This day can feel rushed, as it's packed with sights. You can easily stretch it into two or even three days without running out of things to see or do. There are additional waterfalls worth exploring, and the Blyde River Canyon alone can easily fill a full day if you take your time. If you'd rather arrive at the canyon earlier to go for a walk or just relax and enjoy the views, consider skipping a few waterfalls or the Big Swing. It's a fun experience, but definitely not for everyone anyway.
08:00
Drive to Horse Shoe Falls
40 km · 50 min
Scenic route, Long Tom Pass
08:00
Drive to Horse Shoe Falls 40 km · 50 min
09:00
Horse Shoe Falls
A wide, scenic cascade framed by lush green vegetation. Good accessibility from the parking spot, short walk to the viewpoint. Usually not very crowded but you probably won't be alone either.
09:00
Horse Shoe Falls
A wide, scenic cascade framed by lush green vegetation. Good accessibility from the parking spot, short walk to the viewpoint. Usually not very crowded but you probably won't be alone either.
walkingpictures
09:20
Drive to Lone Creek Falls
5 km · 10 min
Quick and easy drive
09:20
Drive to Lone Creek Falls 5 km · 10 min
09:30
Lone Creek Falls
Surrounded by tall indigenous forest, this one drops about 68 meters into a misty pool. Short, shaded walk from the parking area takes you right to the base. Probably the most photogenic waterfall on this route.
09:30
Lone Creek Falls
Surrounded by tall indigenous forest, this one drops about 68 meters into a misty pool. Short, shaded walk from the parking area takes you right to the base. Probably the most photogenic waterfall on this route.
walkingpictures
09:50
Drive to Sabie Falls
10 km · 20 min
Short drive through the small town of Sabie
09:50
Drive to Sabie Falls 10 km · 20 min
10:10
Sabie Falls
Right in the town of Sabie, easy to get to. Not the most dramatic on this route but you're driving through anyway, so why not.
10:10
Sabie Falls
Right in the town of Sabie, easy to get to. Not the most dramatic on this route but you're driving through anyway, so why not.
walkingpictures
10:30
Drive to Mac Mac Falls
12 km · 15 min
Easy drive on the R532, the main Panorama Route road
10:30
Drive to Mac Mac Falls 12 km · 15 min
10:45
Mac Mac Falls
Named after the many Scottish gold miners (all called Mac-something) who camped here in the 1870s. A twin waterfall dropping about 65 meters. Viewable from a platform near the parking area, no hiking required.
10:45
Mac Mac Falls
Named after the many Scottish gold miners (all called Mac-something) who camped here in the 1870s. A twin waterfall dropping about 65 meters. Viewable from a platform near the parking area, no hiking required.
walkingpictures
11:05
Drive to Big Swing
15 km · 20 min
Continue on the R532 through Graskop
11:05
Drive to Big Swing 15 km · 20 min
11:25
Big Swing and Graskop Gorge Lift
The glass lift takes you 51 meters down into the gorge where a short boardwalk winds through the forest. If that sounds too peaceful, the Big Swing will fix that by launching you straight over the canyon. Book ahead if you can.
60 min
Lift: 75 ZAR
Big swing: 750 ZAR
11:25
Big Swing and Graskop Gorge Lift
The glass lift takes you 51 meters down into the gorge where a short boardwalk winds through the forest. If that sounds too peaceful, the Big Swing will fix that by launching you straight over the canyon. Book ahead if you can.
adrenalinepictures
Lift: 75 ZAR
Big swing: 750 ZAR
12:30
Drive to The Pinnacle Rock
6 km · 10 min
Short drive along the R534 panorama loop
12:30
Drive to The Pinnacle Rock 6 km · 10 min
12:40
The Pinnacle Rock
A 30 meter quartzite column rising out of the forested canyon below. Quick stop, viewing platform, good photos. That's about it, but it's a cool sight.
