The Drakensberg offers the most beautiful scenery imaginable, a challenge for adventure seekers, quiet for nature lovers, accommodation of a world-class standard, hikes for family and mountaineer and picture perfect views.
Information about the Maloti-Drakensberg
A great scenic outlook of rock formations and grassy plains with almost unlimited views of the escarpment from north to south on a clear day. Read More...
Pholela Cave is in the Cobham region near the Pholele river. It's a large cave with a relatively level floor and good shelter in bad weather. Spectacle and Gorge cave are nearby and worth visiting. Read More...
A great day hike that's easy and suitable for younger children. As you walk along the Bushman's Nek River and deeper into the valley you will get a great feeling of being outdoors. Some of the gallery pictures show the area when it had snowed. The snow was 3 foot deep near Halfway/Slab cave and no path could be found, ... Read More...
An easy 2 hour hike over 3.7 km with a total uphill of 377m. The cave is huge and offers excellent protection from bad weather. The last section on the way to the cave is up some wooden steps.There is enough flat sections in the cave to sleep 10 people comfortably. The video by Patrik Kjellgren @patttrici shows how bi ... Read More...
Two routes are possible, one via Lammergeier Cave or via Thamathu Cave. The route via Thamathu cave is recommended as a path can be followed the whole way. The hike via Lammergeier cave has no path for about half the hike and unless you know the area well and have a good map this route should not be attempted. Read More...
Yellowwood Cave is in the Lotheni area. The cave is easily reached from Lotheni Camp (about 6km). Read More...
Mpongweni (Sipongweni) North Shelter is in the Cobham area. Mpongweni North Shelter is a must visit if you are interested in Bushman Paintings. It's a long uphill hike of about 6 hours to the site but well worth the visit. Probably best to overnight and make this a 2 day trip. Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: Women ... Read More...
Painter's Cave is in the Bushman's Nek area. Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: In the contact period and especially after the arrival of the Europeans, Bushman groups changed from being hunter-gatherers to being raiders and traders for the sake of their survival. Bushman raiders kept the horses for themselves as hors ... Read More...
Viewed from the Garden Castle road and can also be seen from Mzimkhylwana Hut area. Read More...
Boundary Rock is just over 4km from the Cobham Reserve and a stunning pool for swimming is near by. Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: A large indeterminate human is depicted bending over a group of sitting people. This image links to the trance dance, since the bending forward posture is part of this dance. After exc ... Read More...
This is day 2 of the Giants Cup Trail hike. Its an easy hike of 8.6km to Mzimkulwana Hut. On the way you pass Bath Plug Cave which is a good spot for lunch. The Hut can be quite cold as in a valley near a river so do take some warm clothes along also. Read More...
Pornographic Shelter (Bushmans River Rock #1) is in the Garden Castle area. Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: One of the panels at Pornographic Shelter displays a group of running men that seems to be hunting. The parent rock shows signs of flaking, natural weathering and water-wash areas consisting of silica, salt a ... Read More...
Thamathu Cave is in the Bushmans Nek area. The cave is about 7km from the parking lot and its uphill almost all the way to the cave. Further on from the cave is Thamathu pass. The cave is large, split into 4 sections and a semi level area near the front. The views and sunrise from the cave make the hike up the hill wor ... Read More...
Twelve Apostles are in the Cobham area and can be viewed when driving up Sani Pass. Read More...
Lotheni South Pass. The gully access is actually more prominent but the North Fork is the one indicated on maps. It is a known smuggling route and is an easier hike than the North Fork. Read More...
Lammergeier Cave in Bushamns Nek is a stunning cave, it must be the longest cave in all the Drakensberg. The cave is found on the Lammergeier Pass route. The cave could fit 50 people but 12 is the maximum allowed by Ezemvelo. A stream is below the cave all year and the sunrise in the mornings are a must to see. ... Read More...
Knuckles Pass (North) is located in the Bushman's Nek area. There is no visible trail. Read More...
A stunning cave with magnificent views offering great protection even in the severest storms. Plenty water is available in the stream below and next to the cave in the summer months. Read More...
A narrow cave on the path about half way towards Ngwangwane Pass (Bushman's Pass). Read More...
Rob's Cave is in the Garden Castle area in the Hidden Valley area. The cave has a large overhang providing good shelter. The floor is only level in some areas for sleeping. Read More...
Surrounded by mountains and nature, Bushmans Nek is located 37 km away from Underberg. The resort features a restaurant, spa and a rock swimming pool. A variety of outdoor activities are offered. The classically decorated rooms at the hotel are equipped with TV and tea-and-coffee making facilities and the spacious apar ... Read More...
A moderately severe 4-5 hrs hike (10 km's) This hike follows a well-defined path on the northern flank of the Thomathu Ridge. The cave faces north-east and sleeps up to 12 people. The cave is not very deep though and strong winds can be a problem. Read More...
37 Valley View Cottage is located in Underberg. The holiday home, housed in a building dating from 2000, is 1 km from the Spar Food Store (Underberg). The holiday home is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven. Read More...
