The Drakensberg is an interesting 4x4 destination
With so many challenging 4x4 options the Drakensberg has got to be one of the top offroad destinations in South Africa?
Are you a 4x4 enthusiast? well if that's the case this region is about to blow you away. Something that came up in conversation the other day was how you can get involved and help create even more 4x4 trails. How cool would it be to head out on a rudimentary trail with your 4x4 and trail blaze a new route. Turns out this option is also available for bike clubs and 4x4 clubs.
Ideas for your off road experience
Use your own vehicle
Sani Pass 4x4 Trail . Take a Tour Up Sani Pass and Experience Lesotho - You can take your own 4x4 up the pass or join one of the Sani Pass tour operators. This is a fairly challenging 4x4 route with access from Himeville in the southern Drakensberg. The pass twists and climbs upwards, beneath towering cliffs and buttresses, reaching the top of the Drakensberg escarpment at 2873 m. You need a passport to cross the border post into Lesotho.
Mikes Pass - This 4x4 trail is located in the Cathedral Peak Section of the Central Drakensberg. This 32km trail is one of the most scenically beautiful anywhere. It includes some steep climbs and a hair-raising 7km downhill on the pass.
Thule Beacon Trail - From St Bernards Peak in East Griqualand. This trail is renowned as a tough 4x4 trail that takes you high into the southern Drakensberg mountains. The experts say that this trail is much tougher than Sani Pass.
Berg to Bush Trail (3 nights). The exciting Berg to Bush trail takes you from Mafefe Camp in the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains across different nature reserves and terrains. Enjoy an incredible experience taking in the views of the Drakensberg Range, the wildlife of Letaba Ranch, and a rugged 4x4 journey complete with bush camping.
Retief’s Pass, Drakensberg. In 1837 Piet Retief’s party of voortrekkers braved the Drakensberg in their quest for freedom and a land (Natal) of their own. The original trail carved by their ox wagons is known as Retief’s pass.The pass was declared a national monument in February 1977.
Get involved
Giants Castle - Antbear Lodge invites you to extend the 4x4 trails on this rugged property. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for 4x4 and off road clubs to get together and help to establish the trails on the farm
Monks Cowl – Ardmore Guest Farm is an organic timber farm with rudimentary 4x4 trails. Let Paul guide you to some of the most fun 4x4ing around.
Quad bikes and motorbike trails
Drakensberg Quad Tracks and Adventures operate from Cathedral Peak Hotel in the central Drakensberg. The quad bike track meanders through the foothills of the Drakensberg up to Lake William for a half way stop. The elevation of this spot allows breathtaking views. The Quad Ride is enjoyable for the less and more experienced offering a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
All Out Adventures - The quad experience includes a lesson on riding safely together off road in a group, followed by an outride on purpose built mountain trails. The whole experience lasts 1-1.5 hours depending on the group.
Accommodation in the Drakensberg
Antbear Eco Lodge & Farm
Overnight in a secluded luxury cave with a Jacuzzi spa bath and open fireplace. Glass doors open on to a deck with an uninterrupted panoramic view of the Drakensberg Mountains. With hammock chairs on the deck this is the perfect a location for a sun downer. You can opt for a private dining experience on the deck of your cave under the stars.
Antbear Lodge is a perfect base to explore the very best of the Drakensberg region. We use our own organic vegetable garden. We have our own chickens for eggs, cows for milk, make own cheese. Butter and yogurt and bake our own bread.
Pet friendly too. Come and share some of Andrew’s and Conny’s dream of a sustainable lifestyle.
Ardmore Guest Farm
Ardmore Guest Farm is situated in the scenic Champagne Valley in the Central Drakensberg. You will enjoy stunning views of the three highest peaks in South Africa. Mafadi (highest peak at 3450m) Injisuti Dome (second highest at 3410m) and the majestic Champagne Castle (third highest at 3377m) which are all situated in South Africa’s latest World Heritage Site. This is a malaria free area.
You will be receiving a warm welcome which makes all the difference and that's what Ardmore Guest Farm excels at. This is great for children too who will love the ducks, goats, sheep and the fact that you can bring your pet along.
Great food and friendly staff. If you want a tranquil spot in a great location, then Ardmore Guest Farm is for you! Your stay will be memorable and thoroughly enjoyed.
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
