EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE AT FAIRWAYS
La Vita Spa
Treat yourself to an oasis of tranquillity with breathtaking views, unsurpassed natural spoils and the serenity of luxurious Spa treatments... Succumb to the rejuvenating effects of the fresh mountain air and scenic mountain backdrop at the Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort Wellness Centres.The popular Wellness Centre consists of a sauna and plunge pool, two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, a 24 jet hydrotherapy bath (heated) as well as a fully equipped gym with cardiovascular circuit, weight training and juice bar.The Wellness Centre also includes La Vita Wellness Retreat, which offers 5 treatment rooms (booking is essential).Renowned for a diverse offering in all forms of health and wellness, Gooderson Leisure Wellness Centres' relaxing facilities will rejuvenate your spirit and revive your senses.
Jacobs Ladder Falls Hiking Trail
Jacobs Ladder Falls trail does include several river crossings, but the waterfall at the end of the trail makes it all worth it. Views of the Lotheni River and mighty mountains keep you company as you walk, and the elevation is stable for most of the hike. Pack a costume and towel if you feel the desire to jump into that fresh berg water, and save some of your snacks to eat in the company of the waterfall.
Canoeing and tubing
Perched along the UMzimkulu River, and in the foothills of the magnificent southern Drakensberg Mountain Range. Such natural beauty and abundance is quite special, and is best enjoyed during time spent outdoors. Canoeing and Tubing invites visitors to explore and have the time of their lives on the water of the river. Set down the UMzimkulu River and as you meander down the waterway, look out for the gorgeous birds that live in the vegetation around the water, or the animals that survive from its banks. The birds include the white-breasted cormorant, African spoonbill, several ducks and ibises, the bearded vulture, Verreaux’s eagle, blue crane, Cape parrot, various owl species, and so many more. These make for lovely photographs and memorable sightings.
Sleeping Beauty Cave Hiking Trail
An easy 2 hour hike over 3.7 km with a total uphill of 377m. The cave is huge and offers excellent protection from bad weather. The last section on the way to the cave is up some wooden steps.There are enough flat sections in the cave to sleep 10 people comfortably. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are August through August.
Khotso Horse Trails
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Southern Drakensberg, ride out over 1,300 ha of beautiful untouched Khotso land, with Lesotho in the sky and Underberg at your feet. Our trails are perfect for veterans and beginners alike. Each trail is accompanied by an experienced guide ensuring rides are both safe and exciting. Pioneers of the multi-day cross-border horseback Lesotho Expedition.
Pillar Cave Hiking Trail
Explore this 8.5-km out-and-back trail near Underberg, Kwazulu-Natal. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 45 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are February through April.
Bushmen guided day hike to rock art
A guided day hike through beautiful Drakensberg scenery to view 3 excellent panels of Bushman rock art. Learn about the uniqueness of the hunter-gatherers, the first inhabitants of the Drakensberg.
Lesotho 4x4 Sani Pass Day Tour
Drive up the awe-inspiring Sani Pass, the highest point in South Africa. Visit a Basotho village for a true cultural experience and interact with the locals. Have lunch at the highest pub in Africa before descending back to Underberg. Don't forget your passport
Balam coffee deck
Balam River Deck is a small café on the banks of the Mzinkhulu River. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a chocolate croissant with fantastic views of the Southern Drakensberg. Balam works in collaboration with Wildlife Act and a portion of each bill is donated to the charity and put towards wildlife protection. Prices range from R30 for a single shot cappuccino to R40 for a Latte. Visit Balam River Deck for great coffee, light snacks and make a difference to wildlife preservation in South Africa all with the best view.
Splashy Fen Music Festival
Established in 1990, Splashy Fen is South Africa’s longest-running music festival, which every Easter attracts thousands of people to a farm near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal for a unique outdoor music experience. The festival offers a line-up of some of the country’s hottest acts, top-class sound and lighting, plus a wide choice of outdoor leisure activities for the whole family. Add to that the beautiful scenery of the southern Drakensberg, an abundance of different food and drink outlets, colourful arts and crafts, a crèche and children’s entertainment programme, as well as various camping and accommodation options and you’re set for a winner of a long weekend! Splashy Fen has something for everyone; in fact there’s nothing else in South Africa quite like it. This event normally runs over the Easter long weekend.
Reichenau Mission
Historical Significance of Reichenau Mission In 1886 Abbot Francis Pfanner purchased the land from the Zulu Chief Sakayedwa, who wanted schools within his community. In 1887 the mission was named Reichenau after a Benedictine monastery situated on the banks of Lake Constance in Germany. The first nine missionaries arrived in six ox wagons which contained prefabricated living quarters manufactured at the Mariannhill Monastery to be used for accommodation, as well as food supplies, building materials and tools. The Benedictine practice was to become a self-sufficient farming operation which could sustain the missionaries, then to build a place to worship and furthermore to uplift and empower the local community. This was achieved at Reichenau within a few years of the missionaries’ arrival, for example the following were built: living quarters, a school, a chapel, a mill, a teachers training college as well as other farming and home industry related buildings were established. Agriculture, animal husbandry, home industry and crafts were well established and these skills passed on to students. The boarding school eventually closed down in 1956, however the day school did continue to operate. Currently there is a school of 200 day pupils.