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We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa
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info@southerncircle.com
We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa
+27 31 572 4227
Search
info@southerncircle.com
We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa
+27 31 572 4227
Help me plan my tour

Best Drakensberg Holiday Packages from Southern Circle

1 Day Sani Pass Guided Tour – Durban (Code: SCDA)

The Sani Pass tour is certainly an adventure day out! Travel up the mountain pass with 4 x 4 vehicles, awe at the views and on a clear day one can see up to 250km! Drive inland past Pietermaritzburg to the area of gently pastoral beauty, also called the Natal Midlands. We travel through grassy plains scattered with Zulu villages and lush farmlands where plump cattle and thoroughbred horses graze. Traverse through Underberg, a picturesque little village situated in the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.  At Himeville you change vehicles and set off in a 4 wheel drive minibus for the drive up Sani Pass, named after the primitive people who lived in the area millennia ago. The ascend up Sani is steep at places with hair-raising bends. The driver talk about the geography and also stop frequently for photo opportunities of the breathtaking views. Afterwards, arrive at the top of Sani Pass into the kingdom of Lesotho. You visit the locals and they may  invite you into their house, which often result into tasting locally baked snacks or bread! Lunch is served at the top in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho some 3 000 metres above sea level. Afterwards, we descend down the mountain via Sani again, change vehicles and set off to Durban. OTHER TOURS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN 2 Day Drakensberg Highscdblights  – SCDB 3 Day Drakensberg Adventure – SCDD  

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2 Day Drakensberg Mountains Highlights Tour – Durban (Code: SCDB)

With this tour we incorporate a visit to Pietermaritzburg where police kicked Mahatma Ghandi off the train because of his skin colour, the Howick Falls, Nelson Mandela’s capture site, a 4 x 4 drive up Sani Pas, interaction with the locals in Lesotho and lunch at the highest pub in Africa! DAY 1    Durban – Drakensberg Mountains – Sani Pass We depart at around 09h00 for your tour to the Drakensberg Mountains and Sani Pass via the Natal Midlands. Drive inland to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, for a brief drive-through. Stop at the railway station where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off the train because of the colour of his skin. Enter the waiting room where, in the silence of the night, he formulated his philosophy of passive resistance. Continue to Howick and visit the 100m high Howick Falls. Next, we stop at the monument erected on the spot where police arrested Nelson Mandela in 1961 as a result of his resistance to the former Apartheid government. Continue through an area of gentle pastoral beauty called the Natal Midlands. We pass through grassy plains scattered with villages and lush farmlands where plump cattle and thoroughbred horses graze. Then further through Underberg, a picturesque little village situated in the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. Our hotel is in the lap of the mountain with peaks towering up to 3400m above sea level. The afternoon is at your leisure to participate in some of the organised hikes into the mountain or explore the area on your own. Overnight at the Sani Pass Premier Hotel. DAY 2  Sani Pass – Lesotho – Durban After breakfast you set off to Sani Pass, named after the primitive people who lived here millennia ago.  We use a four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the steep inclines and

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Drakensberg Mountains 3 Day Adventure (Code: SCDD)

DAY 1    Durban – Pietermaritzburg –  Drakensberg Mountains On the first day of our Drakensberg Mountains Adventure, travel inland to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, for a brief city tour. Stop at the railway station where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off the train because of the colour of his skin. Stand in the waiting room where, in the silence of the night, he formulated his philosophy of passive resistance.  Continue to Howick where we visit the 100m high Falls.  Our next stop is at the monument erected on the spot where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962. Continue through an area of gentle pastoral beauty called the Natal Midlands. We pass through grassy plains scattered with villages and lush farmlands where plump cattle and thoroughbred horses graze.  Then we travel to our hotel from where you can enjoy magnificent views while enjoying sundowners. Overnight at Little Switzerland Hotel. DAY 2   Northern Drakensberg Mountains – Golden Gate After breakfast we travel through QwaQwa, a former homeland, and watch the locals busy with their daily chores in this remote land. We visit the Golden Gate National Park. Enjoy amazing views of the black Basalt and golden sandstone cliffs which gave its name to the park. We round the day off with a picnic lunch and visits to some scenic viewpoints and return late afternoon to your hotel. Overnight at Little Switzerland Hotel. DAY 3    Drakensberg – Giant’s Castle – Rock Art We depart after breakfast and drive to the Giant’s Castle area for a forty minute walk to some of the country’s best preserved ancient rock paintings. We have a peek into the mystical existence of these strange little people who became extinct at the beginning of the previous century. From here we return to Durban arriving late afternoon. NOTE: We also offer the Drakensberg Highlights

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11-Day Classic South Africa Highlights Tour (Code: SC-03)