12:40
The Pinnacle Rock
A 30 meter quartzite column rising out of the forested canyon below. Quick stop, viewing platform, good photos. That's about it, but it's a cool sight.
walkingpictures
13:00
Drive to God's Window
6 km · 10 min
Continue along the R534
13:00
Drive to God's Window 6 km · 10 min
13:10
God's Window
One of the most famous viewpoints on the Panorama Route. On a clear day you can see all the way to Kruger. There's a short walk up to the rainforest on top for even better views. Gets crowded around midday but doesn't really matter.
13:10
God's Window
One of the most famous viewpoints on the Panorama Route. On a clear day you can see all the way to Kruger. There's a short walk up to the rainforest on top for even better views. Gets crowded around midday but doesn't really matter.
walkingpictures
13:25
Drive to Wonder View
2 km · 5 min
Just a couple of minutes further down the R534
13:25
Drive to Wonder View 2 km · 5 min
13:30
Wonder View
The highest accessible viewpoint on the Panorama Route. Usually much quieter than God's Window and some would say just as impressive. Quick stop from the parking area.
13:30
Wonder View
The highest accessible viewpoint on the Panorama Route. Usually much quieter than God's Window and some would say just as impressive. Quick stop from the parking area.
walkingpictures
13:45
Drive to Lisbon Falls
10 km · 15 min
Heading back west on the R532
13:45
Drive to Lisbon Falls 10 km · 15 min
14:00
Lisbon Falls
The tallest waterfall in Mpumalanga at about 90 meters. You can walk down to the base if you want a closer look. Named after the Portuguese capital, like several spots in this area.
14:00
Lisbon Falls
The tallest waterfall in Mpumalanga at about 90 meters. You can walk down to the base if you want a closer look. Named after the Portuguese capital, like several spots in this area.
walkingpictures
14:20
Drive to Berlin Falls
5 km · 10 min
Very short detour off the R532
14:20
Drive to Berlin Falls 5 km · 10 min
14:30
Berlin Falls
About 80 meters tall, named after the German capital. Only viewable from the top, no trail down to the base. Quick stop, but the drop is impressive.
14:30
Berlin Falls
About 80 meters tall, named after the German capital. Only viewable from the top, no trail down to the base. Quick stop, but the drop is impressive.
walkingpictures
14:50
Drive to Bourke's Luck Potholes
30 km · 30 min
Longer stretch heading north on the R532. Mostly straight road through pine plantations.
14:50
Drive to Bourke's Luck Potholes 30 km · 30 min
15:20
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Cylindrical rock formations carved over centuries by swirling water where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet. Walkways and bridges take you right over the potholes. Definitely worth spending some extra time here.
15:20
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Cylindrical rock formations carved over centuries by swirling water where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet. Walkways and bridges take you right over the potholes. Definitely worth spending some extra time here.
walkingpictures
16:30
Drive to Lowveld View
10 km · 10 min
Short drive along the canyon rim road
16:30
Drive to Lowveld View 10 km · 10 min
16:40
Lowveld View
A viewpoint overlooking the Blyde River Canyon. Good spot to stretch your legs and warm up for the main event at Three Rondavels.
16:40
Lowveld View
A viewpoint overlooking the Blyde River Canyon. Good spot to stretch your legs and warm up for the main event at Three Rondavels.
walkingpictures
17:10
Drive to Three Rondavels View Point
8 km · 15 min
Continue along the canyon rim. Views getting better with each turn.
17:10
Drive to Three Rondavels View Point 8 km · 15 min
17:25
Three Rondavels View Point
The iconic postcard view of the Blyde River Canyon. Three massive round rock formations resembling traditional rondavel huts, with the canyon and river far below. Try to get here in the late afternoon for the best light. The kind of view where you just stand there for a while.
