Underberg Village

Foothills Small Town

Anticipation is always tangible when taking week away, we stopped at the top of the last hill before descending down into the town of Underberg firmly situated in foothills of the Southern Drakensberg.

Early afternoon haze engulfed the valley unable to see the mountains clearly we watched touring motor cyclists go zooming past to their destination.

Underberg is situated at the foot of the 1,904 m Hlogoma Peak (place of echoes), on the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg. Town grew when railway ran to/from Pietermaritzburg established in 1917 to support commercial centre for region's dairy and cattle farming with agriculture.

This town supplies not only local residents, tourists but many who make their way down nearby Sani Pass from Lesotho obtaining essential supplies not available at the top of the pass.

Underberg Hotel is the landmark of the town, now a little older in stature it remains the hub where many will stop briefly to witness street vendors, newer shopping malls and basically get ones bearings.

On arrival in town I always scoot directly indoors knowing exactly where my pit stop is after driving for three hours, no you don't have to pay, it is always a clean toilet inside the hotel, past reception...

A quick view down the strip board wooden floor laid back when, with receptionist area is furniture that has not altered in many years, it looks like it did when we visited thirty years ago.

Street vendors have become more evident on streets, side alleys of villages with lack of earnings many turn to this form of trade.

In the main road one will find an exceptionally large well stocked Spar shop, Saddlery for variety of farm requirements, across the main road are smaller stores that include Estate agents, Boutique Stores with clothing, hiking or camping requirements, tour operators, pharmacy. Town also has a small clinic for emergencies.

Tourism to the region is the second largest income with hikers, runners, camping, trout fishing being some of the highlights, Underberg being the gateway before going deeper into the mountains or up Sani Pass.

Market towns are vibrant, interesting places where everyone congregates to collect essentials, no matter which direction you approach this small town the hotel will always be the center of attraction, you won't miss it.

Short hop you going down farm roads enjoying wide open spaces rearing to get where you going, shopping done for the week!