11-Day Highlights of South Africa The 11-day highlights of South Africa truly incorporate all the most popular ones! We start with the scenic panoramic route, then into the Kruger National Park, travel through Eswatini (Swaziland), Zululand and its wildlife, including Lake St Lucia, located in the iSimangaliso world heritage site. In the second part of the tour, we visit the southern Drakensberg Mountains, ascent via the Sani Pass into the kingdom of Lesotho for lunch in Africa’s highest pub! The third phase of the tour includes the scenic Garden Route along the south coast before the tour ends in Cape Town. DAY 01.   Gauteng – Panoramic Route (Highlights of South Africa) Our first morning on tour of the South African highlights takes us from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom, and Ohrigstad to the magnificent Three Rondavels view the site at the Blyde River Canyon. We travel further to marvel at scenic areas such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes (a walk down the hill to see this unique trick of nature is worth the experience), Lisbon Falls, God’s Window and the Pinnacle before a short visit to Pilgrim’s Rest; an early gold mining town declared a National Monument. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found here at the end of the last century, hence the town’s existence deep in the mountains. After exploring this quaint old town, we continue  to Graskop, our overnight spot  situated on the edge of the escarpment! Overnight Angels View Hotel. (Dinner included). DAY 02.  Panoramic Route – Kruger National Park After an early breakfast,  we follow a scenic route to Hazyview and enter the Kruger National Park, a highlight of South Africa! We spend the rest of the afternoon in this magnificent reserve, around 2 million ha in extent. We overnight in the reserve in chalets in

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wildlife scenery and flowers

13-Day Wildlife, Scenery and Flowers Tour – South Africa – (Code: SC-05)

Wildlife Scenery and Flowers Tour – South Africa – SC-05   DAY 1. Gauteng – Panoramic Route (wildlife, scenery and flowers) We start with the wildlife, scenery and flowers excursion which takes us from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom and Robber’s Pass to Pilgrim´s Rest; the early gold mining town turned into a living museum. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found here at the end of the 19th century. After exploring this quaint old town, we continue to After exploring this quaint old town, we continue to Graskop, our overnight accommodation  situated on the edge of the escarpment! Overnight Angels View Hotel. (Dinner included). DAY 2.  Panoramic Route – Private Game Reserve We travel from Graskop to marvel at scenic areas such the Pinnacle, God’s Window, Lisbon Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes (a walk down the hill to this unique trick of nature is worth the effort), and the magnificent Three Rondavels view-site at the Blyde River Canyon. We walk along the cliffs to really appreciate the breathtaking views. Then we descend to the Lowveld via Abel Erasmus Pass and the Strijdom Tunnel to arrive at Mohlabetsi in the Balule private game reserve, a part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This afternoon our encounter with Africa’s wildlife begins as we travel on an open vehicle to search for the game. Enjoy a great dinner under the stars tonight (weather permitting). Tonight stay at Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge. DAY 3.  Private Game Reserve – Kruger National Park After an early morning open vehicle safari or, conditions permitting, perhaps a hike on foot searching for the animals, we enjoy breakfast and then leave for the Kruger National Park. Spend today in this magnificent reserve around 2 million ha in extent. We stay in chalets in one of the rest camps. DAY 4. Kruger National

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The Grand South Africa 19-Day Guided Tour (Code:SC-06)

The Grand South African Tour This Grand South African tour epitomises almost all the popular spots and even some hidden gems in South Africa. We travel through most of the country on this tour, engaging in all its diversity; from the abundance of wildlife to rugged beauty.  The scenery’s diversity is mind-blowing.  This gives a whole lot of truth to the saying;  South Africa is a world in one country! DAY 1  Johannesburg – Dullstroom – Sabie – Panoramic Route (The Grand South African Tour Package) Our first day on the Grand South African tour package takes us from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom, and Lydenburg to Pilgrim´s Rest, the early gold mining town turned into a living museum. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found here at the end of the 19th century, hence the town’s existence deep in the mountains. We overnight at Angels View Hotel in the Graskop area. DAY 2  Panoramic Route – Private Game Reserve We marvel at scenic areas such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, and some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area. Finally, we descend to the Lowveld via Abel Erasmus Pass and the Strijdom Tunnel. Arrive a little later at Mohlabetsi Private Reserve in the Balule private game reserve. This afternoon our encounter with Africa’s wildlife begins as we travel in an open vehicle to search for the game. Enjoy a great dinner under the stars tonight (weather permitting). Overnight Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge. DAY 3  Private Game Reserve – Kruger National Park After an early morning safari searching for the wild and breakfast, we enter the Kruger National Park and spend the rest of the day in this magnificent reserve around 2 million ha in extent. DAY 4   Kruger National Park  –  Swaziland After an early rise for

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The Drakensberg Mountain is a stunning sight in South Africa and therefore Drakensberg vacation packages are extremely popular. Southern Circle Tours & Safaris has several Drakensberg holiday packages available.

