Access roads to the Drakensberg

Hi Wren, there are 3 main ways: 1) Underberg 2) Nottingham road 3) Impendle

We normally take the Impendle route (turn off from the R617 just past Boston) and it's tarred most of the way except right at the end, where there are some crossings and dodgy dirt roads but you should make it in a regular vehicle assuming there is no flooding and the rivers aren't flowing over the road

Nottingham road route is very scenic but much longer on dirt road (60km) and it's very slow going without high clearance, and if there's lots of rain I wouldn't even attempt it without high clearance and preferably 4x4

Underberg route is just much further to drive and unless you are coming from Underberg side I wouldn't take that route. 

 

Thank you, this is super helpful! I'm coming from Pietermaritzburg, so the R617 and then turn off past Boston is probably the way to go then. 

Inside the Lotheni boundaries, the road to the campsites and Simes cottage is also pretty rough, high clearance would be preferable. But if you are just going to hike or stay in the cottages or chalets, they are all located right by the office so it's not necessary to drive that last few km to get to Simes

Oh dear, that sounds ominous!   We were hoping to get to the campsite, but might need to re-think our plans now...

You'll probably make it as long as the river isn't overflowing the road (there is one spot where you have to drive through the water). Might just scrape the underside of the car a bit and need to go very slowly. If you actually got stuck which is unlikely, the Lotheni managers have tractors and other 4x4 vehicles would probably be around to help out.