Underwood Country Manor

The Manor

A private country retreat in the Southern Drakensberg

Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg near Underberg, Underwood Country Manor is a fully private luxury retreat for families and friends who want to escape, unwind and experience the raw beauty of the mountains.

The manor sleeps eight across four en-suite bedrooms, with spaces designed for gathering — an open kitchen, a cosy living room with two wood-burning fireplaces, a competition pool table, a wood-fired pizza oven, and sweeping decks with 180° mountain views. Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

Experience

Imagine yourself here

The manor is more than a place to stay. It's the weekend you've been looking forward to.

Sweeping deck views at sunset over the Drakensberg mountains

Breakfast overlooking the mountains

Wake up to 180° Drakensberg views from the deck. Coffee in hand. Nobody else in sight.

Cosy living room with wood-burning fireplace

Gather around the fire

Two wood-burning fireplaces. Stories, silence, and crackling wood.

Wood-fired pizza oven in the outdoor entertaining area

Make pizzas together

Fire up the wood-burning pizza oven. The best family evenings start here.

Competition pool table in the games room

Challenge someone to a game of pool

A competition-standard pool table. Friendly rivalries, every night.

Private dam with Drakensberg mountain reflections

Walk down to the dam

A short stroll brings you to the private dam. Perfect for fishing or simply sitting.

Outdoor deck with gas braai and mountain views

Braai as the sun goes down

South African evenings were made for this. Gas braai, cold drinks, good company.

Accommodation

Four exceptional bedrooms

Every bedroom is en-suite and thoughtfully appointed. Before you book, know exactly where everyone sleeps.

Master Suite

Mountain Suite

The flagship bedroom. Wake up to the mountains every morning.

🛏️ King bed 🚿 En-suite bathroom 🏔️ Mountain views 🌅 Private deck access

Garden Bedroom with queen bed and en-suite bathroom

Bedroom 2

Garden Room

A serene retreat overlooking the gardens and surrounding landscape.

🛏️ Queen bed 🚿 En-suite bathroom 🌿 Garden views

Bedroom 3

Twin Room

Perfect for two friends or two children — flexible and comfortable.

🛏️ 2 Single beds 🚿 En-suite bathroom 🪟 Country views

Fourth bedroom with double bed and en-suite

Bedroom 4

Courtyard Room

Peaceful and private — ideal for guests wanting their own space.

🛏️ Double bed 🚿 En-suite bathroom 🌼 Courtyard outlook

Explore

Things to do in Underberg & the Southern Drakensberg

A long weekend here is never enough. Here's what to plan for.

🏔️

Sani Pass

One of South Africa's most iconic mountain passes. Take a 4x4 to the top of the Lesotho border — roughly 35 minutes from the manor. Stop at the highest pub in Africa.

🎣

Trout Fishing

The Southern Drakensberg is fly-fishing country. The nearby Pholela River and surrounding streams offer excellent trout fishing — rods available on request.

🥾

Hiking

Trails for all levels surround Underberg. From gentle morning walks through farmland to multi-day hikes into the Berg — Hodgson's Peaks, Garden Castle and beyond.

🐘

Drakensberg Day Trips

Spend a day at Giant's Castle, see the Bushman paintings at Kamberg, or visit the Vulture Hide for up-close views of Cape Vultures.

⛳

Golf

Underberg Country Club offers a scenic 9-hole course set against the mountain backdrop. A relaxed, friendly round — 5 minutes from the manor.

🍷

Local Dining & Markets

Underberg town has excellent local restaurants and a popular Saturday market. We'll provide you with a full list of recommendations at check-in.

Getting Here

In the heart of the Southern Drakensberg

Underwood Country Manor is located just outside Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal — the gateway to the Southern Drakensberg and Sani Pass. Precise directions are sent after booking.

🏘️ Underberg town5 min

🏔️ Sani Pass base35 min

🏡 Himeville10 min

🌊 Durban3 hr 15 min

🏙️ Pietermaritzburg2 hr 15 min

✈️ King Shaka International (Durban)3 hr 30 min

🚗 A normal passenger car is suitable for the access road to the property.

Get Directions

Guest Reviews

What guests are saying

★★★★★

The views from every room are unbelievable. We did the pizza oven on the first night, fished at the dam on Saturday morning, and didn't want to leave. We'll definitely be back.

Sarah & Mark T.

Airbnb · August 2025

★★★★★

Exactly what we needed. Off-grid but all the comforts. The pool table was a huge hit with the kids. Fires every night, mountains every morning.

The Joubert Family

LekkeSlaap · June 2025

★★★★★

We've stayed at many places in the Drakensberg. Underwood is a step above. Beautifully maintained, incredibly peaceful, and Adam was responsive throughout. Highly recommend.

James & Priya

Booking.com · October 2025

FAQ

Common questions

Is the road suitable for a normal car?

Yes. The access road to Underwood Country Manor is suitable for a standard passenger vehicle. A 4x4 is not required. If you plan to venture further into the mountains (e.g. Sani Pass), a 4x4 is recommended for those specific excursions.

Does load shedding affect the property?

No. Underwood Country Manor is fully off-grid on solar power, so load shedding has no impact on your stay. Power is available 24/7.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes — uncapped Wi-Fi is included. We use a fixed wireless connection which provides reliable internet throughout the property.

Can we swim or fish in the dam?

Yes to fishing — the private dam is available for guest use. Please supervise children near the water at all times. Swimming conditions vary by season; we recommend asking us when you book.

Are pets allowed?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted at Underwood Country Manor. We appreciate your understanding.

Is firewood supplied?

A complimentary bag of firewood is supplied with your stay. Additional firewood can be purchased from the owner if required.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be arranged where availability permits — just ask when you book.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Southern Drakensberg can be dramatic in winter with snow on the peaks and cold evenings — which most guests love. The manor is a warm, comfortable place to hunker down. We have two fireplaces, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a games room. Summer brings thunderstorms — spectacular to watch from the deck.

Can children stay?

Absolutely. Children are very welcome. Please note that we do not have a baby cot available at the manor. Parents should also note that the property is unfenced near the dam and in natural surroundings, so supervision of young children outdoors is important.

What is the cancellation policy?

Our standard cancellation policy: cancellations more than 30 days before check-in receive a full refund. If cancelled within 30 days of your check-in date, no refund will be issued. We recommend taking out travel insurance for peace of mind.

How far is Underberg town?

Underberg town is approximately 5 minutes by car. It has a supermarket, pharmacy, ATMs, restaurants and a petrol station. We recommend stocking up on arrival as the nearest larger town (Himeville) is 10 minutes away.

Is there a minimum number of nights?

We have a 2-night minimum stay. For peak weekends and school holidays, a 3-night minimum applies. Long-stay discounts are available — contact us to discuss.

A private country retreat in the Southern Drakensberg

Everything you need for the perfect getaway