Himeville Nature Reserve — Umzimkulu Headwaters Dispersed Camp

Himeville Nature Reserve is a compact Ezemvelo-managed reserve just outside the village of Himeville, roughly 8km from Underberg on the Sani Pass corridor. The reserve sits in moist Drakensberg foothill country with open grassland, willow-lined river banks, and a mix of resident antelope. Dispersed primitive camping is available with a permit — it’s basic, no power, no ablutions, but the location is excellent for a pre-Sani shakedown night or post-pass recovery. Temperatures drop hard after dark even in summer; in winter it freezes.

Access is straightforward off the R617, and this is one of the few spots near Sani where you can roll in without a full day’s drive. Permits through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife — book ahead since the reserve is small and capacity is limited. The river provides water that needs treatment. No firewood collection permitted inside the reserve; carry your own fuel. Cell signal is spotty at best.

Last stop before the pass. Sleep here.