Southern Drakensberg

The southern stretch of the Drakensberg, with Underberg and Himeville as base towns; a 4x4 climb up Sani Pass leads into Lesotho, and the summit has what is said to be Africa's highest pub.

The Southern Drakensberg refers to the southwestern section of the Drakensberg range in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Underberg and Himeville are the two small towns used as bases. To the west lies the basalt escarpment bordering Lesotho, and the whole mountain area is part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier World Heritage Site. Compared with the northern section, with the Amphitheatre and Champagne Castle, it is quieter and more wild. The highlight is Sani Pass, a steep road that must be tackled in a 4x4 vehicle, climbing from the South African border post to the Lesotho highlands at nearly 2,900 meters. At the top is what is said to be Africa's highest pub, and from there you can hike to Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest peak in southern Africa.

Along the foothills from north to south are reserves including Lotheni, Cobham, Giant's Castle and Bushmen's Pass. Sights include San rock art, valley trails, trout fishing, and the five-day Giant's Cup Trail with mountain huts. From Bushmen's Pass, you can also hike or ride horses into Lesotho's Sehlabathebe National Park.

In terms of climate, September to April is the warm season: the mountains are lush and green and good for hiking, but afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. May to August is clear and dry but cold, with snow on the summits, and Sani Pass is occasionally closed by ice and snow.

Getting there: Driving from Durban or Pietermaritzburg to Underberg takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Several companies offer one-day 4x4 trips up Sani Pass. Plan 2-4 days. To enter Lesotho you must carry your passport. Chinese citizens must arrange a Lesotho visa in advance, and should confirm that their South African visa is a multiple-entry one.

Top sights

Where to eat