Selfdrive in the Drakensberg (budget)

Upon arrival at Johannesburg airport you will be transferred to your accommodation near the airport.

You stay one night at Outlook Lodge Lakefield (or similar accommodation), in a double room based on bed and breakfast and including transfer from the airport.

After breakfast you will be taken back to the airport to receive your rental car, type Hyundai Accent (sedan) or similar. If you want to have the car delivered to your accommodation, this is also possible at an additional cost.
Prefer a higher or larger car for more comfort? Take a look at our range of rental cars or ask us about the possibilities.

You leave in a southerly direction to the Drakensberg. Day distance to your accommodation is approximately 420 km. You use the N3 motorway to the Bergville exit, it is a long drive so don’t leave too late. Along the way you can make a (lunch) stop in Harrismith where there are gas stations and various restaurants along the highway. Here you can also do some shopping for the coming days or do it later in Winterton.

You will spend the next two nights at KZN Wildlife Giant’s Castle Resort (or similar) in a Mountain View chalet based on accommodation. This Resort is located in the middle of the beautiful Drakensberg on a plateau that offers breathtaking views. Do not forget to do your shopping in advance before you enter the park (self-catering, but there is also a restaurant and a shop).

Follow the beautiful route to Underberg today, located in the southern part of the Drakensberg. Depart on time so that you can occasionally stop en route to enjoy the beautiful views. Beautiful velvety mountain slopes and high mountains are interrupted here 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.

The next two nights you will stay at The Old Hatchery (or similar). You stay in a double room based on bed and breakfast (dinner possible at an additional cost). This little paradise is situated on the slopes of the Drakensberg, overlooking the rolling lands and the Umzimkulu River.

Today you only have to drive a small part yourself. For a fee you can also be picked up at your accommodation (around 9 a.m.). You drive to Underberg where you will meet your guide for today. The rest of the journey you will be driven in a tough 4 x 4 car. All you have to do is enjoy. From Underberg you drive to the starting point of the Sani pass. The pass is approximately 2874 meters high and takes you to Lesotho, also known as the “Kingdom in the Sky”. This pass is on a rough road with holes and sharp turns, the route is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle and is only suitable for very experienced drivers.

Your guide / driver will tell you all about the history of the route on the way and will regularly stop for photos.

At the end of the pass you cross the border to Lesotho. Take your passport with you! You visit the highest pub in Africa where you can also have your lunch (exclusive).
The entire tour is accompanied by an experienced guide and driver.

From Underberg you drive to Clarens on the north side of Lesotho. This village is a succession of galleries, small shops and restaurants. In the shops you can buy art from local artists and all kinds of souvenirs. From traditional African art to pots, paintings, leather goods and jewelry. You will probably find something there as a souvenir of this fantastic trip through South Afrka and Lesotho.

Before you enter Clarens, you will pass through the beautiful Golden Gate Highlands National Park where you can take beautiful pictures of the grasslands and sandstone formations. Along the way you can perhaps stretch your legs and take a nice walk. You can also visit a Basotho village en route.

If you want to go hiking in this area, we advise you to book an extra night in Clarens so that you have enough time.

Note: the fastest route to Clarens is via the N3 to Harrismith and then through the Golden Gate N.P. to Clarens (distance around 395 km). You can also drive up the road via Bergville (R74) and around the beautiful Sterkfontein Dam. However, the road along the dam can be in poor condition and is not recommended in rain, fog and when you drive a small and / or low car.

One overnight stay in Clarens Retreat (or similar) based on bed and breakfast..