Underberg

Underberg - Southern Drakensberg KwaZulu Natal

Underberg describes that towns location beneath the Southern Drakensberg Mountains. The southern Drakensberg presents more fly-fishing opportunities than anywhere else in South Africa, with the Underberg Trout Fishing Club holding rights to more than 160km of river plus 60 dams with a surface area exceeding 400 hectares. The Underberg district further boasts three golf courses and numerous rivers for swimming, rafting, canoeing and tubing. Horse trails and polo fields add a further dimension to the available fun and excitement.

Near to Underberg lies Himeville and the Himeville Museum which was built in 1900 as the last of Natals loop-holed forts before housing prisoners until 1972. An open-air exhibition of settler and agricultural history is surrounded by display rooms housing military, African traditional and even trout- fishing memorabilia. Further, the museum is home to a valued collection of San artefacts and an insightful interpretation of the life and times of these ancient ones is to be found there.

Situated amongst picture book farmlands, against a backdrop of majestic mountain peaks, the bustling village of Underberg is located only planted along the road between the two towns to signify their unity after years of rivalry.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Kokstad 101 km

Mountains – Southern Drakensberg

Rivers – Polela

HISTORICAL VIEW

Reichenau Mission

On the Bulwer road. Established by Trappist monks in 1886 when Abbot Francis Pfanner purchased land from the Zulu Chief Skuyedwa. Limited accommodation is available and guests are welcome. The mission lies on the banks of the Polela River.

San Rock Art

Sixty five percent of the country’s rock art is in the Drakensberg. It can be viewed whilst on a private walk or with a pre organized guided tour.

NATURE

Iris Garden at Mount Dragon

A world class selection of irises. When in bloom (October – November), is well worth visiting. The gardens are on the Swartberg road about 10 km from Underberg.

Sani Pass

A unforgettable experience, by four wheel drive vehicle, is to climb to the ‘roof of Africa’ up the Sani Pass and into Lesotho. This is the third steepest pass in the world and winds through unique mountain side flora with spectacular views back down the pass. A passport is essential, however South African citizens can obtain a temporary travel document in presentation of their identity document. Daily trips are run from Underberg and Himeville by local tour operators.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Flower Walk (from the top of Sani Pass) – January

Drakensberg Challenge Canoe Race – February

Splashy Fen Folk Music Festival – May, the oldest and largest of it’s kind in the country.

‘Seriously Splashy’

A concert hosts the Natal Philharmoic Orchestra as an open air experience

ACTIVITIES

Bird Watching

The area offers the serious birder a chance to see those species that are endemic to the ‘Berg’ only.

Fishing

The rivers and dams combine to form South Africa’s premier trout fishing area. Besides the private waters, the local club, which welcomes visitors, manages many rivers and dams on behalf of the local farmers.

Hiking

In the mountains or walking through the easier wilderness areas can be planned to last from a few hours to an overnight stay in a mountain cave or hut.

Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail

A hiking trail approximately 60 km long in five sections that can be walked a day per section, one to five days, guided or self guided. There are also guided trails across and along the high ‘Berg’, ranging from a few hours to several days, overnighting in caves or camping.

Horse Riding

Bushmans Nek Horse and Pony Treks

Situated on a beef farm. Accommodates experienced, as well as inexperienced riders. One hour to five hour day rides, as well as two or three day overnight rides in the most beautiful surroundings you will ever see. Tailor made two ot three day rides deep into the awesome Drakensberg mountains and 3000 m above sea level over the summit into neighbouring Lesotho where you can meet it’s friendly and hospitable people. Experienced guides will assist you and make your ride memorable and exciting. Also offer trout fishing in one of the best trout dams in the area.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Paragliding