Himeville
Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal, 3256
In the foothills of the southern Drakensberg mountains, Himeville is the closest town to the Sani Pass into Lesotho. Mountain views and rippling streams make it a popular stopover en route to both Lesotho and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. The Himeville Museum houses antiques and San artifacts in a converted fort.
The basics
You may well find yourself in Himeville—or neighboring Underberg—when starting a day tour or overnight tour to Lesotho. With a population of under 2,000, Himeville is compact, but it offers a decent range of accommodations, a choice of eateries, good trout fishing, and a nature reserve for walks. The main attraction is the Himeville Museum, based in a fort dating back to 1899. However, the town springs into life during the Splashy Fen music festival, held on a farm outside Underberg each Easter.
Things to know before you go
- Himeville will appeal to photographers and hikers.
- You need a 4WD to negotiate the Sani Pass, so many travelers opt to join tours.
- There is wheelchair-accessible accommodation in Himeville, but Lesotho and UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park are generally not wheelchair-friendly.
How to get there
Himeville sits in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Underberg and about a 45-minute drive from the Sani Pass. It’s about 135 miles (215 kilometers) west of Durban and 85 miles (135 kilometers) southwest of Pietermaritzburg. You’ll want your own wheels when visiting here.
When to get there
More than 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level, Himeville has a rainy climate that occasionally turns snowy in the South African winter (June–July). The weather is at its most pleasant from November through March. Book well ahead if visiting during the Splashy Fen music festival over Easter.
The Splashy Fen music festival
Billed as South Africa’s oldest music festival, Splashy Fen has been taking over Splashy Fen farm nearly every Easter weekend since 1990. More than 200 artists perform everything from EDM to acoustic and rock, with yoga, trail running, and workshops available. Festival tickets include camping, but some partygoers opt to stay in Underberg or Himeville instead.
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