Drakensberg
Close to the ground.

The Drakensberg is southern Africa’s highest mountain range, reaching peaks of up to 3,482 meters. In Zulu, it is called uKhahlamba (meaning barrier of spears) and in 2000 the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was granted World Heritage Site status. These grassy foothills, iconic escarpments and towering peaks are a hiker’s paradise. The park teems with wildlife, natural pools and overhangs decorated with historic San rock art.

NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG
Northern Drakensberg is best known for the iconic Amphitheater, a towering curved rock wall that is 1,000 meters high and 5 kilometers wide whose image graces nearly every postcard of the mountain range. Atop the Amphitheater is the Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the country with a drop of 970 meters. This area attracts hikers for its wide variety of trails both in and around the Royal Natal National Park. There is no central town in this region of the Drakensberg, but guesthouses and restaurants are well signed and scattered off of the main roads. Bergville has an information office and is the best place in the region to stock up on supplies.

CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG
The Central Drakensberg is roughly divided into three areas that each have their own access roads into the Drakensberg and are dominated by mountain peaks that approach the highest points in the country. Cathedral Peak (3,004 m) is well suited to those interested in hiking and climbing. The area has two lodges and a campsite surrounded by numerous trails, including one to the top of Cathedral Peak. Champagne Valley and Monk’s Cowl (3,234 m) is one of the most developed areas of the Drakensberg with plenty of cafés, restaurants and B&Bs. Giant’s Castle (3,315 m) has easy access to a high concentration of some of the best-preserved San rock art paintings in the region and overnight hiking trails that lead up the mountains to Lesotho.

SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG
The Southern Drakensberg is home to a handful of wilderness areas and nature reserves, all under the management of KZN Wildlife, that make for great locations from which to hike, climb, fish and explore the San rock art sites. In the middle of the southern berg is Sani Pass – the only vehicle border crossing between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho and the highest pass in the country. Just over the Lesotho border you can enjoy a beer at the “highest pub in Africa.” For those interested in hiking there is the popular five day 60 kilometer Giant’s Cup Trail (see p. xxx) with overnight huts along the way.

Champagne Valley & Monk's Cowl

Drakensberg Boys' Choir

Drakensberg Boys' Choir was first established in 1967 and is well known and respected in the region. The goal of the choir is to teach young boys life and leadership skills through being a part of the organization. The concert schedule varies, but for the most part there is a show every Wednesday at 3:30pm.


Four Rivers Rafting

Four Rivers Rafting is a family run company that offers a variety of outdoor activities including quad trails and tracks, bike rentals, abseiling, mountain boarding, paintballing, zip-lining, and both daily and multi-day rafting trips.


Canopy Tours

Canopy Tours will lead you on a journey through the Blue Grotto Forest via a network of 12 slides. The forest is home to some 150 species of birds including the rare Bush Blackcap. The tour lasts about three hours.


Khotso Horse Trails

Khotso Horse Trails offers half and full day rides that include lunch and a guide.


Khotso Horse Trails @ Drakensberg Sun Resort

Khotso Horse Trails has a second location at the Drakensberg Sun Resort.


Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours offers several options to see the Drakensberg region from above, including trips from 15 minutes to one hour long. Specific excursions include flights to game reserves, battlefields, and golf tours.


Giant's Castle

Giant's Castle Nature Reserve

Giant's Castle Nature Reserve has some of the most concentrated and best-preserved San rock art sites in the Drakensberg. The reserve offers a 4 kilometer guided walk (R30, 9am-4pm) to the main caves where you can learn about the history of the San people and see over 500 rock paintings. The numerous high peaks also attract many hikers and climbers. The main office can provide updated information on the hiking and climbing trails, and sells maps and permits for overnight hiking (adult R40, child R20) and trout fishing (R45). They can also make bookings for one of the mountain huts (R45/person). The predominant wildlife attractions in the park are antelope, especially eland, and birds. This area of the Drakensberg is home to the rare lammergeier - a mountain-dwelling bearded vulture that derives the majority of its sustenance from bone marrow. Inside the park is the Lammergeier Hide (036-353-3718, May-Sept, R200/person, R600 minimum) where you can observe the lammergeier and other birds soaring in the sky waiting to feed on carcasses left by rangers.


