed to Hermanus, famous for its whale watching. Day 2: Travel on the Garden Route to Knysna. Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, where dramatic cliffs and coastal trails offer incredible views and the chance to spot seals and dolphins. Visit the beaches in Plettenberg Bay. Visit the iconic Knysna Heads, where the lagoon meets the sea. Explore the charming Knysna Waterfront and Knysna Lagoon Day 3: Travel to Port Elizabeth, with a stop in Bloukrans Bridge for the world’s highest bungy jump, 216m – own cost. Visit Addo National Park for a game drive. See Africa’s big 5, elephants, lions, rhino, leopard, buffalo and many other animals – zebras, kudus, impalas, etc… Day 4: Depart for East London, passing through the scenic Eastern Cape, relax on its pristine beaches Day 5: Head to Mthatha, the heart of the Eastern Cape and the gateway to the Wild Coast. Visit the Nelson Mandela Museum Day 6: Travel to the Drakensberg Mountains and go hiking in the Drakensberg, an unforgettable adventure through one of South Africa's most breathtaking landscapes Day 7: Arrive in Durban, a vibrant coastal city. Spend the afternoon exploring the Golden Mile, the beachfront, cultural attractions, and diverse cuisine Day 8: Travel to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. Embark on a Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in St Lucia Estuary, located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which offers an exciting and up-close encounter with some of Africa's most fascinating wildlife Day 9: Travel through Mpumalanga Province to Kruger National Park, meet locals along the way. Day 10: Full Day Safari in Kruger National Park. See the big 5 - lions, elephants, leopard, rhino and buffalo. See many other animals - giraffes, zebras, kudus, impalas, and many more Day 11: Tour of Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world, offers breathtaking views of its dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and lush landscapes. Highlights include Three Rondavels, towering rock formations resembling traditional African huts, and God’s Window, with panoramic views. You’ll also explore the Bourke's Luck Potholes Day 12: Travel through Mpumalanga Province to Johannesburg. Stop and tour areas in Mpumalanga Province. Conclude the tour at around 5pm.

This memorable day combines a Landrover trip up the famous Sani Pass, reputed to be the most remarkable as well as challenging mountain pass in South Africa and into Lesotho, with a moderate hike (6km each way with a 400m altitude gain) to the summit of Hodgson's Peaks - the highest peak in this section of the Drakensberg mountain range. The overall altitude gain from Sani Lodge is 1700 metres. Hike across grassy alpine plains sprinkled with delicate flowers, interact with the local shepherds and their flocks of sheep and goats, see their unique stone 'Motebo' dwellings then ascend to 3256m and an unparalleled 360 degree view from the summit of Hodgson's Peaks. Stunning views down into South Africa and the deep incised valleys of the Drakensberg Park, the high peaks of the escarpment stretching north to Giants Castle and south to Bushman's Nek and the soaring Maloti Mountains of Lesotho as far as the eye can see to the west. What Makes Us Different: Guides: Our experienced guides are all knowledgeable and passionate about the Sani Pass and Lesotho. Vehicles: We use mainly 9 seater closed in Landrovers. This is the vehicle which pioneered the Sani Pass. The emphasis is on adventures and experiences on not on comfort. Pricing is numbers dependent, with cheaper prices once the group size on the tour is 3 or more. It makes sense for individuals to join existing tours if possible. Contact us to see when tours have been booked and if you could join an existing group to bring the price down. Community Tourism: Experience responsible tourism in action! Your tour price includes a contribution to the Sani Top Basotho community. Our ground-breaking approach to grass-roots tourism means that your tour price directly benefits a wide segment of the local community, preserving cultural dignity and ensuring Fair remuneration for services rendered. “Sani Lodge is the Silver Award Winner of African Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Reduction 2018. Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa has made a major contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction over many years. By involving Basotho stakeholders, they have created opportunities for communities to proudly showcase their unique cultural practices, engaging with guests in an authentic manner, thereby earning their respect. They are the future of tourism in Africa". ~ Judges

This is the best of South Africa 10 Day Tour – starting in Johannesburg, going to Kruger National Park, then to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park (a World Heritage Site). From Isimangaliso Wetlands Park the tour moves to Durban for a guided tour of Durban town. Thereafter we go to the Drakensberg Mountains for hiking. We spend the night in the Drakensberg at Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort or similar hotel. From the Drakensberg we proceed to the Wild Coast before we reach the Garden Route for the final leg of the tour. We reach Cape Town on day 10. Experience Africa like never before on a 10-day trip that will leave you breathless. Discover the Kruger National Park where we embark on a game drive. Kruger National Park is one of the biggest in Africa with the big 5. It is rated as the number 1 Game Reserve in the world. From Kruger National Park we go to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a World Heritage Site in the Northern KZN. In Isimangaliso Wetlands Park we go on a Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in the beautiful St Lucia Estuary and thereafter do a game drive. We spend 2 nights in Kruger National Park at Kruger Adventure Lodge or similar and 1 night in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park at Elephant Lake Hotel or similar. From Isimangaliso Wetlands Park we go to Durban with its warm beaches and wonderful other features. We do a guided tour of Durban city. We spend 2 nights in Durban at Blue Waters Hotel or similar. Then we visit the Drakensberg Mountain Region, this is extraordinary, thanks to the dramatically beautiful setting. We spend 1 night in Drakensberg at Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort or similar (bed and breakfast). From the Drakensberg we head to the Wild Coast. Here we encounter local villages and get to see local people and their living styles. We visit the Nelson Mandela Museum and Qunu, Mandela’s birth place along the way. We spend a night in Mthatha and another night in East London in 3 or 4 start hotels or lodges (bed and breakfast). We then get to the Garden Route. We explore the Garden Route, starting from Port Elizabeth. We visit Addo Elephant National Park for a day in the bush in touch with nature and wildlife. We also visit Robberg Nature Reserve for hiking. We visit white sand beaches in Plettenberg Bay. We visit Bloukrans Bridge (there is the world’s highest bungy jump at 216m. We also visit the Knysna Heads and Knysna Quays Waterfront. We go on a sunset boat cruise from Knysna Quays Waterfront. We spend 3 nights in Knysna at aha the Rex Hotel or similar (bed & breakfast). On the final day we visit Hermanus for whale watching (in season). From Hermanus we visit Benguela Cove Wine Estate for a world class wine tasting experience of 5 different wines. We also go to Betty’s Bay to see African Penguins. This is our final stop before we reach Cape town on day 10 in late afternoon to conclude our stunning 10 day tour.