KZN Scenic Tours

• KZN Scenic and wildlife tour
• Historical San Rock Art Tour
• Lesotho Overland Tour: 1 Night / 2 Day
• Lesotho Overland Tour: 3 Night / 4 Day

Drakensberg Mountains (uKhahlamba –Drakensberg Park)

Recognised by the ancient mystics of our land as breathing new life into the human spirit, the inescapable allure of this 200 kilometre long wonderland owes much to its intense relationship with people...the million-plus years of Stone Age occupation in particular. This culminated in the tragic disappearance, during the late 19th century, of the San hunter-gatherers, colloquially referred to as Bushmen. Migrating chiefdoms from the Great Lakes of Central Africa had been humbled by the sheer magnitude of this “uKhahlamba” translated as the “Barrier of Spears” - destined to become the western extreme of their Zulu Kingdom. The ox-wagons of Boer settlers negotiated its precipitous passes in 1837 on the Great Trek from British dominion in the Cape Colony to a 'Promised Land'. The name Drakensberg was coined forty years later when a Boer father and son reported seeing a dragon - a giant lizard with wings and a tail - flying high above the cloud-shrouded mountain peaks. From the massive basalt cliffs of its northern reaches to the soaring sandstone buttresses in the south, the Berg - as it's popularly known - offers a myriad delights to anyone of any age who needs to 'get away from it all'. Peace and quiet is the catchphrase amid this unsurpassed grandeur where the world's second- highest waterfall tumbles down a series of breathtaking cascades.
Accommodation caters for all tastes and budgets... from luxury resorts and hotels with ultra-modern conference facilities to guest- houses, B&B establishments, caravan parks and cabins. The inscription in late 2000 of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park as a World Heritage Site brought long-overdue recognition of its universal value to mankind. Meeting the criteria for both Natural and Cultural listings, the site can now officially boast 'superlative natural phenomena and beauty, unique richness of biological diversity, the conservation of all-important endemic and threatened species, plus masterpieces of human creative genius in the form of 35 000 'San rock art images' within this range.

Sani Pass

The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is the only road entry point into Lesotho from South Africa’s uKhahlhamba/Drakensberg Park. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed to traverse this road and as we can never underestimate the changeability of the weather in Lesotho, this is a necessity. A common truth is that you can have four seasons in one day, so be prepared. In summer waterfalls cascade and tumble into the river below. The green slopes that sweep upward to the base of towering basalt cliffs are dotted with the colour of a great variety of flowers.  In winter under a cloudless sky iced waterfalls sparkle next to the hairpin bends. This is our dry season when the early afternoon sun burnishes the dry veld to a rich gold. And there is the ever-present promise of snow.

Once, the Sani Pass was a rough mule trail descending the Eastern Highlands of old Basutoland (now Lesotho) into Natal. Tough drovers brought wool and mohair down the Pass on donkeys and mules to be exchanged for blankets, clothing, maize meal and the essentials for life in a remote, impoverished country. And a young man had a dream of operating a motor vehicle service up this fantastic mountain pass; using the 4-wheel drive vehicles he had seen on service in World War II. His name was David Alexander and in 1955 he did just that. Here we follow in his footsteps!

Midlands Meander

The Midlands Meander is what weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, box makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and pianos have in common. You will find them all, and a great deal more on the Midlands Meander map - South Africa's first, largest and most popular art and crafts route. 
From a very small beginning, the Midlands Meander has grown to well over a hundred stops on four routes. Originating with the arrival of the first settlers in the early 1800’s the area boasts many wonderful homes and barns, an attraction to lovers of architecture. As you tour the Midlands Meander you will also notice that this area is home to a number of the country’s most famous schools. The Midlands Meander has also grown to offer much more than Arts and Crafts, and also now boasts a vast number of top-class hospitality establishments. Converted from classic old farmhouses or outbuildings, they cater for the full spectrum of guests’ needs, ranging from luxury to rustic.
Do not be fooled by the tranquil serenity, as a range of other activities is also available to those who prefer some action to a slow drive through the country. Trout fishing, hiking and mountain biking are the perfect way to shake off the city while others enjoy the shopping.
Giants Castle
Historic Giant's Castle Game Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Berg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. Giant's Castle camp is situated on a gassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views for hikers and mountain climbers.
Superb rock art is high among its special attractions. The renowned vulture restaurant is open in winter for visitors to watch and photograph bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding.

Golden Gate National Park

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp. This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals which include black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra - and birds, including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening. Situated against the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range and the legendary rocky mountains of the Lesotho Kingdom in the eastern Free State province, Golden Gate is easily accessible to visitors from most parts of the country. The amalgamation of the former Qwa Qwa National Park with the Golden Gate Highlands National Park will see the increase of this all important conservation area from 12 000 ha to 34 000 ha.  The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is one of the real highlights of the Free State Province. The vegetation in the Golden Gate nature reserve consists mainly of indigenous grassland. Long hiking paths lead through the quiet mountain world. The Golden Gate Highlands National Parkis renowned for its superlative scenery, invigorating climate and excellent accommodation in either the hotel or the self-catering chalets and rondawels. Some 140 bird species have been identified in the park, and a hide at the vulture restaurant enables bird lovers to observe these scavengers closely without being detected.