Despite its rich soil and abundant water, pioneer farmers dismissed the Underberg region until the very last. The original San hunter-gatherers spent summers here, but followed animal migrations to the coast before winter's onset.
World’s Highest Hiking
Today this Southern Drakensberg area is neither popular for its fertile farming soils, nor is it famous for hunting expeditions – it’s well known as a place that provides some of the world’s highest hiking trails.
Towering an imposing 3 700m above sea level and stretching into Lesotho, the Underberg is endowed with sensational slopes, spectacular zigzagging routes to the top of the escarpment, and breathtaking scenery that make the hiking experience here an incomparable one.
Seasonal Surprises
The Underberg’s high altitude and climatic extremes makes hiking there both exciting and challenging. In winter, the higher reaches become spectacular snow-scapes, with the valley and peaks transformed into a wonderland of white. But if you are adventuring during summer you also need to bear in mind that the glorious sunny days may easily turn into misty conditions, sudden thunderstorms that seem to come from nowhere followed by a short spell of unseasonal rain. So in addition to your camera also prepare yourself for nature’s unknowable personality by carrying a jersey and a rain coat.
Frozen Waterfalls
Between the months of June and August temperatures here can go below zero. During this period the often tranquil streams cascading through the gorges and rock pools are a spectacle of frozen water. Take a picture of these streams on your way up in winter and you will have memories of your first sight of frozen “waterfalls”.
Scenic Sani
The gateway to Lesotho via Sani Pass provides 4x4 enthusiasts with the perfect challenge. The Sani Pass is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in South Africa. It climbs up through upright cliffs of the Drakensberg escarpment in endless curves. If you are a backpacking hiker who doesn’t mind hiking for days, the spectacular Sani Pass summit views seat is reserved just for you.
Summit or Stroll It
But Sani Pass isn’t made only for those who can summit it. The Underberg region offers a multitude of hikes for all levels of fitness and enthusiasm. Each stop up the majestic Sani Pass is filled with amazing scenic splendour. You can choose to take the gentle strolls for a few hours, all-morning hikes that will take you to the San rock art sites, peaceful berg streams, hilltops with awesome views and secretive caves. You can also get a chance to interact with the Basotho mountain culture as you meet locals who go up and down the pass with effortless ease. Ardent hikers can enjoy overnight trips up the mountain lit by the star-studded blue night skies.
First-class Fishing
If you decide to take a break from your hiking trips the Underberg has an equally exciting variety of activities to suit any visitor’s fancy. If you enjoy fishing, the Underberg offers unsurpassed fly fishing opportunities in South Africa. The Underberg Trout Fishing Club has rights to over 160km of river and a dam surface area of over 400 hectares for you to simply fish until you reach your fill.
Array of Activities
Your other alternatives are a round of golf at any of the Underberg district’s 3 world-class golf courses. If you are a fitness buff and your way of taking a break is a less gruelling activity there are numerous rivers for swimming, rafting, canoeing and tubing. Or choose horse riding, polo or meeting up with local Underbergers through participating in a game of cricket, squash, touch-rugby or hockey organised by the Underberg Country Club.
Trip Tips
Visitors to Underberg can arrange with local tour operators for day trips up Sani Pass and into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Most departures are from the Underberg Hotel and the Clock Tower Centre. If you have access to a 4 x 4 vehicle, you may choose to make the trip into Lesotho on your own. A valid passport is needed upon entering Lesotho.
Whether you prefer to stroll through secluded valleys, walk the gently sloping foothills or take on the mountains in an effort to reach the soaring summits, the Underberg is indeed a wayfarer’s dream.
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