Underberg and Himeville

Underberg and Himeville are two small towns located about one kilometer from each other and together form the gateway to the Southern Drakensberg region. Both maintain a quaint old-town feel, though the area obviously thrives on an influx of tourists. The main Himeville Road that connects the two towns is scattered with guesthouses and B&Bs and the main street in each town is filled with opportunities for tours and excursions. Whether you end up spending the night in the area or just pass through, it is worth stopping to enjoy some beer with locals at either the Underberg Inn or the Himeville Arms.


Pucketty Farm

Pucketty Farm is a working farm that also offers an eclectic mishmash of goods and services. The main store started in the 1980s when the owner of the farm began selling loaves of bread. Now, the farm offers a wide array of locally produced breads, jams, yogurts, puddings, pastries, ice cream and more. There is also a crafts shed, an art gallery, a guinea pig farm, and a self-service tea garden.


Himeville Fort & Museum

Himeville Fort & Museum is a pleasant look into the region circa 1900. The old fort now houses exhibits ranging from a peach peeler collection to a recreation of the original Himeville Post Office and Telephone Exchange. Michael, the museum curator, is a wealth of information on the region's history.


Khotso Horse Trails

Khotso Horse Trails offers excursions into Lesotho via the Bushman's Nek Pass. Trips last between three and five days and are all-inclusive. Transportation to the pass is provided from the Khotso Backpackers on Drakensberg Garden Road.


Underberg Gallery & Studio

Underberg Gallery & Studio is a gallery owned by a photographer and sculptor couple. The gallery is largely a collection of their own work for sale, but there is also work from other regional and South African artists.


Underberg Cheesery

Underberg Cheesery doesn't reveal much about the production of its cheeses, but its free tastings make it pretty hard to resist. The garlic feta alone is worth the trip.


Garden Castle & Bushman's Nek

Garden Castle Nature Reserve

Garden Castle Nature Reserve is located at the southern edge of the Drakensberg Park and includes the beautiful Bushman's Nek valley and a number of sandstone structures and caves filled with San rock art. From the campsite you can embark upon a range of hiking trails of various levels of difficulty. Experienced hikers can scale the towering 3,051-meter-high Rhino's Peak, an 18 kilometer trip covering narrow paths with steep ledges. The central office at the camp can provide updated information on the hiking trails. They sell overnight hiking permits (adult R40, child R20) and can make bookings for one of the trailside mountain huts (R70/person). It is also possible to cross from here into Lesotho via horse or on foot. Contact the Khotso Horse Trails to arrange 3-5 day horseback excursions through the Bushman's Nek border.


Cobham State Forest

Cobham State Forest

Cobham State Forest is located about 13 km from Himeville on the D7 between Garden Castle and the Sani Pass. The park includes the Mzimkulu Wilderness Area and Mzimkulwana Nature Reserve and has a number of good day and overnight hikes and rock art sites. Overnight hiking permits can be purchased at the camp (adult R40, child R20), and there are 20 grassy campsites beside the river near the main office (adult R55, child R28). The campsites have water taps, braais and a communal hot water ablutions block. Firewood and charcoal can be purchased from the office.


Sani Pass

The Sani Pass is the highest mountain pass in the country and the only vehicle-accessible border crossing between Lesotho and Kwazulu-Natal. The pass is full of tightly wound switchbacks on both sides and reaches 2,865 meters at the top with beautiful views. At the top, just past the Lesotho border you can enjoy a beer at the Sani Top Chalet - the "highest pub in Africa." If you are driving your own vehicle, a 4x4 is best, but the pass is possible in a 2WD vehicle during the summer in good weather. In the winter it is advisable to only attempt the cross with a 4x4. The border post is open 8am-4pm.


Lotheni Nature Reserve

Lotheni Nature Reserve

Lotheni Nature Reserve is a less busy but equally beautiful area of the Drakensberg. There are a number of short and long day hiking trails, an 8 kilometer mountain biking trail and overnight trails. This region has superb trout fishing in numerous streams; waterfalls and natural fresh water swimming pools are plentiful. Both overnight hiking permits (R40) and fishing permits (R35) can be purchased at the main hutted camp.


Kamberg & Highmoor Nature Reserves

Kamberg Nature Reserve

Kamberg Nature Reserve is best known for the newly opened Bushmen Rock Art Center that offers community-run guided walking tours of the nearby rock art and a 20-minute multimedia history of the region and its inhabitants (R20). The park also has a number of day walking trails where you can see more San rock art, and there is good fly fishing in nearby dams and rivers (permit R85).


