Sani Pass

Sani is the only road crossing of the Drakensberg escarpment in this region, and it earns its reputation in the last eight kilometres: a gravel track of tight switchbacks climbing about 1,300 metres to a summit at 2,876 metres, with drops on the outside and no barriers. Four-wheel drive is legally required above the South African border post, and the South African authorities turn back vehicles that do not qualify. The San and later peoples crossed the range here, a track for pack animals was built in 1922 and jeeps began running it from 1949; Lesotho has tarred its side, and the South African approach road has largely been tarred too, while the steep final section of the pass is still gravel. At the top the Sani Mountain Lodge markets itself as the highest pub in Africa, and the view back down the escarpment is the payoff. Snow closes the pass in winter, sometimes for days.

History

The San and later Bantu-speaking peoples used the route to cross the range. In 1922 the Basutoland government built a 2-metre track for pack animals to reach Mokhotlong, from 1949 David Alexander ran jeeps over it carrying supplies and people, tourists began driving it from 1956, and the road was improved again in 1958 (Wikipedia, Sani Pass).

What's there

• The switchback climb - about 1,300 metres of ascent in the final eight kilometres.
• The 2,876-metre summit - the Lesotho border post at the top of the escarpment.
• The highest pub - the lodge at the summit and its claim, which nobody disputes locally.
• The two surfaces - tar on the Lesotho side and most of the South African approach, gravel on the steep final section.

When to go

March to May and September to November. A full day. Snow closes it in winter.

Good to know

4x4 is mandatory and enforced at the border post - ordinary cars are turned back. Passports are needed for the Lesotho side, and the posts have limited hours. Weather changes fast at the top and snow closes the road. Guided day tours are the usual option for people without a suitable vehicle.

Nearby

Underberg and Himeville are below; Lesotho's highlands begin at the top.

Key facts