Underberg punches far above its size. Within 10 minutes of Oakhaven you have world-class fly fishing, over 70 km of hiking trails, horse riding on 1,300-hectare foothill farms, a 9-hole golf course and 5 km of river tubing. The legendary Sani Pass is 33 km away. And when the day is done, some of the best restaurant food in the Midlands is a short drive from the front door.
Underberg is one of South Africa's two premier fly-fishing destinations — the other being Dullstroom in Mpumalanga. The Underberg-Himeville Trout Fishing Club (UHTFC) controls over 160 km of rivers and 60 dams across the area, holding both wild brown and rainbow trout.
Non-members can fish Lake Isabella and The Grange from R200 per rod per day. Boats are available at no extra charge on most dams. River fish are entirely wild and self-sustaining — a properly natural fishery.
NUD Sports in Underberg village stocks flies, leaders, tippet and licences. Tell them you're fishing UHTFC water and they'll set you up.
The Southern Drakensberg is part of the Maloti-Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site. The variety of walking on offer — from a gentle family stroll with a coffee stop to multi-day high-Berg traverses — is genuinely world-class.
The Sani Spoors network starts at The Olde Duck Café, 3 km from Oakhaven. Over 70 km of marked trails for walking, running and mountain biking, with showers at the café so you can clean up before lunch on the deck.
For more serious hiking, the Giant's Cup Trail (59 km, 5 days, Sani Pass to Bushman's Nek) starts 33 km away. Single-day sections are possible. Permits via Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails has been synonymous with horse riding in the Southern Drakensberg for over two decades — a working ranch on 1,300 hectares of rolling foothill country.
Rides range from a 1-hour introductory canter to full-day summit rides reaching Eland's Peak at 1,800 m, where eagles and vultures soar below you. The sunset ride includes saddlebags of beer, wine, cheese and crackers as the Drakensberg lights up behind the mountains. Multi-day expeditions into Lesotho are also available for confident riders.
Khotso also runs tubing trips on the Mzimkulu River — 5 km of exhilarating river through the farm. Best from late spring through summer.
The Underberg Country Club is the sporting heart of the village — and one of the most scenic courses you'll play anywhere in South Africa. The 9-hole, par-72 layout uses 10 greens and 18 tee boxes, with dual pin positions keeping things interesting on every round.
Visitors are warmly welcomed any day of the week. Weekly competitions run on Wednesdays and Saturdays — ask at reception to join. Golf carts are available for hire. After your round, Hackers Grill at the clubhouse does a cold one and the famous Eisbein.
The legendary Sani Pass is the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho — originally a mule track, now a hair-raising 4×4-only ascent rising to 2,874 m above sea level at the Lesotho border.
At the top you arrive in the land of the Basotho — the "people of the blanket" — and the highest pub in Africa. The views from the escarpment are extraordinary.
The easiest way is a guided tour from Underberg (typically departing 9 AM, returning mid-afternoon). If you have a capable 4×4, you can drive yourself — South African law permits only 4×4 vehicles on the pass. A valid passport is required for every person crossing into Lesotho.
Underberg and Himeville punch well above their weight when it comes to food. Here are our honest recommendations.
Breakfast, brunch, cappuccinos and carrot cake — with mountain views, farm animals for the kids and a trail network starting from the door. The best morning stop in the area.
Internationally regarded for its innovative menu, imported beers and excellent coffee. A relaxed yet refined spot — dinner by the fire in winter, in the garden in summer. Booking advised.
A relaxed modern bistro in Himeville village that punches well above its weight. Save room for dessert. One of our favourite dinners in the area.
Proper country club fare — burgers, calamari, the famous Eisbein, big-screen sport and a cold one on the deck after golf. Relaxed and dependable.
Wood-fired pizzas, burgers, a strong wine list and a children's play area indoors. Seven days a week, walk-ins welcome. The obvious choice for a relaxed family dinner.
A more grown-up dinner option — lamb shank, oxtail and homemade pasta in a beautiful countryside setting with a small waterfall. Reservations essential.
Book Oakhaven as your base and the whole of the Southern Drakensberg is on your doorstep.
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