Sani Pass (original) (raw)
Sani Pass, Drakensberg
The tight zig-zagging curves of Sani Pass, one of the most magnificent mountain passes in South Africa, ascend through the sheer cliffs of the Drakensberg, linking KwaZulu Natal to the independent country of Lesotho.
The route is also known as the �roof of Africa� and for good reason - the views from the peaks, some 3200 metres above sea level, are spectacular and usually reserved only for those willing to hike for a couple of days. A pub, renowned as the highest in the world, lies at the top of Sani - 2874 metres above sea level.
Sani Pass began as a rough mule trail along which donkeys traversed loaded with wool and mohair on the way down the pass, and blankets, clothing and maize meal on the return journey. The pass was opened to vehicle traffic by David Alexander, whose company Mokhotlong Mountain Transport was the first to operate on the pass in 1955.
The pass can be journeyed today in your own car, although a 4X4 vehicle is recommended as it is both steep and rough, but in the initial days many of the corners took at least three attempts. In winter one risks snow on the roads and often ice can be a problem. And passports are essential as one passes through an international border at around 1900 metres.
About 25 minutes� from the Lesotho border, on the road to Mokhotlong, before the saddle, along a section that hooks left before dropping into a long valley, lies a section of snow (if it snows) - the paradox being that until one reaches this valley one cannot assess the feasibility of skiing, hence only the hardened enthusiast takes to the pass.
Travellers' Reviews
5 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified reviewexcellent
Gorgeous place. Experienced snow in January. I went uphill in short slee ed clothes and it started to rain and snow whilst in pub. Wow
Lelethu (East London)
Verified reviewvery good
Amazing, breathtaking snow on the mountains. Like you are on top of the world! Will definitely go again
Logan & Tilly Govender (Fourways JHB)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Sani Lodge Backpackers
The Lodge provides a wide range of clean, comfortable budget accommodation as well as 3 charming, self catering cottages, deep in the majestic So...
Hotel
Premier Resort Sani Pass
Premier Resort Sani Pass offers accommodation at the foot of the pass on the banks of the Mkhomazana River. This famous pass is only accessible ...
Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Sani Window
Sani Window in Underberg is set on a large property facing onto the golf course with magnificent views of the Drakensberg Mountains. The house ha...
Self Catering
Dieu Donne Cottage
Dieu Donne Cottage is a self-catering cottage located on a farm just off the Sani Pass Road, in Underberg. The cottage boasts spectacular valley ...
Self Catering
Mkomazana Mountain Cottages
Mkomazana is a unique property nestled at the foot of the Sani Pass. The accommodation is a charming combination of two original and recently ref...
Hotel / Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Sani Valley Lodge
Sani Valley Lodge is a unique blend of nature, activity and luxury accommodation (a mix between an upmarket Bed & Breakfast, Guest House and Hote...
Things to do in the area
Family Entertainment
Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Drakensberg accommodation is always special because it promises a place to stay in some of South Africa�s most spectacular countryside. The area ...
Birding
Birding up Sani Pass
This is an all day trip up the Sani Pass in a 4x4, looking for Drakensberg Rockjumper, Sentinel Rockthrush, Drakensberg Siskin, Bush Blackcap and...
Hiking Trails
Giant�s Cup Hiking Trail
This hike runs along the foothills of the gorgeous Drakensberg range of mountains, mainly through the Cobham and Garden Castle reserves. Views he...
Birding
Sani Pass Birding
Birding Tours up the Sani Pass or in the surrounding Forest Mist belt areas for specials such as Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskins, Cap...
Hiking Trails
Giants Cup Hiking Trails Sani Pass
If you're looking for a hiking trail that is a little steep in a few places, but generally easy enough for an average level of fitness, Giant's C...
4x4 Trails
Sani Pass 4x4 Trail
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is nothing short of spectacular, and is undoubtedly best enjoyed at a restful pace. The Sani Pass 4 x 4 Trail is a...
Hiking Trails
Giant's Castle Hikes
Giant's Castle refers both to the landmark rock massif in the central Drakensberg, where it rests in amongst the peaks of Champagne Castle and Ca...
Hiking Trails
Langalibalele Pass hike
Start: Giant's Castle campFinish: Giant's Castle campDuration: 6.5 km, roughly 5 hoursFitness: moderateOur tip: always remember seasonal clothing...
Walks & Hiking
Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Start: the SentinelFinish: Bushman's NekDuration: 200 km; anything from 12 to 15 days (average is 14)Fitness: above average fitness; it's tough, ...
Noteworthy attractions
Nature Reserves
Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
Lying virtually at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountain, the dam was the site of one of the most bloody battles to ensue during the Anglo-Bo...
National Parks
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandsto...
Mountain Reserves
Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
The Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, with its numerous free standing peaks and magnificent mountain scenery, is one of the most favoured parts of t...
Mountain Reserves
Cobham State Forest
Cobham is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Dominated by Hodgs...
Mountain Reserves
Garden Castle State Forest
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the Bushman's Nek Valley. The Garden Castle reserve i...
Mountain Reserves
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
Historic Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Drakensberg region of the Ukhahla...
Lakes / Dams
Himeville Nature Reserve
The Himeville Nature Reserve stretches along the eastern boundary of Himeville Village and was proclaimed to its present size of 104 ha in 1973. ...
Nature Reserves
Kamberg Nature Reserve
Kamberg Nature Reserve, one of the smallest of the KZN Wildlife resorts, lies in the foothills of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park - one of the ea...
Nature Reserves
Lotheni Nature Reserve
Noted for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp, Lotheni is situated in a remote section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Many delightful...
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