Highmoor Nature Reserve

Highmoor Nature Reserve is a smaller more intimate park, compared to many of the other offerings in the Drakensberg, and the drive up has beautiful views of the mountains and river valley below. There are three well-populated trout dams in the area with excellent fly-fishing. Camping is the only option at the site and it is restricted to seven campsites, but note that at an elevation of 2,000 meters, it can get quite cold overnight. The Aasvoelkrantz and Caracal caves are about a two-hour hike from the park office and are available for overnight stays (R30).


Champagne Valley & Monk's Cowl

Falcon Ridge Bird Of Prey Centre

Falcon Ridge Bird Of Prey Centre provides an informative talk and performance of raptors flying at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains.


Tours

Underberg and Himeville

Drakensberg Adventures

Drakensberg Adventures is run out of Sani Lodge by Simone and Russell Suchet who are exceedingly knowledgeable on both the Drakensberg and Lesotho and have been running tours through the region for more than 10 years. Tours range from single-day trips up to Sani Pass and into Lesotho (9am-5pm, R420), to multi-day trips that can include pony treks, San rock art, climbing mountain peaks, swimming under waterfalls and staying with a Lesotho family.


Major Adventures

Major Adventures offers tours up Sani Pass, guided treks through the Drakensberg and into Lesotho. Trips can be tailored to your time and interest and can include San rock art sites, horseback riding, bird watching, bathing in waterfalls and spending the night in the mountains or with a local family.


Around Royal Natal National Park

Thandanani Craft Center

Thandanani Craft Center is a small shop that sells baskets, beadwork, and a wide selection of hand-made crafts, all locally made within the surrounding community. Profits go directly back to the community and the women who run the store.


Champagne Valley & Monk's Cowl

Ardmore Ceramic Arts Studio and African Loom

Ardmore Ceramic Arts Studio and African Loom both support local Zulu women whose portraits and stories grace the wall of the store. It sells intricately decorated and brightly colored ceramics alongside hand woven rugs and traditional beadwork. If you stop in, the women working there will gladly show you how they make the rugs in their studio.


Cedarwood Village

Cedarwood Village has a handful of stores including a grocery store, some gift shops, a travel agent, and a coffee shop.


Thokozisa Lifestyle Centre

Thokozisa Lifestyle Centre is a touristy outdoor mall at the entrance to Champagne Valley. The shops here seem to be overpriced for the area, but it worth stopping at for food and to get your bearings at the tourist information center.


Underberg and Himeville

Underberg Village Mall

Underberg Village Mall has an OK Grocer, Chapter Two Bookshop, and arts and crafts stores. You can also head here for a quick bite to eat at the Grind Café or a beer at the Wooly Bugger.


Clocktower Center

Clocktower Center has a few arts and crafts shops along with the main tourist information office.


Royal Natal National Park

Mahai Camp

Mahai Camp has over a hundred campsites dotted along the Mahai River. Some of the campsites have electric power points, water taps and braais. There are also communal braai pits as well as hot water washrooms. The camp is located about one kilometer away from the main visitor center.


Thendele

Thendele is set deeper within the park and offers a range of en suite chalets surrounded by scenic views and great hiking trails. This is one of the more popular Drakensberg camps because of its proximity to the mountains. Each of the chalets has a kitchenette, TV, fireplace, braai and a private deck with a view of the Amphitheater. Some of the higher end cottages come with their own cook who will prepare meals if food is provided.


Rugged Glenn Nature Reserve

Rugged Glenn Nature Reserve is located beside the Royal Natal National Park and is a smaller and more secluded place to camp. There are 20 campsites, each with a water tap and some with electric power points along with an ablutions block. The entrance to Rugged Glenn Nature Reserve is on the same access road about 6 km before the entrance gates to the Royal Natal National Park. Entrance and camping fees should be paid at the Royal Natal National Park Office.


Amphitheater Backpackers

Amphitheater Backpackers is the center of the Drakensberg backpackers scene, due much in part to its sizable bar. The grounds include a Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool, braai area, and Internet lounge all surrounded by the beautiful Drakensberg amphitheater. In addition to the hostel's evening bar festivities, it also have a resident guide who leads hiking and climbing trips up the Drakensberg, to waterfalls and into Lesotho. Note that while most of the trips are worthwhile, the staff tends to hustle sales on these outdoor activities.


