We leave Durban by 06h30 this morning heading south towards the village of Underberg at the foot of the mountains. Here we transfer to 4x4 vehicles and begin climbing the highest vehicle pass in Southern Africa. The views from Sani Pass are utterly spectacular and invariably make a lasting impression on first-timers. At the top is the border post between South Africa and Lesotho, thus passports are a must. Once inside Lesotho we visit a Sotho tribal village, and interact with the local people before enjoying lunch at the highest pub in Africa. Perched right near the edge of the mountain, it has few rivals in terms of pub views. Thus fortified, we wind our way back down the mountain and spend the night in a nearby hotel.

Morning at leisure to enjoy the spectacular views of the Southern Drakensberg mountains before we continue via the southern Midlands Meander Route and reach the most beautiful spot amid these 'dragon' peaks, the World Heritage Site of Giant's Castle. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air.

After breakfast, we set off on a leisurely 3km roundtrip hike to the caves (average level of fitness required), which were once home to South Africa's earliest inhabitants, the San people, better known as Bushman. Enjoy a guided tour of the rock paintings, which remain on the cave walls as clues to their simple existence. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, or take to the mountains again for an afternoon hike.

After a final leisurely morning, we make our way back to Durban, via the quaint art and craft stores and farmer's markets of the northern Midlands Meander Route , arriving back in Durban late afternoon.