17:25
Three Rondavels View Point
The iconic postcard view of the Blyde River Canyon. Three massive round rock formations resembling traditional rondavel huts, with the canyon and river far below. Try to get here in the late afternoon for the best light. The kind of view where you just stand there for a while.
walkingpictures
18:30
Drive to Hoedspruit
90 km · 90 min
The longest drive of the day. Winding descent from the escarpment into the lowveld. Beautiful scenery but focus on the road, especially the Abel Erasmus Pass and the J.G. Strijdom Tunnel.
18:30
Drive to Hoedspruit 90 km · 90 min
20:00
Hoedspruit
townfoodaccommodationwildlife
Small bushveld town that serves as a gateway to Kruger and the surrounding private game reserves. Good place to stock up on supplies and grab dinner before the next couple of days in the park.
20:00
Hoedspruit
Small bushveld town that serves as a gateway to Kruger and the surrounding private game reserves. Good place to stock up on supplies and grab dinner before the next couple of days in the park.
townfoodaccommodationwildlife
Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
Spend the night at the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, a gated community with some free roaming animals, like impalas, kudus, warthogs and, most importantly, galagos, often called bush babies.
Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
Spend the night at the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, a gated community with some free roaming animals, like impalas, kudus, warthogs and, most importantly, galagos, often called bush babies.
Day 3
Day 3
Kruger National Park, South Africa
08:00
Drive to Phalaborwa Gate
75 km · 60 min
Mostly flat road through the lowveld. Not the most exciting scenery but it goes quickly.
08:00
Drive to Phalaborwa Gate 75 km · 60 min
09:00
Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa Gate
Purchase your ticket(s), fill up your tank, buy a park map at the gate shop, and let's go!
09:00
Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa Gate
Purchase your ticket(s), fill up your tank, buy a park map at the gate shop, and let's go!
infoticketspreparation
09:30
Drive to Satara Rest Camp
8 h
Now here it's all about the drive, not the goal. Don't rush it but remember that you must be at the camp before it gets dark.
09:30
Drive to Satara Rest Camp 8 h
18:00
Satara Rest Camp
One of the larger rest camps in Kruger, right in the middle of prime big cat territory. The area around Satara is known for lion and cheetah sightings. Basic but comfortable, with a small shop and restaurant.
18:00
Satara Rest Camp
One of the larger rest camps in Kruger, right in the middle of prime big cat territory. The area around Satara is known for lion and cheetah sightings. Basic but comfortable, with a small shop and restaurant.
Day 5
Day 5
Southern Kruger and Into Eswatini
A slow farewell morning through the southern section of Kruger, then a border crossing into a very different country. There is not much to see between Malelane and the Eswatini border, so just make good time. Aim to arrive in Lobamba before sunset. If you prefer more amenities or a bigger town feel, Mbabane is a solid alternative and only about 20 km north of Lobamba.
06:30
Slow Drive Through Southern Kruger
80 km · 4 h
Last morning in the park. The area south of Skukuza is excellent for leopard and white rhino. Take every side road, stop at every waterhole. Exit through Malelane Gate.
06:30
Slow Drive Through Southern Kruger 80 km · 4 h
10:30
Malelane Gate
Exit Kruger through Malelane Gate. Fill up the tank here before hitting the road south, as petrol stations get sparse toward the Eswatini border.
10:30
Malelane Gate
Exit Kruger through Malelane Gate. Fill up the tank here before hitting the road south, as petrol stations get sparse toward the Eswatini border.
exitsupplies
10:45
Drive to Matsamo Border
55 km · 50 min
Short drive south from Malelane to the Matsamo/Jeppe's Reef border post.
10:45
Drive to Matsamo Border 55 km · 50 min
11:35
Matsamo Border Crossing
The Matsamo/Jeppe's Reef crossing into Eswatini. Usually quick and straightforward. Have your passport and vehicle documents ready. Check in advance that your car hire covers driving in Eswatini, as not all policies include it.