Around Royal Natal National Park

Tower of Pizza

Tower of Pizza may not have a functioning tower anymore, but this place remains one of the best restaurants in the area. The restaurant is based in a 1920s industrial farmhouse that is cozily rustic, with seats crafted out of old shovels and large sliding barn doors. Accommodation is in clean, spacious cottages and traditional thatched roof rondavels.


Montusi Mountain Lodge

Montusi Mountain Lodge is a premier couple's destination. Private cottages feature high thatched roofs and large bay windows that overlook the mountains with fireplaces, large soaking tubs, and a covered parking space. After a guided morning hike you can pamper yourself with an onsite massage.

To get there, take R74 29 km west of Bergville to the signed turnoff onto P304 (S 28 37.448 E 029 05.905). Continue 7.3 km and take a right onto D475 for 4.6 km and then right onto L375 for 1.7 km to reach the lodge.


The Cavern

The Cavern is owned by the same family as the Montusi Mountain Lodge and is nestled in the hills beside the national park. This is an upmarket establishment geared towards families - there is a children's playroom attached to the formal dining room. The resort has a spa, bar, and a number of small ponds, and organizes guided hikes and tea times throughout the day. To get there, follow the same directions to Montusi Mountain Lodge (above), but take D475 straight for 9 km to the Cavern.


Bergville

Spioenkop Nature Reserve

Spioenkop Nature Reserve, located 18 km from the town of Bergville, is a fantastic little reserve surrounding the large Spioenkop Dam. The iPhika Tented Bush Camp is located near the dam and has a thatched roof lounge, a bar and a self-catering kitchen. The reserve has rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of antelope. Horse rides (1hr, R110) through the park make it easier to spot big game. There is also a hiking trail around the southern shore of the dam in an area uninhabited by the larger animals. The entrance to the nature reserve is about 2 km east of the signed turnoff from the R600.


Cathedral Peak

Didima Camp

Didima Camp is one of the most luxurious of the KZN wildlife offerings. The individual chalets blend in with the landscape of the mountains and rolling hills in which they are situated. The self-catering rooms are spacious with thatched roofs, satellite TVs and modern fireplaces.


Cathedral Peak Hotel

Cathedral Peak Hotel is a privately run hotel located a few kilometers from the Didima Camp within the Nature Reserve. This establishment has much more of a resort-style flavor than the Didima Camp and the rooms are a bit dated, but the views are just as great and there are plenty of activities for kids including mini-golf and rock wall climbing. The hotel also offers complimentary guided walks and hikes to any number of destinations throughout the park.


Champagne Valley & Monk's Cowl

Inkosana Lodge

Inkosana Lodge is situated in the heart of Champagne Valley and makes for a great base from which to explore the mountains. Accommodation is in freestanding thatched roof rondavels or in the main lodge where there is a large communal area and dining room surrounded by a grassy courtyard. There is a self-catering kitchen, but breakfast and home-cooked evening meals are also available.


Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort is a large budget-priced, resort-style lodge with a number of cottages and camp sites set on a private lake. The central lodge has a full restaurant and bar. There is also an Adventure Center for booking area excursions or activities. The lodge offers pickup from the Baz Bus stop in Winterton.


Ardmore Guesthouse

Ardmore Guesthouse is located on a working farm with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The thatched roof cottages each have a fireplace, large soaking tub and a canopy bed. The guesthouse is a big supporter of the local Zulu women's community through its onsite ceramics studio and weaving store.


Wits End

Wits End is situated on a large spread of land in the heart of Champagne Valley with large self-catering cottages, a rock-lined swimming pool, and many private nature trails departing from the lodge. The heating on the premises is solar-powered and the owners are reintroducing indigenous plant life to their land.


Drakensberg Sun

Drakensberg Sun is a large chain hotel but the most upmarket of resorts in the Champagne Valley. Located just off the R600 before the Champagne Castle Hotel, this resort is perfect for lounge-chair nature lovers who prefer to bird watch or swim with mojitos in-hand. The rooms are furnished with modern dark wood and plush bedding.


Champagne Sports Resort

Champagne Sports Resort is a resort complete with a beautiful 18-hole golf course. The well-outfitted rooms include luxurious bathrooms and modern furniture, and the suites have spacious living rooms. The resort also has two large, very popular swimming pools.


Giant's Castle

Giant's Castle Camp

Giant's Castle Camp is located in the heart of the mountains, 8 km past the main gate. Set in the middle of a wildflower garden, the main lodge has a full restaurant and bar and is surrounded by roughly 40 cottages that sleep two to six people. The camp has a small shop that sells basic supplies including food and firewood for braais.


