The Sani Pass
The legendary Sani Pass provides the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and is the only road crossing the summit of the high Drakensberg.
Originally a mule track, it is still a tortuous, hair-raising road today. At 2873m you enter the land of the hardy “people of the blanket”, a place that time has forgotten.
The views from this altitude are nothing less than awe-inspiring, with snow and frozen waterfalls in winter, and a blaze of flower blooms in summer.
Take your own 4×4 or let a recognised Tour Operator drive you.
Valid passports are essential for each person and some require a visa. Enquire with the Tour operators.
Sani Pass Tour OperatorsMore about the Sani PassHiking
The Southern Drakensberg offers superb hiking opportunities to all, young and old, fit and unfit. From short rambles to overnight hiking, experience the views, the peace and swims in mountain streams. Fit hikers might tackle a strenuous trip up the Rhino or bag Hodgson’s Peaks and Thabana Ntlenyana (the highest point in Africa south of Kilimanjaro).
Most of the walks are in the Maloti Drakensberg Park, administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. All hikers on KZN Wildlife land must purchase an entry permit first. Always take a waterproof jacket with you when hiking - the weather can change very quickly in the berg! Also pack energy food, a water bottle, sunscreen and a cap.
More about Hiking in the Southern DrakensbergFishing
The Southern Drakensberg area affords more fly-fishing opportunities than any other district in South Africa!
A traveler cruising the N3 on a clear day may see far off to the west the snow clad peaks of the high Drakensberg. As the highway snakes coastward the high Berg twists away to the East and it is here, at the kink in the spine of the mountain that the finest of South Africa’s trout fishing is found. For here flow the mighty Umzimkulu, the lyric Ngagwana, Umzimkulwana, Ndwana, Pholela and Mkomozana.
More about Fishing in the Southern DrakensbergHorse Riding
Horse riding is always a favourite Berg activity, with numerous hotels and farm getaways offering outrides. Horse riding tours into Lesotho are a favourite and so are day or hourly rides for all levels of ability.
Polo and Polocrosse are very popular within the district with active clubs.
The backbone of the South African team has often been farmers in our district.
Horse Riding ProvidersAbsolute Polo SchoolFlora & Fauna
The Southern Drakensberg forms part of the Maloti Drakensberg Park, declared a World Heritage Site for both its precious cultural and natural resources. The spectacular escarpment of the Drakensberg hosts a rich biological diversity of endemic and rare plant and animal species including unique high altitude Alpine vegetation.
The summer months see the mountainside transformed into a mass of colourful flowers, not to be missed. Nowhere is this abundant floral splendour more evident than in the Southern Drakensberg, because the Sani Pass makes rapid access to even alpine flora very easy. Birdwatchers come here to see rare and uncommon cranes, endemic raptors like the mighty Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer), and mountain grassland species like the Drakensberg Siskin and the Orange breasted Rockjumper.
More about Flora & FaunaMountain Biking
The Southern Drakensberg is fast growing into one of the premier mountain biking destinations in South Africa. It offers something for everyone -quiet country gravel roads, serious single track, the steep gradients of the top section of the Sani Pass, multi-day rides and good tarred roads!
Enter one of the many events held in the area, or simply do it yourself. Some of the most popular MTB races in the country such as Sani2C and Joberg2C use trails in the Underberg area. The Eurosteel DrakDescent Mountain Bike Challenge has become an iconic event in our region, attracting avid cyclists from near and far. This thrilling race not only showcases the breath-taking landscapes of our area but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth by drawing participants and visitors to our community. Then there’s the Underberg Gran Fondo, named after the Italian “Big Ride” moniker, aiming to offer a new event to the rapidly growing community of gravel bike riders in South Africa.
More about mountain bikingGolfing
There are 3 golf courses in the district. Underberg Country Club has an active golf section with regular tournaments. Sani Pass Hotel has a picturesque nine hole course while Drakensberg gardens Hotel has an 18 hole course as part of the Drakensberg gardens Golf Club, complete with clubhouse and restaurant overlooking the course which is deep in the mountains.
Golf CoursesCanoeing & Tubing
The Southern Drakensberg of South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine rivers, perfect for canoeing and tubing adventures. Feel the rush of the rapids as you navigate through breathtakingly scenery. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with nature and have an unforgettable river adventure in the Southern Drakensberg.
OperatorsDrak Challenge Canoe RaceLocal Events
The Southern Drakensberg is known for its vibrant local events scene. From internationally-renowned music festivals such as Splashy Fen to thrilling outdoor pursuits such as the Drak Challenge Canoe Race, Sani2C mountain bike race, and Ultra Trail Drakensberg, there is never a dull moment. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a music lover, the Southern Drakensberg has something for everyone.
All Local EventsRock Art
The Drakensberg were given World heritage Status due to the concentration of rock art found in shelters throughout the range. We are blessed to have a multitude of painted shelters in the Southern Drakensberg with a rich variety of different painting subjects and styles.
The Bushmen were the original inhabitants of the Drakensberg. Excavations at the Good Hope Shelter (off the Sani Pass road) suggest that Bushmen have been living in the rock shelters of the Drakensberg for a minimum of 10 000 years. For much of that time, they have been painting in certain of these shelters. The Drakensberg is thus home to one of the largest art galleries in the world, with around 600 painted sites and over 35 000 individual images. One can look at paintings of eland or rhebok, turn around and look out at these very animals!
Rock art guided hikesMore about rock art in the DrakensbergParagliding
Wild Sky Paragliding School in Bulwer has been providing exceptional paragliding services for over 25 years. Our chief instructor, who has extensive experience in teaching paragliding since 1992, is committed to imparting top-notch skills to all students. We offer a range of services including tandem flights and paragliding courses to cater to your unique needs.
When you choose Wild Sky Paragliding School, you can rest easy knowing that you are in the capable hands of Hans and Ria, who will guide you through an exciting and safe journey. Let us help you embrace the thrill of paragliding while also ensuring your safety and comfort throughout every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services.