11:35
Matsamo Border Crossing
The Matsamo/Jeppe's Reef crossing into Eswatini. Usually quick and straightforward. Have your passport and vehicle documents ready. Check in advance that your car hire covers driving in Eswatini, as not all policies include it.
bordereswatini
12:05
Drive to Lobamba
150 km · 2 h 30 min
Through northeastern Eswatini, past Piggs Peak area and Mbabane, descending into the Ezulwini Valley. A scenic drive through the Highveld with noticeably greener and hillier terrain.
12:05
Drive to Lobamba 150 km · 2 h 30 min
14:35
Lobamba
The traditional and royal capital of Eswatini, sitting in the lush Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven). Quieter and more compact than anything in South Africa, with a distinctly Swazi character. The Embo State Palace is nearby and the whole valley is considered the spiritual heart of the kingdom.
14:35
Lobamba
The traditional and royal capital of Eswatini, sitting in the lush Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven). Quieter and more compact than anything in South Africa, with a distinctly Swazi character. The Embo State Palace is nearby and the whole valley is considered the spiritual heart of the kingdom.
towncultureaccommodation
Accommodation, Ezulwini Valley
Spend the next few nights in the Ezulwini Valley, within easy reach of Mlilwane, Mantenga, and Lobamba itself.
Accommodation, Ezulwini Valley
Spend the next few nights in the Ezulwini Valley, within easy reach of Mlilwane, Mantenga, and Lobamba itself.
Day 6
Day 6
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini
A gentle phase-out day after three days of intense game driving. Mlilwane has no dangerous predators, which means you can leave the car and walk freely among the animals. The afternoon is for shopping along the Malkerns craft route.
07:30
Drive to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
12 km · 20 min
Short drive from Lobamba. The main entrance is well signposted off the Ezulwini Valley road.
07:30
Drive to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary 12 km · 20 min
07:50
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
The oldest protected area in Eswatini and a genuinely different experience from Kruger. No lions, leopards, or elephants here, so you can walk freely among the animals without a guide. The sanctuary is home to hippos, crocodiles, zebras, wildebeest, blesbok, and warthogs. Walking right up to a herd of zebra without a car window between you changes how the whole thing feels.
07:50
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
The oldest protected area in Eswatini and a genuinely different experience from Kruger. No lions, leopards, or elephants here, so you can walk freely among the animals without a guide. The sanctuary is home to hippos, crocodiles, zebras, wildebeest, blesbok, and warthogs. Walking right up to a herd of zebra without a car window between you changes how the whole thing feels.
walkingwildlifepictures
11:20
Drive to Malkerns Craft Route
10 km · 15 min
11:20
Drive to Malkerns Craft Route 10 km · 15 min
11:35
Shopping: Malkerns Craft Route
The Malkerns Valley just south of Ezulwini has a handful of craft producers worth a visit. Swazi Candles is the most famous, with handmade animal-shaped candles that are actually good souvenirs rather than airport tat. Gone Rural sells grass and sisal baskets woven by rural women across the country. Good spot for lunch too.
11:35
Shopping: Malkerns Craft Route
The Malkerns Valley just south of Ezulwini has a handful of craft producers worth a visit. Swazi Candles is the most famous, with handmade animal-shaped candles that are actually good souvenirs rather than airport tat. Gone Rural sells grass and sisal baskets woven by rural women across the country. Good spot for lunch too.
shoppingcraftssouvenirs
Day 7
Day 7
Mantenga Cultural Village, Eswatini
A slower day based in the valley. Craft markets in the morning and a proper introduction to Swazi culture and landscape in the second half of the day.
08:30
Craft Markets, Ezulwini Valley
The main road through the Ezulwini Valley is lined with craft stalls selling wood carvings, woven baskets, semi-precious stones, and traditional Swazi textiles. Good for smaller souvenirs and buying direct from the people who make them.
