Drakensberg Mountain Safari

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Join us on a short visit to the mighty Drakensberg Mountains. This mountain range with peaks of up to 3000m marks the eastern border to the independent kingdom of Lesotho. In the northern Drakensberg you can admire the imposing mountain range of the so-called Amphitheater. In the southern Drakensberg, explore the legendary Sani Pass, the only southern connecting road to Lesotho.

This tour can easily be adapted to your wishes. Extra nights, alternative accommodation or additional activities are possible. Domestic flights from/to Cape Town or Johannesburg can be booked as an option. This tour can also be combined with one of our other short safaris. We will be happy to make you an individual offer. This tour can be started all year round. November to March is the rainy season, June to August can be quite cold.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Bergville
• 2x Himeville

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 4x overnight stay in the Superior Plus category ****/*****
• 4x breakfast, 1x lunch, 4x dinner
• private transfers according to program
• Drakensberg 4×4 sundowner drive
• 4×4 day tour Sani Pass
• Travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: DURBAN

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO BERGVILLE

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

BERGVILLE

You drive to the northern Drakensberg near the small village of Bergville. This is the ideal starting point to explore the beautiful Royal Natal National Park with the famous mountain formation of the Amphitheater and the unique Tugela Falls. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. The surrounding area also has a lot to offer with the Giants Castle Game Reserve, the Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve and the Battlefields Route.

Stay in a chalet in the upscale Montusi Mountain Lodge with a view of the famous amphitheater. The well-kept and spacious outdoor area invites you to relax and unwind. Adventurous guests can reach all the highlights of the northern Drakensberg from here on day trips. The 14 detached chalets offer a bathroom/WC, a lounge area with a separate bedroom, a fan, underfloor heating, a fireplace, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a veranda with mountain views. The Family Suites have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The Mountain View Chalets also have a large skylight with mountain views from the bedroom. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with a view, a pool and a large garden. Several hiking trails to a small waterfall, to a cave with historical rock paintings or to the summit of Mountusi Peak start right outside the door. Horse riding can be organized at the hotel's own riding stable for a fee.

MONTUSI MOUNTAIN LODGE (MOUNTAIN SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 1: BERGVILLE

SCENIC SUNDOWNER 4X4 TRIP

You set off on a sundowner drive in an off-road vehicle to the private Montusi Estate with a fantastic view of the amphitheater in the light of the setting sun. Dusk is probably the most magical time in the mountains. With a bit of luck, you can also marvel at the typical wildlife of the Drakensberg on the way, as zebras, eland antelopes and other wild animals are not rare guests. On the way, you make a sundowner stop at a beautiful viewpoint.

This excursion starts at 4 p.m. and lasts around two hours. A sundowner drink and light snacks are included. The tour language is English and the tour can be conducted with additional people.

DAY 2: BERGVILLE

AMAZIZI VILLAGE TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 90 € PER PERSON

You set off with a member of the Montusi team on an excursion to a village in the AmaZizi tribal area, where most of the Montusi Mountain Lodge staff are based. Experience real life in rural South Africa. For example, a visit to a sangoma (traditional healer), a private home, an elementary school, a crèche or the local craft center may be on the agenda.

This tour takes about two hours. Please discuss the exact start time at reception. The tour language is English. The exact program depends on the day of the week.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 2: BERGVILLE

SUNDOWNER RIDE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 75 € PER PERSON

You set off on a sundowner ride with a fantastic view of the amphitheater in the light of the setting sun. Dusk is probably the most magical time in the mountains.

This ride takes about two hours and starts in the late afternoon. The level of difficulty is easy to moderate. A sundowner drink and light snacks are included. The tour language is English and the tour can be done with additional people. Starting point is the Montusi Mountain Lodge (own arrival).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 3: BERGVILLE

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO HIMEVILLE

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 3 TO DAY 5:

HIMEVILLE

Himeville is the center of the southern Drakensberg. Several nature reserves such as the Coleford Nature Reserve and the Garden Castle State Forest are less than half an hour's drive away. The town is also the ideal starting point for day trips on the Sani Pass to Lesotho, the only southern link road between the two countries. The pass is only accessible with a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle, so there are several providers of guided day tours on site.

The Sani Valley Nature Lodges are detached chalets and are situated on a lake in a private nature reserve with breathtaking views of the southern Drakensberg Mountains. In the reserve you can discover zebras and various antelope species as well as impressive birdlife. The eleven lodges offer nature lovers plenty of peace and privacy as well as a fantastic view of the lake and the mountains. All chalets have a bathroom/WC, a TV, a kitchenette, a fan, a lounge with a fireplace, a safe and a veranda with barbecue facilities. The Sunset Lodges are suitable for two people. The Lakeside Lodges also have a bunk bed for children and a private Jacuzzi on the veranda. The Early Mist Lodges offer an additional bedroom for children and a private jacuzzi on the veranda. The clubhouse offers various activities (some for a fee) such as guided hikes, boat rentals and spa treatments. Breakfast is also served here. Dinner is delivered to your chalet.

The price includes a picnic basket on arrival.

SANI VALLEY NATURE LODGES (EARLY MIST LODGE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 4: UNDERBERG

SANI PASS DAY TOUR

Your day trip to the Sani Pass starts at 9:30 am in Underberg. The drive up to an altitude of almost 2900m takes around two and a half hours. On the way, you will have several photo stops to take in the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. At lunchtime you will reach Sani Mountain Lodge, the highest pub in Africa, where a delicious lunch awaits you (drinks are paid for on site). The tour continues to a local village, where you can learn more about the inhabitants of Lesotho and taste home-brewed beer and homemade bread. The return journey over the pass then begins. You will reach your starting point in Unterberg again at around 16:30.

The tour lasts around seven hours. The tour is in English and takes place with other people. Meeting point is at 9:00 am at the Trout Walk Center in Underberg. Overnight guests in Himeville will be picked up at their accommodation en route. You must take your passport with you to cross the border, please note the entry requirements of Lesotho that apply to you. Please take warm clothing with you.

DAY 5: HIMEVILLE

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO DURBAN

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is malaria free.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs around EUR 5 (small salad, soup) to EUR 8 (pizza, pasta, burger) per person, a dinner around EUR 9 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 11 (steak, fish) to EUR 21 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 1.60 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.