We had looked forward to this trip for many years. Not wanting to attempt the Pass while our children were too young to remember, we waited. Patiently. When the opportunity finally presented itself, we were so pleased the four of us could experience it together.
The dirt track that leads up the Sani Pass may only be 8 km long, but it is so rustic and convoluted, with several hair-raising hairpin bends, that it takes at least an hour and a half to complete the ascent safely. However, the spectacular views of this part of the World Heritage Site make the challenging drive well worth it.
What Is The Sani Pass?
Sani Pass is a gravel road set in the Southern Drakensberg Mountains, approximately 42 km from the town of Underberg and just over 200 km from the coastal city of Durban. It is the only road link between the Kingdom of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal and the only road that crosses the summit of the Drakensberg Mountains. Located in a breathtakingly beautiful part of South Africa, it rises 1 332 m to the summit, which is 2 874 m above sea level. Needless to say, the journey over the pass can only be attempted in a 4 x 4 vehicle.
A Little Bit Of History
The Pass was originally built in 1913 as a trade route for pack mules between South Africa and Mokhotlong in Lesotho. Although the Pass was officially opened in 1948, it was only in 1955 that construction began on the road in earnest. Eight-tonne freight trucks carted their goods over the Pass until an alternative tar road replaced this route in 1996. Now it is reserved for recreational purposes, with 4 x 4 enthusiasts, motorcyclists, hikers, and cyclists enjoying the challenging route.
Our Experience Up The Sani Pass
Summer in KwaZulu-Natal is usually a hot, humid affair. The days leading up to our trip up Sani Pass had seen an abundance of rain, so the roads were muddy and filled with loose rocks and stones, which made it dangerous. The day we chose to go up the pass was cool and rainy, too, so we knew we were in for quite an adventure!
We chose to book a guided tour with Sani Pass Tours, making use of the Day Tour Into Lesotho package. Our tour guide, Sifiso, and the 4 x 4 we were in, had to work hard in the difficult conditions. We were grateful for his calm attitude and years of experience.
The road is tarred up until the South African border post. The 8km after that is a dirt track winding steeply up the Pass. Sani Pass is the highest national road in South Africa. It is also the most dangerous pass in the country. As we made our way to the summit, trickles of water became rivers gushing across the road. Although there was plenty of rain and mist, we were still able to look back and see the gravel road zigzagging down the mountainside behind us. The scenery was spectacular, and we shall have to return in better conditions to fully appreciate it.
Nevertheless, we arrived at the top, where it was raining even harder, and it was icy cold.
Lesotho was beautiful. Sheep grazed on the flattish land while shepherds wrapped in traditional Basotho blankets watched over them.
We visited a small village where our friendly hosts treated us to freshly made bread baked in a cast iron pot over a fire.
After having lunch at the Highest Pub in Africa, we started our descent very slowly as the rain had become heavier. Our guide was amazing, negotiating every difficult turn with seeming ease.
Despite the treacherous conditions, it was a day well spent, and we loved every minute of it. We would highly recommend traveling with experienced tour companies, as we did.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit The Sani Pass?
Afternoon thunderstorms are the norm in the Drakensberg during the summer months, from November to March. If you are driving yourself, this may not be a good time to go. A good time, even though it may be extremely cold, is in the winter when it is not snowing or in autumn, during April and May. In winter, you are also likely to see frozen waterfalls, which are quite spectacular.
What To Do At The Top Of Sani Pass
The Highest Pub In Africa
Celebrate your journey up the Pass with a traditional Maluti beer and some snacks. At 2 874 meters above sea level, this is a pub with a stunning view! Better than a beer, you can enjoy a delicious cup of Terbodore Coffee, which is a treat on a cooler day. The pub is small and cozy, with a fire burning in the winter. On a clear summer’s day, you can sit out on the deck and take in the beauty around you.
Organized Tours
If you own a 4 x 4 vehicle, then you can meander up the Pass on your own. However, if you would prefer to be driven so that you can sit back, relax (or at least try to) and enjoy the view, then an organized Sani Pass Tour is for you. We traveled with three German tourists who thoroughly enjoyed the tour as well. They chose to spend the night in Lesotho, with the tour guide agreeing to fetch them the next day.
Tours leave Underberg from Sani Pass Tours’ offices at 09:00 and return by 16:00. Visit a Basotho village and have lunch at the Highest Pub In Africa.
Where To Stay
There are several comfortable places to stay near Sani Pass, South Africa.
Bushman’s Nek Berg And Trout Resort
If you are interested in exploring the Sani area in general, we recommend the Bushman’s Nek Berg And Trout Resort It is about 35 km outside Underberg, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and mountains. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and there is a top-class restaurant on site. There is a range of activities to enjoy, such as Putt-Putt, lawn bowls, tennis and badminton, and a heated pool. Several short and moderate walks leave from the Ezemvelo Wildlife Reserve nearby. Enjoy a good book, surrounded by tranquility! A wonderful place for the whole family to enjoy.
Sani Lodge Backpackers
If you would like to stay closer to the Pass, try Sani Lodge Backpackers. Very comfortable rooms and a variety of outdoor activities will make your stay a pleasant one.
Giant’s Cup Cafe is their on-site restaurant, serving three fabulous meals a day, including coffee and sweet delights.
Sani Lodge is a certified member of Fair Trade Tourism, part of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive up Sani Pass?
The drive takes about one and a half hours.
Do you need a passport to drive Sani Pass?
Yes, you pass through the South African border post at the bottom of the Pass and through the Lesotho border pass at the top.
What are Sani Pass hours of operation?
Sani Pass is open from 06:00 until 18:00.
