Cobham Nature Reserve — Pholela River Dispersed Camp

Cobham sits on the southern approach to Sani Pass, straddling the Pholela River inside the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Dispersed camping is permitted at designated primitive sites within the reserve — no facilities beyond what you carry. The landscape is high grassland and river gorge, cold at night year-round, and strikingly quiet. Keep fires contained; fire restrictions apply seasonally and are strictly enforced by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff at the gate.

Access is via the R617 south of Underberg, turning east at the Cobham reserve entrance. The road is good gravel to the gate, rougher inside. Self-sufficiency is mandatory — no water points, no ablutions at primitive sites. A Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife permit is required and can be arranged at the gate or through their booking system. Best season is April through October when the grass is short and river levels are manageable.

Drakensberg riverside staging before Sani.