A 9.2km hike mostly uphill with a detour to Siphongweni Cave, the highlight of any trip to Cobham. The bushman paintings 100m from the Cave are some of the best you will ever see in the Drakensberg. After Siphongweni Cave you pass The Policeman, an often photographed feature of the Drakensberg. Lakes cave offers good ... Read More...
Corncob Cave (named so after corncobs were found at the cave) is near the top of Walkers Pass and almost level in height to Isicatula Peak. Read More...
Only 20m from Verkyker cave Fun Cave has a narrow sloping overhang that is large enough to sleep 12. Read More...
Thamathu is a long pass up from Bushman's Nek up the ridge to the top of the escarpment. It is a relatively easy pass. The views on the way up and at the top are lovely. Along the way you pass Thamathu Cave, a good place to have a rest and take in the views before doing the final 3 km's. Read More...
Secret Cave is in the Garden Castle area in Secret Valley. The cave has a level floor and provides good protection from the wind and rain. Read More...
Located on the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages is set on large estate with 2 lakes and 7 km of river frontage. It offers picturesque stone cottages with magnificent views. The cottages are fitted with a stove, microwave, fridge, a well equipped kitchen and patios with lovely views. ... Read More...
Offering a swimming pool, Fairways Gold Crown Resort is situated in Drakensberg Garden in the KwaZulu-Natal Region. The resort has a barbecue and spa centre, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site. Rooms have a flat-screen TV and DVD player. Certain units feature a seating ar ... Read More...
Amakehla Pass is a fairly easy pass to hike. It can be accessed in two ways: from Pholela Cave or by starting on the connecting path between the two caves. Read More...
Featuring barbecue facilities, a garden as well as a terrace, Amanzi Country Manor is located in Rev Estates, within 300 m of Portage Waterfall. Each room has a terrace, a kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area and a seating area with a flat-screen TV, while the private bathroom includes a bath. There is also a oven, ... Read More...
Bushman's Nek Pass is situated on a path towards the Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho. The route is suitable for hiking and horse riding. Read More...
Wilsons Cave is in the Garden Castle area. The cave has a large overhang and provides good shelter from the elements. Read More...
Two self catering options are offered - The Lodge (8 sleeper) and The Cottage (8 sleeper). Ambleside boasts a small dam with a shady gazebo and magnificent views looking out towards the setting sun and the Castle End mountain range. The Lodge and Cottage are very private, and comfortable, ... Read More...
Ikanti #1 is in the Cobham area. Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: This panel is also called the “Marching Men” panel. The procession is made up of men only, carrying bows, arrows and quivers. Since they are migrating east, to the sea, this panel can be interpreted as seasonal migration of the Bushmen during winter t ... Read More...
Mzimude caves is in the Garden Castle area. Their are 3 caves all in very close vicinity to eachother. The caves offer good shelter and have a level floor. Read More...
Crystal Waters of Underberg offers fine trout fishing and berg style log and stone cabin accommodation. Situated at the end of the district road and encircled by the mountains of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, this peaceful valley offers the perfect setting for dam and river fishing while experiencing the peace and ... Read More...
Goats cave is at the top of Lammergeier pass. The views from the cave are stunning. The cave overhang is low and as the name implies its often used as a shelter for Goats so be prepared to rather use a tent than sleep in the cave which can be very messy. Read More...
Located in Underberg, Mountain View Cottages offer self-catering chalets with a swimming pool and views of the surrounding landscape. Chalets can accommodate 4 or 6 and come with a fully-equipped kitchen, telephone, limited DSTV, music centre, heating and individual barbecue facilities. Guests can dine at the resort's ... Read More...
From left to right: Thaba Ngwangwe Peak, Walkers Peak and Mashai Peak Read More...
Riverbend Chalets (Gold Crown Resort) is set within the scenic Drakensberg Garden and boasts views of lush landscapes and the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range. The resort has a restaurant, children’s playground and outdoor swimming pool. The 2-bedroom units come fitted with an open plan lounge and dining area, a kit ... Read More...
Enough space for 2 people, found 190m up the valley from Seeping Beauty Cave. Read More...
Rockfall Cave is in the uMkhomazi area. The cave is 1.6km from Sinclair's Cave and is positioned in a valley which marks the southern boundary of Anondale farm. The cave gets its name from the very prominent rock-fall at the end of the cliff line behind it. Read More...
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Sherry Cave (New) is in the Garden Castle area. To get to this cave a small ledge needs to be walked along so care needs to be taken. The cave has a level floor and will protect you from rain. Read More...
Blackbrook Farm offers pet-friendly accommodation in Underberg. Free private parking is available on site. All units has fully-equipped kitchens. A fridge and kettle are also offered. Every unit has a private bathroom with a shower. Bed linen and bath towels are provided. Each unit also offers a TV with satellite chan ... Read More...
A good overnight spot if viewing the Bushman Paintings at Mpongweni North Shelter (100m away). The cave/boulder offers relatively good protection from bad weather. Water is not found in winter or dry summer months and has to be carried up to the cave. The views from Mpongweni North Shelter and a little higher at Mpon ... Read More...