Formed 150 million years ago, the Drakensberg is the country’s grandest mountain range, more than 3000 metres high. The Zulu name for the Drakensberg is uKhahlamba, which describes the echoes that bounce off the cliffs, which sound like the clashing of spears against the shields.

Spectacular gorges and valleys

Most of KwaZulu-Natal's major rivers rise here and plunge down into the steep-sided gorges and valleys below. Sani Pass is only a 30 minute drive from Himeville and 15 minutes from Underberg.

A vast protected area

Almost the entire Drakensberg area is a protected park, a paradise of trails, rivers and dams, with an abundance of wildlife and rare plant. Rivers and dams are well stocked with trout, making fly-fishing especially rewarding. Sani Valley boarders the Sani Pass and the National Nature Reserve.

A fascinating ancient culture

The Bushman San hunter-gatherers lived on these mountains from about 8000 years ago until the mid 1800s and left behind a priceless legacy of rock art. These fascinating paintings tell the story of their stone-age culture, rituals and spiritual beliefs. Take a walk into the uKhalhamba Drakensberg Park to see these wonderful paintings, which are some of the finest in the Drakensberg.