Underberg and Himeville

Khotso Backpackers

Khotso Backpackers is one of the only true backpackers between the two towns. There are four to six-person dorms along with a couple of double rooms. It's a little out of the way on Drakensberg Garden Road, but it's the best place to stay if you are planning to do the Khotso horse trail.


Underberg Inn

Underberg Inn is centrally located in downtown Underberg with standard rooms with soft bedding as well as a few more basic backpacker rooms. There is a pub attached, as is the tasty Roxy's Restaurant where you can get a good steak.


Himeville Arms

Himeville Arms has been welcoming guests for over 100 years with a handful of old-fashioned furnished standard rooms and a few backpacker rooms. There is an onsite pub, the Torridon restaurant, and a swimming pool and patio out back.


Eagle's Rock

Eagle's Rock is by far the best deal in town. This family-run establishment has six separate fully equipped self-catering cottages throughout the large estate, all with breathtaking views of the mountains. Guests can use kayaks (free) and inner tubes (R50) on the river and fish in the trout dam. Excursions and activities can also be arranged.


Yellowwood Cottage

Yellowwood Cottage is a quaint little bed and breakfast run by a pleasant couple who work hard to make it a welcoming and relaxing place to stay. Rooms are simple and nicely decorated and there is a living room lounge for common use.


Tumble In

Tumble In has four homey rooms, each slightly different, and some with basic kitchenettes. Outside is a lovely garden with a braai area for evening cookouts.


Elgin Cottage

Elgin Cottage has only four rooms, making it a peaceful private getaway perfect for couples. All rooms are furnished with extra-large heated California King beds and bathrooms with large soaking tubs and in-floor heating. Rooms three and four have the best views of the nearby lake.


Moorcroft Manor Country House

Moorcroft Manor Country House is a comfortable upmarket country house with great attention to detail. From the complimentary bottle of sherry that awaits your arrival to the covered hot water bottle nestled in your sheets, small touches are not overlooked here. It is located just north of Himeville right before the turnoff to the Sani Pass Road.


Valemount Country Lodge

Valemount Country Lodge is the perfect combination of luxury and old world charm. Rooms feel like a step back into time, complete with canopy beds, fireplaces and large Victorian soaking tubs. The lodge is family-run and several pet dogs will greet you upon your arrival, leading the way to reception.


Garden Castle & Bushman's Nek

Garden Castle Campsite

Garden Castle Campsite is next to the main office and has 10 basic grassy campsites with a communal hot water ablutions block but no electricity or lighting.


Drakensberg Garden Resort

Drakensberg Garden Resort is located just before the entrance to the Garden Castle Nature Reserve at the end of the Drakensberg Garden Road. Once inside, you may never have to leave the resort premises. It sports five restaurants, three bars, an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool and wellness center, all surrounded by the beautiful Drakensberg.


Sani Pass

Sani Lodge

Sani Lodge is a backpackers' lodge located on the Sani Pass Road with simple and comfortable rooms, private rondavels and multi-person cottages. There is a central self-catering kitchen and a common room that is a popular gathering spot for guests as well as a restaurant that serves hearty evening meals. Drakensberg Adventures is operated by the owners of Sani Lodge and has a good offering of Drakensberg and Lesotho tours. There are mini bus taxis from Underberg that will bring you to the lodge (R20).


Sani Pass Hotel

Sani Pass Hotel is a 3-star all-inclusive resort-style hotel with a host of activities on offer. There is a 9-hole golf course, lawn bowling, tennis courts, fishing, hiking, horse riding and quad biking, just to name of few. The central lodge has a thatched roof and a number of hotel rooms. There are also individual cottages surrounding the hotel.


Lotheni Nature Reserve

Lotheni Campsite

Lotheni Campsite is a small rest area located about 2 km from the Lotheni gate on the banks of the Lotheni River. The campsite itself has only two cottages and 14 camp/caravan sites with a hot water ablutions block but no electricity. Each campsite has a braai stand, and firewood is sold at the hutted camp nearby.


Hutted Camp

Hutted Camp is located just past the main gate and has 12 individual huts crowded next to each other near the banks of the Lotheni River. The cottages come with cutlery, and there is a refrigerator and gas stove in the communal camp kitchen.


