Southern Drakensberg, Drakensberg
Broadly speaking, the southern parts of the Drakensberg lie between Bushman's Nek to the south-east and Kamberg to the north-west, including the Bulwer Mountain and what are often described as the 'country' towns of Underberg and Himeville.
This part of the world is described as predominantly farmland that might once have been rather 'off the beaten track' but is now a far more popular destination, not least because of the access to fly-fishing opportunities.
The other reasons for heading to the southern Drakensberg are its access to Durban and Pietermaritzburg (you can get away for a weekend with relatively little hassle), the incredible scenery (you are at a high altitude tucked in beneath towering mountains) and the annual Splashy Fen Music Festival (acoustic music in an awesome setting) that invariably sees thousands of alternative types descend on a farm near Underberg for four days of rather loud music.
Other than that, the Southern Drakensberg is, like the other parts of the Drakensberg, a haven for hikers and those who love wildlife and unpredictable weather. There is often snow on the tips of mountains and the rivers, wetlands, indigenous forests and rolling grasslands that are typical of this part of the 'berg, combine to make it a wonderful escape destination.
The famous Sani Pass, the highest pass road in the country (and third highest in the world), lies in the Southern Drakensberg and follows the course of the Mkomazana River all the way up to the border with Lesotho. The drive up to the top, also known as the 'roof of Africa', is well worth the effort for the views and the utter breathlessness. If you manage it on a day when there are few visitors, you can hear a pin drop
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Fairways Heartwood Mountain Cottage
Fairways - Heartwood Mountain Cottage offers comfortable accommodation at the Drakensberg Gardens Resort and is just 30km from Underberg. The res...
Elgin Guest House
Elgin Guest House offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation on private sections of a working dairy farm. Each room has its own entrance ...
Sani Valley Lodge
Sani Valley Lodge is a unique blend of nature, activity and luxury accommodation (a mix between an upmarket Bed & Breakfast, Guest House and Hote...
Willowbrooke Cottage
Willowbrooke Cottage offers guests a comfortable, unforgettable experience in a fully equipped and serviced self-catering cottage with 3 bedroom...
Flitwick Ranch
Located on a working farm in Swartberg, Flitwick Ranch provides accommodation in what was once a cheese factory and rustic stone stables. Facilit...
Arbuckle House
Arbuckle House Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering is situated in the beautiful Village of Himeville in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg...
Penwarn Mthini Lodge
Penwarn Mthini Lodge offers Underberg accommodation and is the shining star of Penwarn Farm Lodge. The lodge is perched on a hill overlooking a m...
Malachite Manor
Malachite Manor is a luxury Guest Lodge situated on the outskirts of Underberg. It is an ideal getaway for discerning Guests wanting to get away ...
Rocky Ridge Lodge
Rocky Ridge Lodge accommodation is offered in large, comfortable en-suite rooms. Each room has an en-suite bathroom fitted with a shower, toilet ...
The Fairways Gold Crown Resort
Besides boasting a magnificent backyard, Fairways is renowned for its superb self catering units available in four and six sleeper units, as well...
Umzimkulu Malachite Cottage
Umzimkulu Malachite Cottage consists of two bedrooms furnished with a King-size bed or twin beds if preferred. The lounge and dining area has a l...
The Planes Guest House
The Planes Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in Kokstad, 8.2km from Mount Currie Nature Reserve and 14.4km from Stoney Brook 4x4 trail...
Ndawana River Lodge
Ndawana River Lodge offers luxury Underberg accommodation, total peace, solitude and tranquillity. Situated in the Southern Drakensberg, borderin...
Himeville Arms Hotel
The Himeville Arms Hotel is a historic country hotel located in the heart of Himeville. Established in 1904, the hotel has an olde world English ...
Valley Lakes Lodge
Valley Lakes Lodge is an efficiently designed eight sleeper lakeside lodge offering self catering accommodation in Underberg, about 30km from the...
Penwarn Nguni Cottage
Penwarn Nguni Cottage offers Underberg accommodation at Penwarn Farm Lodge just 25km from the quaint, little town of Underberg. Birdlife is of ab...
Mkomazana Mountain Cottages
Mkomazana is a unique property nestled at the foot of the Sani Pass. The accommodation is a charming combination of two original and recently ref...
Umzimkulu River Lodge
Umzimkulu River Lodge offers serviced Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering accommodation on one of the most beautiful bends of the Umzimkulu River in...
Dieu Donne Cottage
Dieu Donne Cottage is a self-catering cottage located on a farm just off the Sani Pass Road, in Underberg. The cottage boasts spectacular valley ...
Umzimkulu Woodland Cottage
Umzimkulu Woodland Cottage is a free standing double story holiday home in Drakensberg, ideal for a maximum of six adults and two children. Downs...
