Sani Valley

Activities

Enjoy the freedom of 260 acres of lake, surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and game.

Sani Valley doesn't have the big five, but you will be able to walk among the zebra, red hartebeest, blesbuck, eland, springbok and many other antelope within its well-stocked boundary fence. Sani Valley offers some of best game viewing and bird watching in the Drakensburg region.

Be it as a newly married couple honeymooning, a weekend escape, or a family group, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Relax & Jacuzzi

Fishing

Game Viewing

Bird Watching

Boating

Hiking

Mountain Biking

Bushman Paintings

4x4 Drives

Golfing

Relax & Jacuzzi

Massage

Pamper yourself with a soothing massage by one of our experienced masseurs on your private deck overlooking the lake.

Jacuzzi

Lakeside and Early Mist boast a private and easy-to-operate jacuzzi to help you relax and unwind on holiday. Enjoy the warmth and bubbles of a soothing hot tub and let the powerful jets massage your cares away!

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Fishing

The Southern Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal affords a greater variety of fly fishing opportunities than any other district in South Africa. It is from here the flow of the lyric Mzimkhulu, Pholela and Mkhomazi, the Ngwangwane and Ndawana, the Mzimkhulwana and Mkhomazana to mention but a few rivers set their early course enroute to the Indian Ocean through the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. Into this well-watered mountain land of towering peaks and tumbling rivers, are set the twin villages of Underberg and Himeville.

The countryside and water go through a great amount of change from season to season. During summer, with its afternoon thundershowers, the fish are often most active in the early morning, though the larger, deeper lakes such as Lifton Lake (Sani Valley) can fish well throughout the day. Dragonflies, caddis, and many midge species are all common. In winter the nights are bitterly cold and the days bright and clear. Best fishing during this period is often at dusk, when the water tends to be at its warmest.

We are situated just 9km from Himeville on the Sani Pass road and are therefore in a prime position.
Fisherman, you will enjoy both the main lake and its trophy dam! The main 260 acre lake is well stocked with trout and offers excellent fly-fishing opportunities with brown and rainbow trout ranging from 1 pound to 12 pounds (yes, the record trout fished in the lake is 12 pounds!).

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Trout fishing is a gentleman's sport and we at Sani Valley are strong supporters of catch and release to ensure great fishing for all for years to come. Guided trout fishing and hire equipment is available on request. Sani Valley has two smaller dams at your disposal, all of which are stocked regularly.

The Lakes are stocked annually with large fish to maintain the strength of fishing and variety on Sani Valley's waters.
The tackle shop at the reception caters for all anglers basic needs as well as tackle for hire.

Game Viewing

Sani Valley boasts some of the best wildlife in the Drakenberg area. The entire valley is game-fenced and stocked with an abundance of wildlife.

At Sani Valley you will be able to walk among the zebra, red hartebeest, blesbuck, eland, springbok and many other antelope. Other game, such as jackals and baboons, are able to pass through from the bordering Heritage site mountains.

Often you will wake up to find a herd of Blesbuck in front of your lodge!

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Bird Watching

Sani Valley has recorded over 300 species of birds in the area over the years. The Drakensberg Pipit, the Orangebreasted Rockjumper along with the Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier are endemic to the area. From the Wattled Crane to the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer) we have them all. Bird watching enthusiasts roam the Sani Valley Lodge enjoying the variety of local birds attracted by the water, wetlands, veld, rocky out crops and wooded areas. Although there are no hides specially set up the abundance of birds will never let you down, all year round.

We have built a Vulture Restaurant that has up to 165 vultures at a time when a fresh carcass has been donated by the local cattle farming community.

Even if you are not into birds we think you will find our birds very attractive at Sani Valley lodge as they form such a valuable part of the environment and provide nature's own music through their songs and calls.

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Boating

Sani Valley is the perfect spot for boating and swimming. The lake has a dugout edge so there is no need to wade through reeds and slush.

There are a number of boats available for guests to use (fishing or leisurely cruises). Guests can either opt for a motor for their boat or they can utilise oars. (Boats & motors are an optional extra).

If fishing boats aren't for you, then you can try out one of the kayaks, canoes or peddle-boats. Fishermen are however encouraged to bring their own float tubes or kick boats. This is where most angling success is had.

Guests are more than welcome to bring their own boats and motors so long as the motors are less than 5 hp, so as not to negatively impact on other fishermen.

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Hiking

This spectacular World Heritage Site provides therefore a paradise for hikers! Unesco lavishly describes the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park as a World Heritage Site of “exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts.

Mountain Biking

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park provides a spectacular environment for mountain bikers. It offers a plethora of riding trails for all kind of levels; and for the most mountain biking enthusiasts riding up or down the Sani Pass might be a tempting challenge and one never to be forgotten.

Please bring your own bikes to enjoy the landscape we have to offer.

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Bushman Paintings

The San bushman rock art is partly responsible for adding World Heritage status to the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. It is the principal monument to ancient hunter-gatherers who survived here until the 19th century. The Drakensberg has between 35000 and 40000 works of bushmen art and is one of the largest collection of such work in the world.

Come see it for yourself.

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Sani Pass 4x4 Drives

The spectacular sani pass awaits. The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and Kwa- Zulu Natal passes by Sani Valley through the magnificant Sani Pass. A 4x4 and Passports are required to visit the top of the Sani Pass, where the well known “Highest Pub in Africa” is situated and beyond it the beauty of the Lesotho highlands.

Tours can be arranged at reception.

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Golfing

Guests can enjoy a 9-hole (18 tee) golf course at the nearby Underberg Country Club. With beautiful views of the mountains and a dedicated grounds man the course is definitely worth a visit. Bar, restaurant and other facilities are available.

Please contact reception to arrange a game.