Kamberg & Highmoor Nature Reserves

Kamberg Camp

Kamberg Camp has several recently renovated, thatched roof en suite chalets, each with small kitchenettes and braai stands outside. Picnic sites grace the banks of the nearby river as does a central communal lounge.


Dragonfly Lodge & International Backpackers

Dragonfly Lodge & International Backpackers is a little oasis on the road to the Highmoor Nature Reserve. It's a family-run operation with small cabins situated right on a private lake and is a particularly lovely place for an evening braai after a long hike.


Glengarry Park

Glengarry Park offers camping facilities with electricity and fully furnished chalets with fireplaces situated beside a small dam and marshland that attracts many birds. Fly-fishing in the stream and dam is permitted in season. It is located at the foot of the Highmoor Road and makes for a convenient location from which to explore the area's attractions.


Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse Luxury Retreat

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse Luxury Retreat is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel impeccable service just next to a glassy lake. The well-appointed central lodge maintains a crackling fire and a stunning view of the outdoors. It also hosts a library, antique collection and underground wine cellar. The gourmet six-course dinners served at the lodge are divine.


Royal Natal National Park

Amphitheater Backpackers

Amphitheater Backpackers is the center of the Drakensberg backpackers scene, due much in part to its sizable bar. The grounds include a Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool, braai area, and Internet lounge all surrounded by the beautiful Drakensberg amphitheater. In addition to the hostel's evening bar festivities, it also have a resident guide who leads hiking and climbing trips up the Drakensberg, to waterfalls and into Lesotho. Note that while most of the trips are worthwhile, the staff tends to hustle sales on these outdoor activities.


Around Royal Natal National Park

Tower of Pizza

Tower of Pizza may not have a functioning tower anymore, but this place remains one of the best restaurants in the area. The restaurant is based in a 1920s industrial farmhouse that is cozily rustic, with seats crafted out of old shovels and large sliding barn doors. Accommodation is in clean, spacious cottages and traditional thatched roof rondavels.


Montusi Mountain Lodge

Montusi Mountain Lodge is a premier couple's destination. Private cottages feature high thatched roofs and large bay windows that overlook the mountains with fireplaces, large soaking tubs, and a covered parking space. After a guided morning hike you can pamper yourself with an onsite massage.

To get there, take R74 29 km west of Bergville to the signed turnoff onto P304 (S 28 37.448 E 029 05.905). Continue 7.3 km and take a right onto D475 for 4.6 km and then right onto L375 for 1.7 km to reach the lodge.


The Cavern

The Cavern is owned by the same family as the Montusi Mountain Lodge and is nestled in the hills beside the national park. This is an upmarket establishment geared towards families - there is a children's playroom attached to the formal dining room. The resort has a spa, bar, and a number of small ponds, and organizes guided hikes and tea times throughout the day. To get there, follow the same directions to Montusi Mountain Lodge (above), but take D475 straight for 9 km to the Cavern.


Bergville

Bingelela Restaurant and B&B

Bingelela Restaurant and B&B has a large central restaurant and bar with a pool. Here, the air is always full of music, and the menu features a selection of pastas, curries, meats, and pizza. Beside the main buildings are 10 freestanding thatched roof bungalows that are small but comfortable. The honeymoon suite has a Jacuzzi tub in the living room.


Spioenkop Nature Reserve

Spioenkop Nature Reserve, located 18 km from the town of Bergville, is a fantastic little reserve surrounding the large Spioenkop Dam. The iPhika Tented Bush Camp is located near the dam and has a thatched roof lounge, a bar and a self-catering kitchen. The reserve has rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of antelope. Horse rides (1hr, R110) through the park make it easier to spot big game. There is also a hiking trail around the southern shore of the dam in an area uninhabited by the larger animals. The entrance to the nature reserve is about 2 km east of the signed turnoff from the R600.


Champagne Valley & Monk's Cowl

Waffle Hut

Waffle Hut is a must-stop while in Central Drakensberg. Located next to the KwaZulu Weavers & Candles (just outside of Champagne Valley on the R600 towards Winterton) the Waffle Hut has a delicious selection of savory and sweet waffles and pancakes. Breakfast is served all day but it also has sandwiches and burgers.


Thokozisa

Thokozisa has a large menu, and while not a fancy place, is one of the better options for a bite to eat in the Champagne Valley. The burgers here are excellent and the bar gets a slow but steady stream of locals in the evening.