Sani Pass Manor Guesthouse
Sani Pass Manor Guesthouse is situated in Himeville in the main street of this small picturesque village that is just five kms. from the town of ...
Rest Assured Guest House
Rest Assured Guest House was one of the first guest houses in Kokstad. It has been in operation for many years and has seen guests from all walks...
Moorcroft Manor Boutique Hotel
We are perfectly situated to provide rest for the weary but at the same time we are surrounded by places offering activities that suit young and ...
Dunford's Loft
Dunford's Loft offers self catering accommodation in the village of Himeville. Here you will enjoy warm, friendly hospitality in a relaxed enviro...
Penwarn Manor
Penwarn Manor is rustic yet modern, offering accommodation in Underberg on Penwarn Farm Lodge just 25km from the quaint town. As you drive down t...
Anathi Hotel
Situated in Kokstad, Anathi Hotel offers accommodation for business executives and holiday makers alike. The establishment has a beautiful garden...
KarMichael Farm
KarMichael Farm is situated on a 35 Ha working farm just outside the Village of Himeville. The Farm has superb views into Lesotho with Hodgson's ...
The Old Orchard
The Old Orchard offers a variety of comfortable and spacious accommodation options. Situated approximately 4kms from Kokstad, The Old Orchard is ...
Splashy Fen Cottage
Splashy Fen Cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms, and an additional four people in a mezzanine loft room, above the lounge, accessed via a...
Hlutankungu B&B
Hlutankungu B&B accommodation is in double rooms, twin rooms, honeymoon suite and a cottage. Each room contains an en-suite bathroom and a privat...
Lindela House
Lindela House invites you to a relaxing bed and breakfast stay in a quiet corner of the picturesque town of Kokstad, in East Griqualand. Lindela ...
Lakeside Lodge at Giants Cup
Lakeside Lodge at Giants Cup is a self catering holiday home in Underberg that consists of two bedrooms both with en-suite bathrooms. The main be...
Pin Oak Cottage
Pin Oak Cottage is a self catering holiday house in Underberg in the Drakensberg. The house sleeps ten guests in four bedrooms. The main house ha...
Sani Window
Sani Window in Underberg is set on a large property facing onto the golf course with magnificent views of the Drakensberg Mountains. The house ha...
9 Stoney Way Cottage
9 Stoney Way Cottage is a two bedroom, one bathroom cottage set in a large garden behind the main house just outside the village of Underberg. Th...
44 on Brownlee
Situated in a quiet and safe residential area of Kokstad, 44 on Brownlee provides accommodation for the discerning traveller. There are six spaci...
Fireside Cabin
Fireside Cabin is a gorgeous off-the-grid log cabin. The property boasts a river, visible from the deck, within walking distance so you can enjoy...
Penwarn Farm Lodge
Rustic yet modern, Penwarn Farm Lodge can be found just 25km from the quaint, little town of Underberg in South Africa. As you drive down the Khy...
Under The Berg B&B
Bed & Breakfast and Backpackers Accommodation is available at Under the Berg B&B in Underberg, in the Southern Drakensberg. If you've come to the...
The Old Hatchery
Welcome to an affordable B&B and self-catering trout farm, set in a tranquil country setting just 10km from Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg...
Penwarn Mziki Cottage
Penwarn Mziki Cottage offers Underberg accommodation on Penwarn Farm Lodge just 25km from the quaint town. As you drive down the Khyber Pass, you...
Moya Cottage
Offering self catering accommodation, Moya Cottage is a cosy cottage situated in the peaceful Underberg village, in the heart of the Southern Dra...
Executive Guest House
Executive Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in the town of Harding. When you pair our scenic, spacious garden, our crystal clear pool ...
Umzimkulu Mangrove Cottage
Umzimkulu Mangrove Cottage is free standing original homestead with rustic details. This holiday home in Underberg is ideal for a max of 5 guests...
ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest
Nestled below the Ingeli Mountains and surrounded by beautiful indigenous forests, Ingeli Forest Resort is the ideal place to unwind! Treat yours...
Valley Lakes
Valley Lakes is situated approximately 30kms from Underberg, nestled in the Ndawana Valley, and the lake is fed by the pristine waters of the Nda...
Sani Lodge Backpackers
The Lodge provides a wide range of clean, comfortable budget accommodation as well as 3 charming, self catering cottages, deep in the majestic So...
Duckbay Lodge at Giants Cup
Duckbay Lodge at Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve occupies the premium position on the farm and is set on the edge of a pine glade, up near the estu...
Stoney Hall Farm
Stoneyhall Farm is situated at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg where the rolling green hills and clear mountain air invite you to unwind and...
