A stunning trip from the Northern Berg to Clarens with The Saunter.
If asked about the Drakensberg, people often picture the iconic Amphitheatre in the Northern Berg. It is one of the most impressive and photographed cliff faces on earth. This is the least developed area of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage site. Alongside the protected area is a massive private reserve making it a huge area for enjoyment of nature at its best.
The Amphitheatre spans some five kilometres (3.1 miles) and the cliffs are more than 1.2 kilometres (4 000 feet) high. From the top of its cliffs, in impressive stages, the highest waterfall in the world, the Tugela Falls, drop 948 metres (3 100 feet) before reaching a lovely gorge and boulders at the bottom.
The hikes are stunning, there is an incredible linked up series of walking, running and MTB routes which can be accessed directly from some accommodation making it a haven for outdoor sport.
To appreciate the area, you need to spend some days. Near the Amphitheatre we recommend a choice of excellent accommodation from 4 star luxury thatched lodge, Montussi Mountain Lodge, to an incredibly situated eco camp Sangubala, to fabulous self catering privately at the Ledges Retreat or with the Parks Board at Thendele Camp. To really see what each place offers, just click on the photos. Ideas for additional treats include a fun outdoor activity centre, All Out Adventures with an excellent zipline and a great spa in a fern forest to relax after serious exercise, the Fern Forest Spa.
En route to Spionkop, stop for a yummy pizza at the Tower of Pizza. Stay at a fantastic South African colonial styled lodge in Spionkop Game Reserve with rich Anglo Boer War history. Three Tree Hill Lodge is a must stop over! Their guide will enthrall you with tales of the Anglo Boer War.
A short drive now, to Sterkfontein Dam Reserve to seriously indulge with 5 star service at a dream lodge with stunning views. Wild Horses Mountain Lodge is in a league of its own with just 3 suites and amazing cuisine. Activities include sailing and you can opt to sleep on the yacht.
When you can drag yourselves away there is a treat in store at your final destination, Clarens: the Jewel of the Free State. Visit some superb art studios and galleries, or take an art class. Enjoy walks around and in the little town and great places to stop for munchies, including Clarens Craft Brewery and Clementines. There are great hikes, enjoy superb cheeses at Baris Monger, even a high altitude vineyard, riding and other outdoor adventures. Follow in the dinosaurs foot prints with an excellent guide. Self cater at pretty French Cottage, enjoy B & B at Patcham Place or for something different… glamping in a gypsy caravan. Enjoy fantasy splendor at the Castle in Clarens. For the full list of choices in Clarens, see details under our Free State section in Itineraries.
Many overseas tourists go directly from Johannesburg to Cape Town. This is frankly, a cardinal sin! They, possibly you, are missing these 3 unique areas with scenery that cannot be matched elsewhere in South Africa. To travel from Jo’burg to Royal National Park takes 3.5 hours and it is just 3 hours from Durban.
