Impendle

Travel Guide

Went hiking in the southern Drakensberg of South Africa. Amazing views of the mountain chain, gorges, rivers and small ponds with crystal clear water. Stayed at Sani Lodge Backpackers, just a few km from the famous Sani Pass, leading up to Lesotho. A perfect place to be, if you like nature - hiking opportunities for everyone, beginners, medium or advanced. 

See more photos and/or read about my time in Drakensberg here: http://www.earthseeing.com/hiking-in-the-drakensberg-mountains/

#drakensberg #africa #southafrica #landscape #hiking
I found a giant turned to stone, while hiking the Gxalingenwa trail in Drakensberg, South Africa.

More info here: http://www.earthseeing.com/hiking-in-the-drakensberg-mountains/

#southafrica #landscape #africa #mountains
Just on the boarder to Lesotho, this cave is well worth the hike.  These parts can get dry during winter so just make sure you know the rivers are flowing or carry water with you.  With a beautiful view of the berg and some amazing rock structures across the boarder, this made for a memorable weekend trip.
Thick clouds floating over the Drakensberg mountains at Sani Pass. This photo was taken on the South African side of Sani Pass.

An amazing landscape which looks a bit desolate and empty, but the rock formations, the trees and the clouds totally makes up for it.

#southafrica #africa #sani #landscape #mountains
This waterfall is a hidden gem in the Drakensberg.  The park and surrounding area has magnificent scenery, beautiful waterfalls/rivers and great trekking.  Lotheni Nature Reserve is in the remote section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg mountains, South Africa. 
There are many great walking trails, but be sure to get there early and plan accordingly as it is out of the way and you have to drive on dust roads with no gas/petrol stations for at least 40-70km.  
We were told that the Jacobs ladder hike was about 2-3 hours round trip.  Unfortunately we arrived too late in the day to do the hike, so instead we went swimming in the fresh water pools.
After talking with some locals, they directed us up stream where we found this lovely waterfall.
Absolutely breathtaking and what a surprise. We were the only people there to enjoy the lovely, cold mountain waters.  There are three pools to this waterfall and the top pool was difficult to access due to the terrain.  
If you do go to this area and enjoy hiking, waterfalls and all the natural beauty, be sure to give yourself some time so you can make the most of the area.
#Nationalpark

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Premier Resort Sani Pass

Premier Resort Sani Pass

3.5 out of 5
Sani Pass Road Himeville KwaZulu-Natal
$96 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$111 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Himeville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Himeville Museum and Himeville Nature ...
Premier Resort Sani Pass
Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg

Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg

3 out of 5
Cnr. Hesketh Drive and New England Rd Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal
Fully refundable
$47 nightly
The price is $55 total per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
$55 total
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Scottsville Racecourse and Golden Horse ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (383 reviews)
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Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg
ANEW Hotel Hilton Pietermaritzburg

ANEW Hotel Hilton Pietermaritzburg

4 out of 5
1 Hilton Avenue Hilton KwaZulu-Natal
$102 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
$119 total
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Hilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Queen Elizabeth Park and Howick ...
ANEW Hotel Hilton Pietermaritzburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
AfriCamps at Gowan Valley - Glamping

AfriCamps at Gowan Valley - Glamping

2 out of 5
AfriCamps at Gowan Balgowan KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this campground in Balgowan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 hot tubs. Popular attractions Michaelhouse Nature Reserve and Gowrie Farm Golf Course ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
The glamping tents have everything you need for a happy stay. The hot tub is amazing. Loved tubing on the river, and the walks. Excellent location to wander the Midlands Meander.

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026

AfriCamps at Gowan Valley - Glamping
Fairways Self Catering

Fairways Self Catering

3.5 out of 5
Drakensberg Gardens Road Drakensberg Gardens KwaZulu-Natal
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Drakensberg Gardens. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a golf course.
Fairways Self Catering
Clean,Comfortable & Centrally located Guesthouse

Clean,Comfortable & Centrally located Guesthouse

Pietermaritzburg KZN
Stay at this apartment in Pietermaritzburg. Popular attractions Macrorie House Museum and The Old Prison are located nearby.
Clean,Comfortable & Centrally located Guesthouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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