4 Day Drakensberg Tour from Durban

4 Day Drakensberg Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Durban to Southern Drakensberg and Sani Pass

Your tour begins with an early collection from Durban, Umhlanga or surrounding areas. We travel inland towards Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg, a journey of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

On arrival in Underberg, guests join the Sani Pass 4×4 tour into Lesotho. Sani Pass is one of South Africa’s most famous mountain passes, climbing dramatically from KwaZulu-Natal into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

Guests travel through mountain scenery, border posts and high-altitude landscapes before reaching Lesotho. Once in Lesotho, guests enjoy scenic and cultural highlights and have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the famous Highest Pub in Africa before descending Sani Pass and returning to the Underberg area.

Dinner and overnight in the Southern Drakensberg area.

Day 2 – Kamberg San Rock Art to the Northern Drakensberg

After breakfast, we travel to Kamberg Nature Reserve, an important Drakensberg cultural heritage area.

At Kamberg, guests join a local rock art interpreter / hiking guide for the walk to Game Pass Shelter. The guided hike usually takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on walking pace, weather and trail conditions.

Game Pass Shelter is one of the most important San rock art sites in the Drakensberg and is often associated with the “Rosetta Stone” of San rock art interpretation. The guided experience helps guests understand the history, symbolism, spiritual meaning and cultural importance of the paintings.

After the Kamberg visit, we travel north via the Midlands / Nottingham Road area towards the Northern Drakensberg / Battlefields region.

Dinner and overnight in the Northern Drakensberg / Battlefields area.

Day 3 – Royal Natal National Park and Northern Drakensberg Hiking

After an early breakfast, we travel via Bergville towards Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Drakensberg.

Royal Natal National Park is one of the most scenic areas of the Drakensberg and is famous for views of the Amphitheatre, mountain valleys, rivers, forest sections and waterfalls.

The day may include a short introductory San rock art / heritage walk with a local park guide, subject to availability, followed by a scenic mountain hiking route from the Mahai area.

The hiking route can include The Cascades, Lookout Rock, indigenous Gudu Forest, Gudu Falls, Tiger Falls and a return to the Mahai parking area. The route is approximately 10 km depending on the final trail selected and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

After the hike, we return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 – Midlands, Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Howick Falls and Durban Return

After breakfast and check-out, we travel south towards the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

We visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick, one of South Africa’s most important historical landmarks. Guests can walk the “Long Walk to Freedom” pathway and view the internationally recognised steel-column sculpture of Nelson Mandela.

We then continue to Howick Falls, a dramatic waterfall plunging into the gorge below. Guests have time to enjoy the viewpoint and surrounding area before a relaxed lunch stop at a suitable local café or restaurant.

After lunch, we return to Durban, Umhlanga or surrounding areas in the afternoon.

Wildlife You May See

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and the surrounding region are home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Possible sightings include:

• Rhino
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Nyala
• Impala
• Warthog
• Hyena
• Monkeys
• Baboons
• Hippos
• Crocodiles
• Excellent birdlife

Please remember that all wildlife sightings take place in a natural environment. No specific animal sighting can ever be guaranteed.

Your guide will always do their best to give you the best possible safari experience, but wildlife moves freely and sightings depend on nature, weather, animal movement and timing.

What’s included

• Dinner, bed and breakfast

• Entrance fees and listed activities

• Transport from Durban and return

• Professional guides and local guides where required

• Sani Pass 4×4 tour into Lesotho

• Limited bottled water

What’s excluded

• Lunches, unless specifically included in the confirmed quotation
• Beverages such as beer, wine, cold drinks and extra bottled water
• Items of a personal nature
• Gratuities
• Any items not listed under inclusions
• Any additional activities not included in the confirmed itinerary

Important Notes

A valid passport is required for the Sani Pass / Lesotho section of the tour.

Guests are responsible for checking visa and entry requirements for Lesotho before travelling.

Sani Pass is subject to weather, road conditions, border requirements and 4×4 operator availability.

Hiking and sightseeing routes may change depending on weather, trail conditions, guest fitness levels, availability and safety.

The Kamberg Game Pass Shelter hike usually takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

The Royal Natal hiking route is an active mountain day and comfortable walking shoes are essential.

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site visitor centre is subject to opening days and times. If closed, the itinerary may be adjusted.

Accommodation may vary depending on availability and final routing.

Frequently Asked Questions