Mountain Biking Trails
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Underberg 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.
Things to do near
Southern Drakensberg
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Rhodes (2.5 km from Southern Drakensberg) One of South Africa’s best-kept secrets, Rhodes Village lies in the Eastern Cape Highlands on the border with Lesotho. Declared a conservation area in 1997, this Victorian-era village exudes an enduring charm and beauty. Surrounded by the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains, the area boasts pristine rivers, home to rainbow and brown trout, as well as small and largemouth yellowfish.
Waterfall
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Rhodes (10.7 km from Southern Drakensberg) Carlisleshoek is the main route to Tiffindell Ski Resort located on the slopes of Ben McDhui. The waterfall is located at the end of the Carlisleshoek valley near the start of the concrete section of the pass.
Hiking Trail
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Maclear (31 km from Southern Drakensberg) Spend five memorable days hiking the Woodcliffe Cave Trail in the stunning Joelshoek Valley near the village of Maclear. The southern Drakensberg peaks preside over the valley, supplying water to numerous waterfalls and mountain streams. Although this is a slackpacking trail, it is challenging and should only be attempted by experienced and fit hikers.
Duration: 5 days
Difficulty: Tough
Distance: 54 km
Bookings: Woodcliffe Farmhouse and Cottage
Mountain Biking Trails
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Barkly East (43.3 km from Southern Drakensberg) Kopshorn Peak's pass is roughly a 20 kilometre return ride with a steep two-kilometre ascent. The turnaround point is at the top of Kopshorn Peak and offers a fun ride if you enjoy getting out in the mountains.
Keen mountain bikers have many other options – arrange with Prospect Self Catering Cottage proprietors in advance. The first few kilometres are suitable for kids and novice riders.
Hiking Trail
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Barkly East (43.3 km from Southern Drakensberg) Kopshorn Peak is one of the highest around Barkly East and offers incredible mountain views. Accessible from Prospect Self Catering Cottage, this four-hour trail has some steep ascents and a challenging vertical rock climb. The hike is strenuous and is not recommended for the elderly or unfit.
Large baboons often caper about and there are some venomous snakes to keep a wary lookout for. Be prepared for sudden weather changes – take along a snack, sufficient fluid, sunblock and warm gear. Should mist roll over the mountains, please descend immediately to avoid getting lost or going over precipitous cliffs edges.
Day fees apply for hikers who have booked the trail but are not guests at Prospect Cottage. Please visit the main house and arrange with the owners before hitting the trail. For your safety the hikes take place at the owners discretion after clearing weather conditions.
Golf Courses
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Barkly East (43.9 km from Southern Drakensberg) Barkly East Golf Club has a nine hole Golf Course with a lovely mountain view, the bar boasts big screens and a large fireplace for the cold evenings. Local events are also held here. Meals are available in the bar.
Galleries and Museums
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Barkly East (44.8 km from Southern Drakensberg) Barkly East Museum is rich in local history, Bushmen and other information.
Hiking Trail
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Elliot (54.4 km from Southern Drakensberg) This three-day trail is moderate to difficult and only one way. The total distance is 47 km and a maximum of 10 people can go at one time. Splendid views, cascading streams and rocky ravines cross private farms. The trail starts below Gatberg and ends at Barkly Pass. A series of San paintings are situated on a farm near Elliot. There is a house without bunks at the starting point. There are houses and bunks to sleep 10 at Willowmore and Waterkloof, the first and second overnight stops respectively.
From Elliot take the Ugie/Maclear Road/R56 and drive 19 km, turn left to the Gatberg at the mushroom sign and follow the gravel road and mushroom signs for another 8 km.