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A trip to the Drakensberg Mountains and a 4×4 safari up the Sani Pass is an adventurer’s dream. Experience South Africa’s breathtaking natural beauty with our 2-day Drakensberg tour and pay a visit to the highest pub in Africa when you reach the top of the Sani Pass in Lesotho.

The Drakensberg Mountain range is one of South Africa’s biggest natural attractions! It is best seen on one of our several Drakensberg Tours. Called the “Dragon Mountain”, this range has been given a most fitting name for its array of towering mountains, as their often mist capped tips look like a dragon exhaling smoke.

The Drakensberg Mountain range is one of South Africa’s most spectacular attractions. It stretches from the Eastern Cape through the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, into Mpumalanga and then ends in the Limpopo Province. The entire escarpment is over 1000 km from start to finish, situated in two countries, and at its highest point, it is 3 428 m above sea level.

Tallest in southern Africa

The mountains are not the tallest in Africa, but they are without a doubt a truly magical part of South Africa’s unique and diverse landscape.
The range has a number of mountains that have earned a reputation in their own right. And between the mountain peaks, there are various small, eclectic towns and things to do. Sights that seem almost unreal treat guests to this glorious part of the country are treated to sights that seem almost unreal. Every destination is a photo opportunity, especially when the sun is just setting and the fading light catches the landscape at just the right angle.

Drakensberg tours are designed to take guests to the ultimate holiday destination for those wanting a real wilderness adventure.

This scenic spectacle includes Cathedral Peak, Mont-Aux-Sources, and Giants Castle.
All along with the escapement, intrepid adventurers and hiking enthusiasts can explore the infinite number of rock pools, streams, caves and waterfalls, all the while breathing in that clean mountain air. Both international visitors and locals alike revisit the mountains, because there is so much to see.
Enjoy a proper Drakensberg holiday in KwaZulu Natal where one gets the best section of the mountains. The part of the mountains in KZN encompasses a 243 000 hectare part of the range which has been named a World Heritage Site called the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. It is home to some beautiful sightings as well as around 600 examples of San rock paintings which adorn various caves throughout the park.

 The Drakensberg Mountains History

The Drakensberg is an ancient landscape. The mountains began forming when Southern Africa was still being moulded as a part of Gondwana, some 180 million years ago. Over the millions of years, the South African plateau has lifted while erosion has also played a role in the creation of these picturesque mountains. Various levels of the mountains, as well as the area in which they sit, means there are different types of rocks to be found all across the range.
This is a very brief description of the background and geomorphology of the Drakensberg. It definitely deserves more reading.

The Ultimate Drakensberg Holiday

Touring the Drakensberg is the perfect way to relax and unwind. Guests booking a Drakensberg holiday package can expect the kind of downtime that is hard to find elsewhere in the country. The many kilometres which make up the Drakensberg means that you can travel for many hours without seeing anyone. This guarantees a quiet stay, well away from the never-ending rush of day to day life.
And it is not just about sightseeing. Guests can enjoy a number of action-packed activities which include abseiling, canopy tours, white water rafting, horseback riding and hiking. Afterwards, you can join any one of a number of tours around the country.

Drakensberg tour packages include fantastic accommodation and just about everything else you could expect to enjoy from a holiday here.
Must-See Attractions

A tour of the Drakensberg would be incomplete if you didn’t visit some of these attractions. Some are tourist hot spots, which are often best visited with a tour group as this is one way to guarantee that you will get to see what you have come to see, while other destinations are less populated with visitors. Regardless of which areas of the Drakensberg you will be visiting, be sure to have a camera packed!

  1. Cathedral Peak

With it’s spire-like jutting out piece of rock, this peak is named for its resemblance to popular church architecture. This is one of the most easily recognised peaks, having separated itself from the main escarpment. Cathedral Peak is an excellent photographic destination.

  1. Central Drakensberg

The Central Drakensberg is a place of solitude and utter beauty, one of the best areas of the range.  It sits right in the heart of the uKhahlamba stretch of mountains. Here you can explore lakes, open grassland and enjoy horseback riding and hiking.

  1. Giants Castle

This area is named after the escarpment and its peak which resemble a sleeping giant. It is situated in the Southern Drakensberg and makes for a stunning drive.

  1. Sani Pass

Talk to anyone who has experienced the thrill of driving the Sani Pass (with 4×4 of course) and you will soon realise why this part of the Drakensberg has a bit of a reputation. The Pass is appropriately nicknamed the Roof of Africa. The route is some 3200 meters above sea level and the view from above is breathtaking. Take a tour with us for the best way to see the pass. Have a drink at the highest bar in Africa once you get to the top!
Exploring the Drakensberg Mountain range is a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed. Join us on a journey up the mountain by booking your memorable Drakensberg holiday package with us.