The Drakensburg
Thendele Lodges
- Parent Category: The Drakensburg
- Category: Drakensburg Accommodation
Thendele hutted camp is situated in the Royal Natal National Park in one of the most picturesque settings in the country with a view of the world famous amphitheatre from every chalet. The camp nestles below the brooding sandstone cliffs of Dooley among yellowwood forests and protea savannah where visitors can often hear the rumble of boulders in the Thukela river below after a fierce summer thunderstorm. This beautiful camp has the distinction of being the closest of the KZN Wildlife Berg camps to the main Drakensberg escarpment.
Dominated by the amphitheatre which changes mood with weather and season, often covered in snow in winter or with up to eighteen waterfalls cascading down the vertical cliffs after a storm. Home to the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer) and Black Eagle who often disport themselves for visitors in the thermals that rise above the Mont aux Sources plateau, the surounding valleys and ridges offer superb walks through an ever changing landscape with many upland birds and flowers.
Sani Pass - Sani Top Chalets
- Parent Category: The Drakensburg
- Category: Drakensburg Accommodation
The tight zig-zagging curves of Sani Pass, one of the most magnificent mountain passes in South Africa, ascend through the sheer cliffs of the Drakensberg, linking KwaZulu Natal to the independent country of Lesotho. The route is also known as the ‘roof of Africa’ and for good reason - the views from the peaks, some 3200 metres above sea level, are spectacular and usually reserved only for those willing to hike for a couple of days. A pub, renowned as the highest in the world, lies at the top of Sani - 2874 metres above sea level.
Sani Top Chalet is perched on the border between South Africa and Lesotho at 2874m above sea level. It has been described as one of the best-situated hotels on earth.
It is the only accommodation you will find along the Drakensberg escarpment, and it is also home to the highest pub in Africa. The only way to the chalet from South Africa is via the Sani Pass. The pass has a reputation for being a treacherous yet exquisitely beautiful accent into Lesotho and can only be done in a 4x4.
