Sani Pass, Drakensberg

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Sani Pass, Drakensberg

Sani Pass
Sani Pass, Drakensberg

Once you've booked your Sani Pass accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Sani Pass.

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.

Sani Pass Region, Drakensberg
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.

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Sani Pass Reviews

average visitor rating: 4/5"It was a real adventure to do the Sani Pass. Fortunately, we hired a 4 x 4 so there was no limit to where we could go and what we could do. The views along the ..." - Tony and Linda, Windhoek, Namibia

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Sani Pass

Bushman's Nek

Bushmans Nek can be found in the southern region of Kwazulu Natal's Drakensberg. Reedbuk, Eland, Klipspringer, Grey Rhebok and Oribi are often spotted here as are Dassie, Porcupines and Rock Hyrax. The birdlife is also abundant and if you are lucky may cast your eyes upon the Black ... more information

Central Drakensberg

The beautiful Drakensberg range or Dragon Mountains, also known in Zulu as uKhahlamba or barrier of spears, is a voluminous stretch of mountains that covers over 1 000 kilometres from south-west to north-east, lying mostly in KwaZulu-Natal. Collectively this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site... more information

Cobham State Forest

Cobham is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Dominated by Hodgson's Peaks which enclose the Giants Cup, Cobham is a 52,000 ha section of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the southern 'berg adjacent to Himeville ... more information

Coleford Nature Reserve

You will find Coleford Nature Reserve near to the town of Underberg, south east of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Through its southern section flows the Ngwagwane River, one of its major features. But it also protects Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland ... more information

Drakensberg Gardens

In the southern foothills of the Drakensberg the Gardens Area might be, but the views from here of the towering peaks of the Dragon Mountains is pretty spectacular. This is the part of the Drakensberg that benefits from all the flowing rivers that gush down the sides of the mountains, making the valleys rich with rivers... more information

Mkhomazi Wilderness Area

Mkhomazi Wilderness refers to a large section of the southern central parts of uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre) that is regarded as one of the few spaces in the country where you can hike for days without coming across another living ... more information

Northern Drakensberg

People are divided when it comes to delineating the Northern Drakensberg. There are those who speak of its borders as the Natal Drakensberg National Park in the north, down to Cathedral Peak in the south, whilst others extend its upper western reaches to include the Golden Gate... more information

Ntsikeni Nature Reserve

Ntsikeni Nature Reserve consists of a rather inaccessible vlei lying high on a plateau between Franklin and Creighton, in a section of East Griqualand, in the southern reaches of KwaZulu-Natal. This largely unknown and not often visited reserve lies about an hour's drive south of Himeville ... more information

Oliviershoek Pass Area

The Oliviershoek Pass, on the R74 from Bergville, is often used as an alternative route to Van Reenen’s Pass. This happens when Van Reenan's Pass is closed off to motorists during bad weather, but you can also use it as a scenic alternative that might appear on the face it as a ... more information

Southern Drakensberg

Broadly speaking, the southern parts of the Drakensberg lie between Bushman's Nek to the south-east and Kamberg to the north-west, including the Bulwer Mountain and what are often described as the 'country' towns of Underberg and Himeville. This part of the world is described as ... more information

Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts. Rolling high altitude grasslands, the pristine steep sided river valleys and rocky gorges also contribute to the beauty of this world heritage site ... more information

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Things To Do in Sani Pass

Giants Cup Hiking Trails

Where: Sani Pass
How much (per person): On Request

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, Gian ... more information

Sani Pass Birding

Where: Sani Pass
How much (per person): On Request

Birding Tours up the Sani Pass or in the surrounding Forest Mist belt areas for specials such as Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskins ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Sani Pass

event starts: 23 November 2013
November

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South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. Enjoy your stay in Sani Pass!
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