 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
Location: Cobham is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Description: Dominated by Hodgson's Peaks which enclose the Giants Cup, Cobham is a 52,000 hectare section of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the southern berg adjacent to Himeville Village. Cobham is dominated by vast expanses of Themeda and Festuca grassland which turn from emerald green in spring and summer to shades of gold, brown and purple in autumn and winter. The grasslands are interspersed with rocky outcrops / boulders, streams and rivers and indigenous forests.
The reserve was established in 1959 by the Department of Forestry, and has been administered by KZN Wildlife (formely the Natal Parks Board) since 1988. Vergelegen is managed as part of Cobham and also provides opportunities for overnight camping and good river trout fishing. It is the closest hiking route (via Mkhomazi pass) to the highest peak in the Drakensberg, Thaba Ntlenyana (the beautiful little Mountain) which is in Lesotho. At 3482m, Thaba Ntlenyana is the highest peak south of Kilamanjaro. Sani Pass, the gateway to Lesotho, falls within Cobham boundaries and is easily reached from the campsite by returning to Himeville and turning left onto the R315 for 3kms before taking the Sani Pass road. Please note that a 4 x 4 vehicle is required to proceed beyond the SA border post. The Giants Cup Hiking trail starts from the Sani Pass road and follows the line of the escarpment through the little Berg into Garden Castle ending in Bushmans's Nek. The full route takes five days but it is possible to do shorter sections if visitors have limited time. The area has large numbers of small upland lakes or tarns and there is an area in Cobham called the Lake District. This beautiful part of the southern Drakensberg with an abundance of tree ferns along its rivers and occassional dense stands of Protea dracomontana on the little Berg slopes and knolls has much to offer the hiker. Accommodation: Camping: The campsite at Cobham is an open area where visitors can put up tents or caravans anywhere within the designated limits. The campsite is very rustic and there are only 4 toilets available. The ablution facilities are in the process of being upgraded with rustic showers. Visitors have to heat their own water. Pholela Hut: Pholela Hut is available for showers and rustic accommodation. The Giant’s Cup Trail hikers have first preferance.
Self-Cateering Cottages & Bed & Breafasts close by:
What To Do On Arrival: Visitors must first report to the camp office on arrival to complete the necessary registers.
What To Bring: Cobham has a small shop limited sales of curios and basic supplies. The nearest town which has a full range of services is Himeville, which is 15 kms away. Visitors are advised to bring all their own food and equipment. Cold weather clothing and equipment is advisable throughout the year and is essential during winter months. Activities: The Southern Drakensberg with its pristine grasslands and beautiful scenery, is relatively unspoilt and Cobham offers many day or overnight walks, including Sani Pass. Horse riding and fishing are also available. Hiking: Hikers must be suitably equipped and fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register. The Giant’s Cup Trail starts at Sani Pass and goes through to Bushmans Nek. Hikers are requested to report their arrival to the Office.
How To Get There: From Pietermaritzburg/Durban recommended route: Follow the N3 Freeway, taking the R617 (to Bulwer and Underberg). Stay on the R617 through Boston, Bulwer into Underberg. In Underberg turn right onto the R315 to Himeville. Just before Himeville turn left onto the D7, the turnoff is marked, follow this gravel road for 14 km to the Cobham entrance gate. This route is clearly marked. Contact Details: Summary: |
||||||||||||||||
In
the secluded valleys hikers are likely to see Cape Clawless otter and
herds of eland well as a large variety of other animals and birds. Cobham
has some of the best rock art sites south of the Didima valley and it
is possible to hire a guide to visit a selection of them.
The many 
Caves:
Cobham has a number of caves for overnight hiking, which accommodates
a maximum of 12 people. These caves are reached by three- to five-hour
walks from the office. Fires may not be made in the wilderness area
or in caves. For visitors own safety, the Mountain Rescue Register
must be filled in. Visitors must ensure that their return is noted
to avoid an unnecessary search being launched. 