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Hi All

Directions from Gauteng please

Two main options:

1. The Sani Pass/Vergelegen/Lotheni road, starting from Nottingham Road, at the police station. I think its about 80km along this road before you would turn right at the Vergelegen turn-off (which is signposted). Have never driven this section in its entirety but a lot of it is dirt and can be pretty rough. From the turn-off it's almost 30km of dirt road to Vergelegen Camp.

2. Drive to Underberg/Himeville via the usual R617. Carrying on straight with this road for about 20km you get to the sign-posted Vergelegen turn-off mentioned above, so you'd turn left there and carry on for the remaining 30km or so. It becomes a rickety dirt road at the Sani Pass turn-off soon after Himeville.

Option 2 is longer in distance but you spend less time on dirt roads. Vergelegen truly lives up to its name, so brace yourself for a seemingly never ending bumpy drive. But it's all worth it.

Vergelegen in my mind must be one of the true gems of the Berg. Long ridges that seem to stretch on forever, very do-able passes, well sheltered caves near the tops of most passes, some truly magnificent views from the top, easy 2 day ascent of Thabana Ntlenyana, with a 3rd day back down again. Did I mention the truly magnificent scenery? There are also a fair number of Khulu's in the area (see this page for details).

It must also be one of the least visited areas of the Berg, so if you are into getting away from the crowd, this is the place to go. Facilities at the bottom are commensurate with the traffic it gets (ie, don't expect more than a working shower and a flushing toilet...), but well worth the visit. Although the 5 days I spent up there were cold and windy (I guess thats what you expect being up there in Aug), it has left an indelible imprint in my mind, and a desire to go back and explore further.

Another interesting spot on the lower reaches is the sulphur spring which attracts the Eland in their droves. We saw a herd of about 40 Eland hanging around there on our trip.

Have fun.

sorry for the late follow up : the road thro Nottingham road is the most bumpy, rickety, teeth rattling dirt road you will find in the Berg (ok, i think that of the roads to Injisuthi & Mnweni as well). Seriously tho it's BADDD !! Including in the reserve ....... tho the place more than makes up for all driving stress. Yes Doms, it is a 'true gem'. Long walk in to get to the Passes.

If u driving in from North rather use Underberg/Himeville road. This would be the obvious route if coming from South.

ps. if you driving a 4x4 above does not apply. I'm offering a reward for safe return of my Ford's camshaft, side mirrors, wheelnuts and the last of my very own ivories

Have driven that road on 2 occasions in the last few weeks myself, and have to agree, it's not very friendly, though quite scenic (was in a 4x4 both times).

Magan I did see spare parts belonging to a Ford lying on the side of the road - didn't know they belonged to you!

Even for Lotheni it would still be better coming through Himeville. For Highmoor/Mkhomazi though it would probably be worth taking this road.

@Magan. The long walk in to the passes is well worth it in my mind, particularly since you start off fairly high, and then progress at a nice upward canter for the most part till you get to the pass proper. They are also some of the longest ridges in the Berg. Most amazing!

The roads are atrocious, but I am finding most roads (even the N3) battling with the current rains we are having and breaking up something terrible! The roads in the park are of concern though, and I will look into why they are so!

Ps, what is the reward for your "ivories"?

@Intrepid. Did the 4x4 you were in not lose any "bits"?