Selfdrive in the Drakensberg (comfort)

Upon arrival at Johannesburg airport you will be met by a driver and taken to your accommodation near the airport.

You leave in a southerly direction to the town of Bergville, a small village at the foot of the northern Drakensberg. This 200 km long mountain range runs like a backbone along the Lesotho border, making it the largest mountain range in South Africa. The views in the Drakensberg are breathtaking.

This lodge (350 km) is a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg Airport. You can make a stop on the way in Harrismith to have lunch and possibly do some shopping. From Harrismith you drive via the Sterkfontein dam to the accommodation.

Another part of the Drakensberg is waiting for you. You head south along a beautiful route to Underberg, enjoy the beautiful unspoilt nature of South Africa. It is best to leave early, so that you can occasionally stop to enjoy the view. You drive past velvety mountain slopes, majestic mountains and deep cliffs that are interrupted by mountain rivers and waterfalls. You also pass the battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War. If you are interested in the history of South Africa, then a visit is definitely worth it.

You drive the N74 towards Winterton and from there you have a choice of two routes. The shortest route in terms of kilometers (+/- 245 km) is via small mountain roads and villages such as Engonyanmeni and Stepmore, but this road takes more time to drive (4.5 hours). The route is faster via the N3 along Estcourt and Howick and then the R617 in a westerly direction to Underberg (about 40 minutes faster and a distance of 315 km). This route takes you through the beautiful landscape of the so-called Midlands Meander. In bad weather (rain and fog), we recommend the latter route.

Today you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings during a guided excursion in a 4×4 vehicle on the Sani Pass. You are expected at 9 am at the office of Sani Pass Tours in Underberg, or you can be picked up at your accommodation. From Underberg you take the Sani Pass (2874 meters) to Lesotho, also known as the “Kingdom in the Sky”. This mountain pass is a rugged route that is only accessible with a 4×4.

On this tour you cross the border to Lesotho and this is really a different country, so keep your passport handy. On the way to the highest pub in Africa where you can have lunch, your experienced guide and driver will tell you about the history of this route. You will stop several times along the way to take pictures. A memorable experience that you cannot miss! More information can be found under sani pass tour and cultural excursion in lesotho.

From your accommodation you drive back to the N3 and follow (once again) the route through the Midlands Meander. Today you have the choice again to stay on the N3 until you reach Harrismith or to drive via the R74 and the Sterkfontein Dam. Today it makes little difference in terms of travel distance and travel time. The last part of the route takes you through the beautiful Golden Gate Highlands National Park to Clarens, a small village known as “jewel of the Free State”. You will find numerous shops where artists sell their wares; from traditional African art to pots, paintings, leather goods and fun souvenirs. You will probably find something here as a reminder of this fantastic trip through South Africa and Lesotho.

One night in Mont d’Or in Clarens (or similar) in a double room based on accommodation.

Today you will leave for Johannesburg, a journey of about 310 kilometers. Your journey through Drakensberg is over, but you might want to see more beautiful areas of South Africa? Mail us with your wishes or view our travel offer.