SANI-PASS . Sani is the Drakensberg mountain pass between South Africa and Lesotho ; at 2876 metres ( 9435 feet ) it ranks pretty high as the ultimate off-road experience . If you are not the driving type , there are tours on which you can be elegantly ferried up and down up Sani Pass by an experienced guide .
And to top it all off ( excuse the pun ) you can staycation at the Sani Mountain Lodge , or simply enjoy a meal or drink with breath-taking views .
This year has seen an early snowfall on Sani Pass , the 12 May saw the beginning of snow-seekers from far and wide descending to the winterwonderland of the Drakensberg . Skiing , sleighing and snowboarding are added to the list of Southern Drakensberg activities , like horse-riding , birdwatching , nature & cultural walks , hiking and camping .
WATER SPORTS . The Umzimkulu River begins in the Drakensberg & ends in the Indians ocean on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast . In the Southern Drakensberg , it plays host to a variety of water sports : leisure boating , canoeing , trout fishing , swimming and summer-only tubing ( water levels are too low in other seasons ).
The river also boasts famous events like the famous Drak Challenge , a canoe marathon that ends at the Umzimkulu River Lodge . The lodge is a truly unique way to experience the river ; Fairy-tale style cottages , a la carte riverside dining , and indoor / outdoor family activities like miniature golf & petting zoo . What ’ s more , the owners and staff will readily provide insider tips on current highlights in the Southern Drakensberg .
MEANDERING . While you ’ re exploring and adventuring , there are plenty of charming country stops on your Southern Drakensberg route . With the Underberg Cheesery , cafes , restaurants , crafts , curios , historic tours and the Wine Gallery of Africa , there ’ s plenty to see and do !
MOUNTAINEERING , BIKING & NA- TURE . The Drakensberg Mountains are well known as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts , with all-year-round Mountain Biking , trail running , and mountaineering . If you are the camping type , you can sign up for a multiday hiking experience and really go off-the-grid . In the central Drakensberg is the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park , a world-famous UNESCO World heritage site . UNESCO describes the site as having ‘ exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses , incisive dramatic cutbacks , and golden sandstone ramparts .’ So , while exploring the Southern Drakensberg , expects to see some of the rare & indigenous flora and fauna , such as the cycad , protea and bearded vulture .
HORSE-BACK RIDING . A romantic getaway , family outing , thrill-seeking group , or multi-day off-the-grid & cross-border ( SA & Lesotho ) camps – it ’ s a fabulous way to see Southern Drakensberg . Khotso Horse Trails is recommended for hosting of such experiences ; their cosy log cabins provide a serene holiday location or a base-camp for adventurers . Khotso horses are exquisite creatures and the owner is an experienced outdoor enthusiast ( Ultra marathons , trail running etc ) - engineering a well-tailored & beautiful experience .
TOURISM GUIDE AFRICA TRAVEL GUIDE
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