DRAKENSBERG ADVENTURES
Overland Adventure Tours
in Sani Pass, Drakensberg & Surroundings,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Introduction
Simone and Russell started Sani Lodge Backpackers on the Sani Pass road in the
Southern Drakensberg Mountains in 1992. In 1998, they started Drakensberg
Adventures tour company based at the lodge ,which is in fact the original
historic site once owned by the pioneers of the Sani Pass , David Alexander
being one of them. A fascinating display of the Sani Pass being 'conquered by
4x4 Land Rovers ', courtesy of David Alexander's wife, is in the Giant's Cup Tea
Garden ( the original building where the workshop use to be).
Russell is author of " A Backpackers Guide to Lesotho" and has used his
extensive knowledge of the Drakensberg and Lesotho to set up a variety of action
packed tours aimed at the backpackers seeking a trip with content! The tours
range from one day trips to two, three, four and six day trips. All tours have
been designed not only to give quality and value for money, but also to benefit
whole communities and the national park areas in both Lesotho and South Africa.
Liaison with the Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project has assisted the wider
community in benefiting through provision of their services to the tours.
Community tourism is about sustainable and environment-friendly practice and we
do our best to support these aims.
As the Drakensberg Mountains are home to one of the largest outdoor art
galleries in the world, there are a plethora of painted shelters boasting
thousands of individual paintings . This amazing treasure trove was left behind
by the Bushmen, who inhabited the Drakensberg for at least 10 000 years. Since
all rock are sites within the national park area can only be visited with an
accredited guide, Drakensberg Adventures offers guided day walks to view Bushman
paintings with qualified guides.
Drakensberg Adventures can also organise tailor made overnight guided hiking
trips led by their expert, knowledgeable and fully qualified mountain walking
guides and horse riding from one to three hours.
Lesotho Tours
Time of departure of tours: 9am
Return of tours: 5 pm
Depart from: Sani Lodge Backpackers 10.5km down Sani Pass Road on the left hand
side.
Requirements: please contact Sani Lodge directly for cost of each tour and kit
lists on essential items to bring along for each individual tour.
Standard Sani Pass Day Tour
This popular day tour gives an all round taste of Lesotho via the spectacular
gateway of the Sani Pass. Travel up the only road through the Drakensberg cliffs
in a 4x4, hearing tales of the pioneering of the route, learn about the natural
history of the Drakensberg and see the beautiful wildflowers, wildlife and birds
which inhabit the slopes. We drive further into Lesotho, visiting a small
shepherd's village to have a feel for the unique way of life, including sheep
shearing in season. Ascend Black Mountain, second highest road pass in Lesotho
and picnic with stunning views . We take a short walk to view the highest point
in Southern Africa, then return via a stop at Sani Top Chalet for a drink in the
highest pub in Africa. Tour cost R390.00 pp including a packed picnic lunch.
Hodgson's Peaks Day Tour
This trip starts like the Standard Sani Tour by ascending the Sani Pass in a 4x4
vehicle. Parking at Sani Top, we set off on a 4 hour return hike to climb the
highest peak on this section of the southern Drakensberg - Hodgson's Peaks (
also called the Giant's Cup) at 3256m. Situated on the edge of the escarpment,
the summit provides not only a satisfying climb, but superb 360 degree views of
the Drakensberg, the KZN midlands and into the mountainous interior of Lesotho.
The hike can be described as moderate - hiking only- no technical climbing
involved.
2 or 3 Day Cultural Experience In Eastern Lesotho
Community tourism at its best! Drive up Sani Pass in a 4x4, then over another
mountain pass to a highland village, lunching by pools and rock waterslides.
Stay with Thabiso and his family in a village near the river, to gain insight
into the lifestyle of these mountain people . Visit a traditional healer,
observe traditional dancing and artefacts, wander through the villages, visit
the local school and enjoy hearty traditional meals. Horse riding is an optional
extra.
2 / 3 / 4 Day Lesotho Pony Trekking Trip
This tour is very popular with non riders as well as experienced riders. The
first day of the 3 day tour is spent travelling up Sani Pass in a 4x4, and
continuing deep into Lesotho towards Molumong Lodge, an old colonial trading
post with amazing views. Saddle up on surefooted Basotho ponies the following
day for a ride through spectacular scenery to a remote village high in the
mountains. Return on horseback via a different route on the last day and then
head back to the Sani Pass and Sani Lodge .
2 / 3 / 4 Day Sehlabathebe National Park
This is indeed a cultural, scenic and action packed tour. Spend the first day of
the 4 day tour, travelling from Sani Lodge to Masakala Community Guest House for
appreciation of traditional activities in the area. After breakfast and a walk
the following day, cross into Lesotho to Sehlabathebe National Park .Spend day
three on horseback or on foot exploring the area local guides. On the last day,
enjoy the unique experience of crossing an international border from Lesotho to
South Africa on horseback or on foot . From there return to Sani Lodge.
4 / 5 / 6 Day Katse Dam / Northern Lesotho Tour
Six full days of exploring Lesotho taking in the dramatic Sani Pass, Sehonghong
river valley, Molumong Lodge, Menoaneng Pass to the Orange river, Katse Dam,
Bokong Nature Reserve, Mafika Lisiu Pass to Ts'ehlanyane Nature Reserve,
Liphofung for Bushman rock art, Moteng Pass , Oxbow Lodge and then Matsoaing
village , returning via Sani Pass. Contact us for detailed itinerary.
3 / 4 / 5 Day Southern Lesotho Explorer
5 days of touring Lesotho via Quachas Nek border post to a remove village.
Horseride / hike to the edge of escarpment the following day and then on to Mt
Moorosi. See dinosaur footprints at Quthing and a 19tth mission cave house.
Visit community tourism enterprises in villages, hike / horseride to remote
valleys to see Bushman painting sites.
In The Footsteps of The Bushmen
A guided day hike requiring moderate fitness. Knowledgeable and accredited
guides will lead you to three different panels of rock art, pointing out
animals, birds and wild flowers en route. Stops on the way allow one to hear
stories of the bushmen, their history, lifestyle, religious beliefs and their
tragic end.
Guided Overnight Hiking
Specially qualified mountain guides create tailor made hikes to suit your
fitness levels , time and personal interests. Sample untouched wilderness in the
form of soaring peaks, waterfalls, crystal clear pools, wildlife, birds, wild
flowers, rock art. Hiking in Lesotho adds a cultural element to the alpine
scenery of the Maloti Ranges where one sees shepherds and their flocks, remote
villages and ploughed fields. Conquer Thabana Ntlenyana 3482m, the highest peak
south of Kilimanjaro.
Special Packages - unbeatable value!
1)Essential Drakensberg ( 3 nights and 2 days) R1190.00 pp
Includes Standard Sani and Bushman tour, accommodation and all meals.
2)Hikers Heaven ( 4 nights and 3 days) R1430.00 pp
Includes Hodgson's Peaks, Bushman tour , self-guided day hike, accommodation and
all meals.
Contact Us
OR
See next to main photo for alternative contact details.
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