Penwarn Kingfisher Cottage
Penwarn Kingfisher Cottage offers Underberg accommodation in a thatch cottage located at Penwarn Farm. Enjoy Drakensberg self catering while shar...
Splashy Fen Log Cabin Camping
The Splashy Fen Log Cabin is a quirky and rustic cabin with beds and campsite located in a secluded area at the top of the festival site. The sel...
Valley View Cottage
Situated in the small town of Underberg in the southern Drakensberg, Valley View Cottage offers self catering accommodation for four guests. Boas...
Douglas Drift
Douglas Drift is a real country getaway, situated 4.5km outside of Underberg town with magnificent views of the Umzimkulu River. Enjoy fresh air ...
Woodys Cottage
Woodys Cottage is a quaint Drakensberg self catering cottage, which is situated on a private farm, close to a river just outside Himeville in the...
Sunset View Cottage
Sunset View Cottage is an upmarket, exclusive, romantic, couples' getaway. The panoramic views of the berg are breath-taking. Sunset View is clos...
Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve
Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve, the premier wild-trout fly fishing destination in Southern Africa, is a registered site of Conservation Significan...
Otter Cove at Giants Cup
Otter Cove at Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve is set on it’s own in a pine glen close to the waters edge. Otter Cove is a holiday cottage in Underb...
Pennygum Country Cottages
Pennygum Country Cottages offers four beautiful cottages with stunning 'picture postcard' views of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains just 6km fr...
The Guesthouse Kokstad
The Guesthouse Kokstad is situated just 2km from the centre of Kokstad, and offers guests a choice of lovely self-catering rooms that can accommo...
Penwarn Oribi Cottage
Oribi Cottage is located at Penwarn Farm Lodge and offers comfortable accommodation in Underberg. The farm lodge lies in an exquisite valley surr...
Drakensberg Gardens Camping
Boasting breathtaking views of an awe inspiring mountain range, the Resort is a one of kind retreat for guests to rekindle, relax and unwind. Wit...
Mount Currie Inn
Mount Currie Inn is a 53 room, country-style hotel located just outside of Kokstad. The inn is conveniently situated off the N2 highway and is cl...
Things to do in the area
Visit The Underberg Studio
The Underberg Studio is situated in the picturesque farming village of Himeville at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg. Here you will find the ...
Sani Spoors
Sani Spoors is mountain biking heaven. Situated in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, only 4km from the country village of Underberg, the...
Sherry Cave Hike
Start: Garden Castle Wilderness Area, Underberg, DrakensbergFinish: Garden Castle Wilderness AreaDuration: overnight hikeFitness: moderate to dif...
McKenzie's Caves Hike
Start: Mkhomzi Nature Reserve car parkFinish: Mkhomzi Nature Reserve car parkDuration: 11km (roughly 20 km return)Fitness: moderateOur tip: sign ...
Sinclair's Cave Hike
Start: Mkhomazi Wilderness Area, southern central Drakensberg or Kamberg Nature ReserveFinish: where you started, this is a there-and-back hikeDu...
Mashai Pass and Rhino Peak
Start: Garden CastleFinish: Garden CastleDuration: 18 km, 10 hoursFitness: difficult as the climb is extremeOur tip: start early and always sign ...
Sani Pass MTB Trail
Where: Sani Pass, nearest town HimevilleLevel: difficult to extremely difficult (not for children)Type of route: 72 – 80 km return, this gravel p...
Tarn Cave Hike
Start: Bushman's Nek Wilderness Area, southern DrakensbergFinish: Bushman's NekDuration: 10 km each way; 2 daysFitness: moderate to difficultOur ...
Pinnacle Rock Hike
Start: Cobham ranger station, southern DrakensbergFinish: Cobham, southern DrakensbergDuration: 10 km (20 km return)Fitness: moderate to difficul...
Noteworthy attractions
Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
Lying virtually at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountain, the dam was the site of one of the most bloody battles to ensue during the Anglo-Bo...
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandsto...
Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
The Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, with its numerous free standing peaks and magnificent mountain scenery, is one of the most favoured parts of t...
Cobham State Forest
Cobham is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Dominated by Hodgs...
Garden Castle State Forest
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the Bushman's Nek Valley. The Garden Castle reserve i...
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
Historic Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Drakensberg region of the Ukhahla...
Himeville Nature Reserve
The Himeville Nature Reserve stretches along the eastern boundary of Himeville Village and was proclaimed to its present size of 104 ha in 1973. ...
Kamberg Nature Reserve
Kamberg Nature Reserve, one of the smallest of the KZN Wildlife resorts, lies in the foothills of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park - one of the ea...
Lotheni Nature Reserve
Noted for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp, Lotheni is situated in a remote section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Many delightful...
Find accommodation in Southern Drakensberg
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