Things to Do in Kokstad

The Funky Cow is a quaint, eclectic little shop rooted in Underberg opposite the local Spar. Its well worth a visit as it sells gorgeous traditional Basotho blankets (since they’re on the border of Lesotho and the famous Sani Pass). You’ll also find funky jewellery, antiques, vintage clothing, awesome gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Have a blast in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg. Situated 4 km from the country village of Underberg, Sani Spoors is the ideal mountain biking and trail running venue. The diverse trails range from single track through pine forests to riverbanks, offering some of the finest mountain biking trails in KwaZulu-Natal. The routes are on private property; traversing farmlands, pine plantations, the Mzimkulu River and open pastures. Routes of 3 km, 8 km, 10 km and 15 km are colour coded and clearly marked. All routes start from the Sani Spoors office where a permit must be obtained and clearly displayed before setting off.

The Oribi Gorge is a 330 metre high abyss sliced by the Umzimkulu River. Just 20 kilometres inland from Port Shepstone, the scenically stunning area has become a playground for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. Here you can hurtle off the edge on a ‘bridge-swing’ or if you’re a little less daring you can try the 120-metre foefie slide. No trip is complete without white-water rafting down the frothing, seething chasm.The Wild Gorge swing is situated at the top of Lehrs falls and is the highest swing in the world. One steps off the waterfall to swing into the dark depths of the gorge in a 100 metre arc – an exhilarating experience that leaves you breathless. And if adrenaline is not your thing, the gorgeous scenery and tranquillity of this Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Reserve is just as delightful. The reserve offers numerous walks and self-guided trails and is a photographer's dream.

The incredibly scenic Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies 21 kilometres inland from Port Shepstone, perfect for a day trip or weekend escape. Part of this Emzemvelo KZN Wildlife reserve’s appeal is the impressive gorge carved by the Umzimkulwana River. This photographer's and nature lover's paradise offers some lovely walks to picturesque spots. Numerous picnic sites are dotted along the river banks but don’t be tempted to swim or you may risk contracting bilharzia. The overnight camp has a reservoir swimming pool with a sundeck for residents’ use. The reserve is home to bushbuck, common reedbuck, oribi, blue and grey duiker and the rarely seen leopard. Twitchers will find Oribi a rewarding birding experience with a bird list numbers 250 species.