The Drakensberg region of South Africa is quite a large one, and doesn’t often get the kind of attention that the coastal regions or vibrant cities do.  For those not in the know, this area has more than a fair share of jaw-dropping scenic beauty, untouched landscapes to drive through, and adventure-orientated activities. If you’ll be in the area, here are 3 of the top towns to visit. This post details 3 more towns to see, if you’ll be staying in the area for a week or longer.

The towering mountains that lead to Sani Pass. By Mark Peacock (Creative Commons)

  1. Day One

Where: Himeville
See: Beautiful scenery, water sports and fly-fishing, Himeville museum with San artifacts

Just outside of Underberg, nestled against the side of the Southern Drakensberg, is the picturesque town of Himeville. It is the closest town to Sani Pass, which connects KwaZulu-Natal to Lesotho, and Sani Pass is only navigable by 4x4s due to its dangerous twists and turns. The highest pub in Africa is at the top of the pass, so if you do go, don’t forget to take some photographs!

Himeville is known for being a water-sport haven, a fly-fishers dream, and it is also the town chosen for the popular annual Splashy Fen Music Festival. While here, visit the surroundings and explore Bushman’s Nek where you can spot buck species, the Cobham State Forest in the Mkhomazi Wilderness area, and the local Himeville museum which is home to African and San memorabilia, as well as settler, agricultural, and military history.  **Please note roads into Himeville are made of gravel and should be driven on quite slowly by those who come here without a 4×4.

Stay at: Off Road Adventures Lodge is a self-catering lodge in close proximity to restaurants and shops in Himeville. They have an on-site communal Jacuzzi, DStv, and cosy en-suite bedrooms.

Howick Falls are the same height as Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls by Bjorn Christian Torrissen (Flickr)

  1. Day Two

Where: Howick
See: Howick Falls, Howick Museum, Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, Canopy Tours

Situated 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Himeville, Howick is known for the beautiful 93m high Howick Falls waterfall set within the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of buck species, as well as giraffes and zebras. This town is considered to be a bird-watchers paradise, with close to 270 bird species inhabiting the area.

While here, explore the area and try an invigorating Karklooof Canopy tour where you can spot monkeys and birdlife while in the tree tops. Take a trip to Howick Falls and try to spot the Inkanyamba monster which hides in the frothing waters below – this creature has merited sacrifices from sangomas and local tribes trying to appease it, and appears as a snake with a horse’s head in bushman paintings. A walk down main road is also rewarding with views of historic buildings in town, such as the Anglican Church, Howick Falls Hotel, and the town library.

Stay at: Howick Falls Hotel, with its 17th century façade offers visitors a comfortable blend of modern comforts with yesteryear charm. They have standard rooms and family rooms, which all have air-conditioning and complimentary tea and coffee facilities.

Mooi River Falls near Rosetta. By Roger O'Neill (Creative Commons)

  1. Day Three

Where: Mooi River
See:  Mooi River Falls (when flooded), Midlands Meander arts and crafts route, Giants Castle

An easy 30 minute drive away from Howick is Mooi River, which directly translates to ‘pretty river’, though in Zulu it is called Mpofana, meaning ‘place of the Eland’. The Mooi River meanders through the centre of town and brings a host of birdlife to this area, which is a part of the Midlands Meander tourism route.

While here, go on a horseback trail and see the landscape as the settlers once did, or visit the Graceland gallery and art studio of local sculptor, Jeanette Hogg. Take a drive to the historic Battlefields or the Giants Castle Nature Reserve, or go fishing at the nearby ZuluWaters Game Reserve after calling to confirm they’re available. If none of the above appeals, settle in at one of the local pubs and soak in the welcoming, friendly atmosphere.  If you’re a music lover, don’t miss out on the Southern Cross Music Festival, held annually in Mooi River each September.

Stay at: Gleneagles Manor House is on a 4-acre estate in the town, surrounded by ancient oak trees and manicured lawns. It offers a variety of room options to suit all traveller types.

Let us know what your favourite attraction or activity is at the above towns.

Main image credited to Iri Soda (Creative Commons)