08:30
Craft Markets, Ezulwini Valley
The main road through the Ezulwini Valley is lined with craft stalls selling wood carvings, woven baskets, semi-precious stones, and traditional Swazi textiles. Good for smaller souvenirs and buying direct from the people who make them.
shoppingcrafts
10:00
Drive to Mantenga Nature Reserve
8 km · 15 min
10:00
Drive to Mantenga Nature Reserve 8 km · 15 min
10:15
Mantenga Cultural Village
A recreated traditional Swazi homestead (called an Inkhundla) with guided tours and traditional dance and music performances twice daily. A genuine effort to preserve and explain Swazi culture. Guides are knowledgeable and the performances are well worth staying for. Open 8:00 to 17:00.
10:15
Mantenga Cultural Village
A recreated traditional Swazi homestead (called an Inkhundla) with guided tours and traditional dance and music performances twice daily. A genuine effort to preserve and explain Swazi culture. Guides are knowledgeable and the performances are well worth staying for. Open 8:00 to 17:00.
culturetraditionalguided
11:45
Mantenga Falls
A two-tier waterfall accessible by a short trail through the Mantenga Nature Reserve. The falls drop into a wooded gorge, and the walk there is peaceful and well shaded. Included in the same entry fee as the cultural village.
11:45
Mantenga Falls
A two-tier waterfall accessible by a short trail through the Mantenga Nature Reserve. The falls drop into a wooded gorge, and the walk there is peaceful and well shaded. Included in the same entry fee as the cultural village.
walkingwaterfallpictures
Day 8
Day 8
Malolotja, Piggs Peak, and the Northern Highveld
A day trip into Eswatini's northwestern highlands. The landscape looks nothing like the Ezulwini Valley: open highland, deep gorges, and very few people. Malolotja is genuine wilderness, and Piggs Peak is a small highland town with craft shops and views across forested hills. You return to Lobamba or Mbabane for the night.
07:00
Drive to Malolotja Nature Reserve
55 km · 70 min
Head northwest from Lobamba toward Mbabane, then follow the MR1 road toward Ngwenya. The reserve entrance is signposted on the left.
07:00
Drive to Malolotja Nature Reserve 55 km · 70 min
08:10
Malolotja Nature Reserve
hikingnaturebirdspictures
One of the last untouched wilderness areas in Eswatini, covering 18,000 hectares of pristine Highveld. Primarily a hiking destination with trails from easy walks to multi-day routes. The Malolotja Falls are the tallest in Eswatini at around 95 meters and worth the hike down. Outstanding birdwatching, including the rare blue swallow. No big five, which makes walking freely all the more enjoyable.
08:10
Malolotja Nature Reserve
One of the last untouched wilderness areas in Eswatini, covering 18,000 hectares of pristine Highveld. Primarily a hiking destination with trails from easy walks to multi-day routes. The Malolotja Falls are the tallest in Eswatini at around 95 meters and worth the hike down. Outstanding birdwatching, including the rare blue swallow. No big five, which makes walking freely all the more enjoyable.
hikingnaturebirdspictures
12:10
Drive to Piggs Peak
65 km · 80 min
Scenic highland road heading northeast. Good views as the road climbs through pine-covered hills.
12:10
Drive to Piggs Peak 65 km · 80 min
13:30
Piggs Peak
Named after William Pigg, a gold prospector who found gold here in 1884. A small highland town with craft shops, a local market, and a relaxed pace. The surrounding Highveld is dramatic rolling hills covered in Swazi pine forest. The nearby Phophonyane Falls and Lodge are worth a short detour if you have the energy.
13:30
Piggs Peak
Named after William Pigg, a gold prospector who found gold here in 1884. A small highland town with craft shops, a local market, and a relaxed pace. The surrounding Highveld is dramatic rolling hills covered in Swazi pine forest. The nearby Phophonyane Falls and Lodge are worth a short detour if you have the energy.
towncraftshighveldviews
15:00
Drive back to Lobamba
80 km · 1 h 40 min
Head back south through the highlands toward the Ezulwini Valley. Consider stopping in Mbabane on the way for dinner.