The Stone Chat

The Stone Chat is a pleasant little coffee shop located in Cedarwood Village with a friendly owner and a spectacular view of the mountains. It's a good spot for breakfast or a late brunch and is highly recommended by locals.


Monk's Cowl Country Club Restaurant & Pub

Monk's Cowl Country Club Restaurant & Pub is one of the swankier restaurants in the area and has a large menu selection. On Sundays it has a buffet style lunchtime braai. After dinner hours, it attracts a bar crowd that packs the place on weekends.


Dragons Peak Restaurant & Pub

Dragons Peak Restaurant & Pub is primarily a drinking destination, but it also offers light meals from a limited menu.


Underberg and Himeville

Grind Café

Grind Café is more of a coffee shop than a restaurant but is good for light meals. They have a large selection of pizza, as well as a good breakfast menu and basic sandwiches and burgers.


Himeville Arms

Himeville Arms is a hotel whose main entrance opens directly into a jovial pub. You can order from the pub menu at the bar or head to the Torridon Restaurant in back for a full menu and a more formal dining experience.


Underberg Inn Pub

Underberg Inn Pub is a good spot to go for an evening drink. It has a very traditional, old-world feel to it and is quite popular among locals and those staying at the inn. The bar can approach a healthy level of rowdiness during the weekends.


Wooly Bugger

Wooly Bugger is a great spot for a tall afternoon beer - sit outside on the patio and stretch out under the sun.


Roxy's Restaurant

Roxy's Restaurant offers the best steak in town along with a selection of homemade meals, the food at Roxy's is sure to delight. If you're only going to eat one meal in Underberg, this is the place.


Lemon Tree Bistro

Lemon Tree Bistro is a popular breakfast spot among locals. The menu lists standard fare with a decent selection of breakfast and dessert items.


Bergville

Bingelela Restaurant and B&B

Bingelela Restaurant and B&B has a large central restaurant and bar with a pool. Here, the air is always full of music, and the menu features a selection of pastas, curries, meats, and pizza. Beside the main buildings are 10 freestanding thatched roof bungalows that are small but comfortable. The honeymoon suite has a Jacuzzi tub in the living room.


Champagne Valley & Monk's Cowl

Waffle Hut

Waffle Hut is a must-stop while in Central Drakensberg. Located next to the KwaZulu Weavers & Candles (just outside of Champagne Valley on the R600 towards Winterton) the Waffle Hut has a delicious selection of savory and sweet waffles and pancakes. Breakfast is served all day but it also has sandwiches and burgers.


Thokozisa

Thokozisa has a large menu, and while not a fancy place, is one of the better options for a bite to eat in the Champagne Valley. The burgers here are excellent and the bar gets a slow but steady stream of locals in the evening.


The Stone Chat

The Stone Chat is a pleasant little coffee shop located in Cedarwood Village with a friendly owner and a spectacular view of the mountains. It's a good spot for breakfast or a late brunch and is highly recommended by locals.


Monk's Cowl Country Club Restaurant & Pub

Monk's Cowl Country Club Restaurant & Pub is one of the swankier restaurants in the area and has a large menu selection. On Sundays it has a buffet style lunchtime braai. After dinner hours, it attracts a bar crowd that packs the place on weekends.


Dragons Peak Restaurant & Pub

Dragons Peak Restaurant & Pub is primarily a drinking destination, but it also offers light meals from a limited menu.


Underberg and Himeville

Grind Café

Grind Café is more of a coffee shop than a restaurant but is good for light meals. They have a large selection of pizza, as well as a good breakfast menu and basic sandwiches and burgers.


Himeville Arms

Himeville Arms is a hotel whose main entrance opens directly into a jovial pub. You can order from the pub menu at the bar or head to the Torridon Restaurant in back for a full menu and a more formal dining experience.


Underberg Inn Pub

Underberg Inn Pub is a good spot to go for an evening drink. It has a very traditional, old-world feel to it and is quite popular among locals and those staying at the inn. The bar can approach a healthy level of rowdiness during the weekends.


Wooly Bugger

Wooly Bugger is a great spot for a tall afternoon beer - sit outside on the patio and stretch out under the sun.


Roxy's Restaurant

Roxy's Restaurant offers the best steak in town along with a selection of homemade meals, the food at Roxy's is sure to delight. If you're only going to eat one meal in Underberg, this is the place.


Lemon Tree Bistro

Lemon Tree Bistro is a popular breakfast spot among locals. The menu lists standard fare with a decent selection of breakfast and dessert items.