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Sofiroadtrip

26 posts

2024-12-31

Hi there, We’re heading to South Africa for 17 days at the end of July/beginning of August with our two kids. We’re planning 4 days in the Drakensberg: 2 days at Royal Natal and two more to do the Sani Pass (but going through a local agency at Sani Lodge). We’ve rented a Toyota Corolla. Is that enough? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodations in the area? Or other ideas for those 4 days? Thanks so much for your tips! Happy holidays! !

Hdj Regular ·2025-01-01

It’ll be winter. It’s going to be really cold and damp. So the mountain trails will be snowy or icy and slippery. In my opinion, you’ll need a 4x4 to get over the 2,800 m pass (if it’s open at that time of year) !

SO Sofiroadtrip ·2025-01-01

It’ll be winter. It’s going to be very cold and wet. So the mountain trails will be snowy or icy and slippery. In my opinion, you’ll need a 4x4 to cross the pass at 2,800 m (if it’s open at that time of year) !

Thanks! But we’re not planning to cross the pass in our own vehicle—we’ll go with a local agency that’ll have a 4x4. Otherwise, is a regular car enough? Thanks again !

Michel85200 Globetrotter ·2025-01-01

Hi there, It’ll be cold At RNNP The upper camp is really nice Some great hikes. Just remember to bring your supplies since it’s pretty remote.

If I understand correctly, You’ll then head back down via AFS toward Underberg/Himeville, where an ascent via the Sani Pass will be organized. They’ll take care of you.

I’ve never had any issues in this area in September or August, But This year was exceptional—there was snow and snow… roads closed, even the N3… But that was unusual. So I don’t have any particular warnings for driving, except in exceptional cases! For accommodation, I stayed at the Royal Natal, Or the Orion Mont-aux-Sources Hotel if you want a hotel. In Himeville, I went to the Yellowwood Cottage BB—simple but nice. Check out the Himeville Arms too.

That said, there’s quite a distance between RN and Underberg… Too much driving for me unless you’ve got a specific route in mind.

michel85200

Voyajou Globetrotter ·2025-01-01

Hi Sophie,

Yes, a 'flat' car will do just fine, especially for accessing the facilities in Royal Natal NP. For accommodations, will you be spending a night at Sani Mountain Lodge (at the pass)? Otherwise, Sani Lodge, down below, which organizes your trip, is pretty good. The Himeville Arms is nice too, especially for its pub (though maybe not with young kids...). Still in Himeville, after a few days roughing it in Lesotho, I like to treat myself (but it’ll cost you) at Moorcroft Manor, where you can sometimes see the sun setting over the Lesotho you’ve just left. (photo taken end of June)

SO Sofiroadtrip ·2025-01-01

Thanks for your feedback. That’s good news about the car. That’s a start! If the distances are too long, I’ll revise our plans to limit the driving. We arrive in Johannesburg to spend 4 nights in the Drakensberg before heading to Santa Lucia. There’s so much to see! Thanks again for your tips

Michel85200 Globetrotter ·2025-01-01

After the RNNP You could consider Champagne Valley Great tip at Mackayabella (watch out for the one in the Drakensberg) – check out Ardmore GH, it’s less remote Then head toward St Lucia Via Greytown and KwaDukuza Or Still on the national road via Durban (which we avoid) Both routes work

michel85200

SO Sofiroadtrip ·2025-01-01

Great suggestion! We’ll do that. Thanks so much!!! We’re making great progress thanks to you!

Michel85200 Globetrotter ·2025-01-01

There are quite a few travel journals about this area— including some of mine. I should actually pick up my adventures again soon.

michel85200

Michel85200 Globetrotter ·2025-01-01

For me, the Sani Pass was 10 years ago, arriving from Lesotho before the Chinese-built roads. On the other hand, the Drakensberg is more recent. The Kamberg and Highmoor sections had terrible roads two years ago—that’s what pushed me back toward Royal Natal National Park, Giants Castle, and Cathkin Peak again. 😊 Roads are better now, among other things. St. Lucia is one of my favorite spots—I love iSimangaliso! !

michel85200

LA Laure76 ·2025-02-10

Hi there, we spent 17 days in South Africa last summer with our three older teens. We ended our trip in the Drakensberg. Initially, we were planning to do two separate 2-night stays like you, but the distances are quite long—you really need to arrive at your destination before 6 PM, and we were all tired of being in the car. So we "sacrificed" the Sani Pass and spent 3 nights at Royal Natal Park instead. It was gorgeous, the days were really pleasant, and the evenings and nights were a bit chilly.

Don’t miss the Capture Site Museum at Mandela’s capture site on the road between Joburg and Durban.

Have a great trip!

JL Jlponty ·2025-02-18

Hi, Maybe a bit late, but I can confirm that at Royal Natal, the upper camp at Thendele is great (the lower camp is also very nice, but the view is just a tad less impressive). Just be aware—I read that there’s been some recent renovation work on some of the chalets, so you might want to check with the camp if needed.

SO Sofiroadtrip ·2025-02-18

Thanks for the feedback! We’re kicking off our road trip in the Drakensberg. We’ve booked 2 nights at Thendele Camp Upper and 2 nights in Champagne Valley at an Airbnb. After that, we’ll hit the road for St. Lucia. Thanks again for all your tips! !

Michel85200 Globetrotter ·2025-02-18

Hi Yes, some chalets are being renovated One had a fire Baboons are the issue for the others They’re neither rented out nor bothersome

michel85200

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