15:00
Drive back to Lobamba 80 km · 1 h 40 min
Day 9
Day 9
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and St. Lucia
A long drive day but broken up nicely by a drive through one of Africa's oldest game reserves. You won't have time to see everything in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, but it's worth driving through and staying for lunch. The evening ends with a pre-booked night drive safari departing from St. Lucia.
07:00
Drive to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
280 km · 4 h
Cross back into South Africa and head south through KwaZulu-Natal. The drive is mostly on good national roads.
07:00
Drive to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park 280 km · 4 h
11:00
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
wildlifedrivingpictureslunch
One of the oldest proclaimed nature reserves in Africa and the birthplace of rhino conservation. Entry is relatively cheap. You won't have time to see everything, but it's worth driving through the park and stopping for lunch at one of the picnic sites. Keep an eye out for rhino, buffalo, and elephant.
11:00
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
One of the oldest proclaimed nature reserves in Africa and the birthplace of rhino conservation. Entry is relatively cheap. You won't have time to see everything, but it's worth driving through the park and stopping for lunch at one of the picnic sites. Keep an eye out for rhino, buffalo, and elephant.
wildlifedrivingpictureslunch
14:00
Drive to St. Lucia
60 km · 60 min
Short drive east from the park to the coast.
14:00
Drive to St. Lucia 60 km · 60 min
15:00
Check in to accommodation
Settle into your accommodation in St. Lucia. You'll be staying here for the next three nights.
15:00
Check in to accommodation
Settle into your accommodation in St. Lucia. You'll be staying here for the next three nights.
18:00
Night Drive Safari, iSimangaliso
A pre-booked night drive safari through iSimangaliso Wetland Park, departing from St. Lucia. Excellent chance to spot hippos, leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal animals you'd never see during the day. Book well in advance.
18:00
Night Drive Safari, iSimangaliso
A pre-booked night drive safari through iSimangaliso Wetland Park, departing from St. Lucia. Excellent chance to spot hippos, leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal animals you'd never see during the day. Book well in advance.
wildlifesafarinight
Day 11
Day 11
St. Lucia: Choose Your Own Adventure
A flexible day in St. Lucia. Pick one or two activities depending on the season, weather, and what sounds most appealing. Everything can be booked locally or through your accommodation.
Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise
wildlifeboathipposcrocodiles
A boat cruise on the St. Lucia estuary, getting close to hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Runs multiple times daily, morning departures tend to have the best sightings.
Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise
A boat cruise on the St. Lucia estuary, getting close to hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Runs multiple times daily, morning departures tend to have the best sightings.
wildlifeboathipposcrocodiles
Whale Watching
wildlifeboatwhalesseasonal
Boat-based whale watching off the coast. Best in July and August when humpback whales migrate along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Outside of peak season, you may still spot dolphins.
Whale Watching
Boat-based whale watching off the coast. Best in July and August when humpback whales migrate along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Outside of peak season, you may still spot dolphins.
wildlifeboatwhalesseasonal
Zulu Cultural Tour
A guided visit to a local Zulu community or cultural village. Learn about Zulu traditions, history, and daily life. A different kind of experience from the nature focus of the rest of the trip.
Zulu Cultural Tour
A guided visit to a local Zulu community or cultural village. Learn about Zulu traditions, history, and daily life. A different kind of experience from the nature focus of the rest of the trip.
culturetraditionalguided
Horse Riding: Bush and Beach
Horseback riding through the bush and along the beach near St. Lucia. No experience required. A great way to see the landscape from a different perspective.
Horse Riding: Bush and Beach
Horseback riding through the bush and along the beach near St. Lucia. No experience required. A great way to see the landscape from a different perspective.
horsesbeachbushadventure
Day 12
Day 12
St. Lucia to Underberg via Midlands Meander
A long but scenic drive inland, trading the subtropical coast for the rolling green hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The Midlands Meander is a network of craft and farm stops worth browsing, and Howick Falls is a quick but impressive detour.
