MULTI DAY DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Journey into the Mountains of Kwa-Zulu Natal
The Drakensberg Mountains offer one of South Africa’s most awe-inspiring and scenic landscapes, defined by dramatic peaks, rolling foothills, and legendary mountain passes. This spectacular region is celebrated for its breathtaking vistas, winding routes, and untouched natural beauty. From panoramic viewpoints and crisp mountain air to waterfalls, grasslands, and ancient rock formations, the Drakensberg is a haven for nature lovers and explorers. Combined with an authentic Zulu village visit, where guests can experience local traditions, stories, and warm hospitality, the Drakensberg journey blends cultural richness with extraordinary scenery — creating a deeply immersive and unforgettable mountain escape.
We will pick you up from your hotel, where you will meet your guide and depart for a memorable journey into the majestic mountains of KwaZulu-Natal. During the tour you will:
- Meander through the scenic Midlands, visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, enjoying rolling hill landscapes, and indulging in optional wine and/or craft beer tastings alongside beautiful local artisan stops.
- Travel into the breathtaking Underberg region, where dramatic mountain scenery and fresh alpine air welcome you for an overnight stay.
- Ascend the legendary Sani Pass, one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain routes, offering unforgettable views and a true sense of adventure.
- Explore the region’s natural beauty — from panoramic viewpoints and tranquil landscapes to optional short hikes or relaxed sundowner stops at iconic locations.
- Enjoy optional leisure experiences such as fishing or nature-based activities tailored to your preferred pace.
- Continue to the Kamberg Valley for a guided walk to ancient San rock art, some dating back over 6,000 years.
- Visit an authentic Zulu village, share a home-prepared meal with a local family, and experience meaningful cultural encounters, including meeting a traditional healer.
- Spend a night immersed in the serenity of this remarkable mountain valley.
This tour can be enjoyed over 2 nights / 3 days. However, we highly recommend adding a third night to allow for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration of the mountains.
Optional Extension: Add 2 nights to venture further into the Drakensberg for additional scenery, activities, and hidden gems.
All-Inclusive Experience: Tours include accommodation, professional guides, local guides, curated experiences, meals, and beverages. From the moment you step into the vehicle, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the journey.
Where Do We Go?
Local Traditional Healer
An authentic cultural opportunity to meet and talk with a local traditional healer who would be happy to share his experiences of life in the village in the past (apartheid) era, as well as in the current context.
Local Kamberg Village and Homestead
A visit with local villagers in their homestead just outside the Kamberg Reserve adds context and cultural experience to the tour. It includes a traditional meal in the homestead in the company of people who call this beautiful mountain range home.
Underberg
On route from Durban to the Drakensberg peak, we stop in Underberg, a picture perfect town in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg. Here we visit a local store that sells the iconic traditional Basotho blankets that are worn in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
Sani Pass
A breath-taking experience that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world! Sani Pass, located on the western border of KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho, is the exclusive route that makes a spectacular drive up to the top of the Drakensberg possible. The summit of the Sani Pass crosses the peak of the Drakensberg reaching an altitude of 2876m (or 9400ft) above sea level. The gravel winding dirt roads permit only 4×4 vehicles to ascend the 9km pass. Lunch is served at the Highest Pub in Africa! And the drive down the pass is full of beautifully captivating hills and valleys.
Howick Falls & Community Craft Market
Howick Falls or “Place of the Tall One” is a 95m waterfall, and is the second highest waterfall in South Africa. Legend has it that the rock pool at the bottom of this falls is home to a monster called the Inkanyamba. There is an informal community craft market with locally made crafts in the area.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
The Nelson Mandela Capture site marks the beginning of Madiba’s historic 27 years in prison. The iconic world-renowned sculpture is a powerful symbol of the long walk to freedom that made this South African freedom fighter the first democratic President of South Africa, ending a long struggle against the apartheid era.
Kamberg Valley
Best described as heavenly, Kamberg Valley lies at the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains. An afternoon spent unguided in the peace and tranquillity of these valleys where wild flowers and sunset reflections in the river make the perfect place for clearing your head and rejuvenating the soul. Surrounded by mountains, this is one of the most scenic places in the country, and its where this mountain tour spends the night star gazing. The fresh Berg air and the breath-taking sunrise of the next morning make for the perfect start to the next adventure.
Kamberg Nature Reserve (Ancient Rock Art, Hikes & An Overnight stay in a Cave)
Kamberg Nature Reserve with its picturesque views, hills, and valleys is home to the Game Pass Shelter Cave. The region is known for its collection of mysterious ancient San Rock Paintings. The site is understated as it holds arguably the best preserved San Rock Art or Bushmen Cave Paintings in the Drakensberg region. To see the rock art, we take a moderate 8km return hike with the first 3kms increasing gradually in height while the last km is fairly steep, and the return trip is mostly downhill on the same path. A local guide interprets the cave paintings to impart wisdom and understanding of the ancient culture. On another day, we hike for 5kms for an overnight adventure in one of the ancient caves that were used by indigenous people for thousands of years. The scenery is captivating with gorgeous streams and small waterfalls in which one can swim.
Is this the tour for me?
- Yes, I have At Least 4 Full Days Available to tour (If you have less than 4 full days that’s okay – check out our other options or talk to us!)
- Yes, I want to visit The Drakensberg Mountains
- Yes, I want to Reach the Peak of the Drakensberg Mountains in a 4×4 Adventure Experience
- Yes, I want to Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
- Yes, I want to Spend a Night in a Cave in the Mountains
- Yes, I like Nature, Beautiful Scenery, and Wide Open Spaces
- Yes, I am interested in History, Culture, or Traditional Medicine
- Yes, I want to Meet Local People and have first-hand experiences in the community
- Yes, I’m interested in Photography
- Yes, I’m interested in Star Gazing
- Yes, I want to support attractions with Community Participation
- Yes, I’d like to see or purchase Handmade African Souvenirs and support Sustainable Tourism
What's included in the tour package?
- Pick up and drop off within the Durban metro area
- Entrance fees
- Transport in an air-conditioned 4×4
- Accommodation x3 nights
- Private Luxury Farmhouse Lodge in a Mountain Valley
- Private Luxury Farmhouse Lodge in a Mountain Valley
- Camping in a Cave in the Mountains
- Breakfast x4 days
- Morning coffee/tea & muffin
- Continental Breakfast
- Morning coffee/tea & muffin
- Morning coffee/tea, muffin & breakfast snacks
- Lunch x4 days
- Restaurant – Highest Pub in Africa
- Traditional lunch with villagers in homestead
- Brunch snacks on hike
- Restaurant en route to Durban
- Dinner x3 nights
- Traditional South African Potjie in the mountains (a stew slow cooked in a cast iron pot on a fire)
- Traditional Braai (Barbeque) in the mountains
- Dinner in a Cave in the Mountains
- Limited Alcoholic Drinks
- Equipment for Camping & Hiking
- Bottled water
- Local snacks
- Use of binoculars
- Fully attending experienced tour guide
How long will we need?
- 4 Days
What did others say?
What You Need To Know?
When Can We Leave?
We look forward to our pre-planning chat, so we can build in your preferences and requirements into your itinerary.
