Drakensberg events to look forward to

Tip Top Drak 250 Off Road Race

The annual Tip Top Drak 250 will be held by the Natal Off Road Motor Club on the 11th of August. This epic off-road adventure starts at the Underberg Country Club, not far from Umzimkulu River Lodge. With many easy to get to spectator points, the event promises to be the highlight of the year for many off road enthusiasts and anyone is welcome to come and watch the action.

Check out the video from last year's event:

Rhino Peak Challenge

South Africa's top trail runners are invited to climb Rhino Peak in the Southern Drakensberg while raising awareness for rhinos on World Rhino Day, the 22nd of September. With funds from the Rhino Peak Challenge going to rhinos and also conservation of the Bearded Vulture, the public is invited to pledge for their favourite trail runners. Pledges are linked to the runner's cut off time with a minimum pledge of 10 and a maximum of 45. So for example, if you pledge R10 on a runner and that runner runs 20 minutes under their goal time then the pledge would be multiplied by a factor of 20. Anyone who misses their goal time will still have their pledge multiplied by a minimum of 10. Pledgees can also stand to win lucky draw prizes, so get involved and have fun while raising funds for a worthwhile cause!

Underberg Farmers Association Show

From the 29th to the 30th of September you can look forward to the Underberg Farmers Association Show. Comedian Aaron McIlroy will host the popular evening ‘barn-yard styled’ theatre event on the evening of the 30th and it promises to be a show not to be missed. Local schools and charities from the Drakensberg are encouraged to use the show as a fund-raising opportunity and visitors to the show can look forward to a host of arts and crafts and good food on sale. From baking and preserves to knitwear and sewing, the event promises something for the whole family. 

Underberg Country Club Spring Golf Classic

The annual Spring Classic will be played on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of October in the Underberg. The tournament will be played over 36 holes in teams of 4 players. On the Saturday (18 holes) the teams will split up into pairs and be randomly placed with a pair from another team. On the Sunday (18 holes) all 4 members of the team will play together in an alliance format with 2 scores to count. The teams’ two stableford scores from the Saturday will then be combined and added to the alliance score from the Sunday. The team with the best overall score after the 2 days will be the eventual winners. The fee of R2800-00 per team covers 2 days green fees, bacon and egg rolls on Saturday and Sunday mornings, halfway lunch on Saturday and Sunday, dinner on Saturday evening and a snack platter at prizegiving on the Sunday! Those looking to book their spot should contact the club via email. 

Southern Drakensberg Open Gardens

Garden lovers must visit the Southern Drakensberg for the Open Gardens that will take place on the 3rd and 4th November. During this time the Himeville - Underberg Garden Club will showcase some of the amazing gardens found within the beautiful Southern Drakensberg region. Spectacular countryside and jaw-dropping mountain views form the background to these exquisite gardens. November is also a beautiful month to do the Sani Pass Tour into Lesotho. The wildflowers bloom en mass! 

Sani Stagger Endurance Race

On the 24th of November, the Sani Stagger marathon will see tough runners summit the top of the Sani Pass - climbing 1,300 metres up in just 20 kilometres, reaching a summit of 1,968 metres above sea level. While the climb is sure to take the breath away from even the most seasoned and hardened of runners, the views of the Drakensberg sure are worth the pain. Hailed as one of the best running events in the country, this is a unique marathon you simply have to do at least once! The race is limited to only 550 entries so be sure to get in quick in you want to participate!