07:30
Drive to Howick
250 km · 3 h 30 min
Head inland on the N2 then west. The landscape changes dramatically from coastal wetlands to sugarcane fields to rolling hills.
07:30
Drive to Howick 250 km · 3 h 30 min
11:00
Howick Falls
A 95-meter waterfall right on the edge of the town of Howick. Easy to access, with a viewing platform near the top. The Zulu name is KwaNogqaza, meaning 'place of the tall one.' Quick stop but genuinely impressive.
11:00
Howick Falls
A 95-meter waterfall right on the edge of the town of Howick. Easy to access, with a viewing platform near the top. The Zulu name is KwaNogqaza, meaning 'place of the tall one.' Quick stop but genuinely impressive.
waterfallpictureswalking
11:30
Lunch in Howick
Howick and the surrounding Midlands area have a good selection of cafes and restaurants. A nice spot to take a proper break before the final stretch to Underberg.
11:30
Lunch in Howick
Howick and the surrounding Midlands area have a good selection of cafes and restaurants. A nice spot to take a proper break before the final stretch to Underberg.
foodmidlands
12:30
Drive to Underberg
120 km · 2 h
South through the Midlands toward the Drakensberg foothills. The landscape gets increasingly dramatic as you approach the mountains.
12:30
Drive to Underberg 120 km · 2 h
14:30
Underberg
A small town at the foot of the southern Drakensberg. Not much to it, but the surrounding landscape is beautiful. Take a sunset drive through the area to enjoy the mountain views and golden light.
14:30
Underberg
A small town at the foot of the southern Drakensberg. Not much to it, but the surrounding landscape is beautiful. Take a sunset drive through the area to enjoy the mountain views and golden light.
townmountainssunset
Accommodation, Underberg
Spend the night in Underberg, well positioned for the Sani Pass drive the following morning.
Accommodation, Underberg
Spend the night in Underberg, well positioned for the Sani Pass drive the following morning.
Day 13
Day 13
Sani Pass into Lesotho
The legendary Sani Pass is the highlight of the day. One of the most dramatic mountain passes in southern Africa, climbing from KwaZulu-Natal into Lesotho. Not much to see or do in Butha-Buthe itself, but it's a convenient overnight stop. If you have a proper car with high clearance (not just a regular SUV), you could head to Katse Dam instead. You can also push through to Maseru if you're not tired yet.
07:00
Drive to Sani Pass
45 km · 60 min
Short drive from Underberg to the start of the Sani Pass road.
07:00
Drive to Sani Pass 45 km · 60 min
08:00
Sani Pass
drivingmountainspicturesborder
A steep, winding gravel road climbing 1,332 meters from the South African lowlands to the top of the Drakensberg escarpment. The views are spectacular and the road itself is an experience. At the top you cross into Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky. The border post at the summit is one of the most remote in Africa.
08:00
Sani Pass
A steep, winding gravel road climbing 1,332 meters from the South African lowlands to the top of the Drakensberg escarpment. The views are spectacular and the road itself is an experience. At the top you cross into Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky. The border post at the summit is one of the most remote in Africa.
drivingmountainspicturesborder
11:00
Drive to Butha-Buthe
180 km · 4 h
Through the Lesotho highlands heading north. Remote, scenic, and largely empty roads. Fill up on fuel whenever you get the chance.
11:00
Drive to Butha-Buthe 180 km · 4 h
15:00
Butha-Buthe
A small town in northern Lesotho. Not much to see or do here, but it's a reasonable place to stop for the night after the Sani Pass drive.
15:00
Butha-Buthe
A small town in northern Lesotho. Not much to see or do here, but it's a reasonable place to stop for the night after the Sani Pass drive.
townaccommodation
Accommodation, Butha-Buthe
Spend the night in Butha-Buthe.
Accommodation, Butha-Buthe
Spend the night in Butha-Buthe.
