sani pass lesotho tour

Sani Pass Tours

The ultimate thrill | the greatest 4×4 adventures in south africa.

Experience one of the world’s most extreme mountain passes. Not for the faint-hearted; our guided 4×4 tours take you along the precariously spectacular , scenic and winding , bending turns of the Sani Pass. Travel through this World Heritage Site to an altitude of 2,876m above sea level to reach the Eastern Highlands of Lesotho via the Southern Drakensberg mountain range. Tick off your bucket list with a pitstop at the highest pub in Africa.

Traverse the Sani Pass on our guided 4×4 tour to a whopping 2,874 metres above sea level. Enjoy a stop in Lesotho at a local village or a visit to the Sani Top Church, followed by a relaxed lunch and drink at the Highest Pub in Africa.

We’ve crammed the best features and highlights of our popular Sani Pass and Mokhotlong tours into two days. Our cultural Overnight Specials and Saga of the Sani Pass & Mokhotlong Tour are perfect for a comprehensive tour with limited time.

Discover Sani Pass and Lesotho with an overland tour to suit your time and budget. With our comfortable Toyota Landcruisers providing excellent viewing opportunities, you can soak up the breathtaking landscape and wildlife.

Navigate to the top of Sani Pass in our comfortable 4×4 joining the Sani Pass Day Tour before relaxing and toasting the journey at the Highest Pub in Africa. Spend the night at the iconic Sani Mountain Lodge backpackers – enjoying Pony Trekking or hiking.

Experience it

• Sani Pass Private Day Tour
• Sani Pass Day Tour from Durban – Private
• Sani Pass Longer Private Day Tour
• One Night at the Highest Pub in Africa
• Sani Pass & Lesotho Stars
• Lesotho’s Mountain Lodges Private Tour
• Sani and Lesotho to ‘The Place of Smoke’
• Sani, Katse and the Crashing falls
• Lesotho’s Finest Tour
• Hiking: The Drakensberg Camino
• We’re Unique
• Indulge in the Finest Experience with Luxury Sani Pass Private Tours
• Seven days in the Kingdom in the Sky
• Why Ice Rats are grumpy.
• Amusing Insights into the Value of Vintage Grannies
• The Great Water Snake of Lesotho
• Cannibal Caves in Lesotho
• Hot Springs
• The Sani Pass Day Walker
• Were Dinosaurs skilled Ballerinas and Sensitive Lovers?
• The reign of Miss C.O. Rona V
• 2021 could be a Cracker!
• The sun will rise again and other Covid-19 lessons.
• Gate-crashers evade Correctional Services

Sani Pass & Lesotho Private Tours 

Exceptional value 5* private tours,  we also specialize in eswatini (swaziland) tours , we offer superb private tours.

Catering for singles, couples, or up to four people.

  In every case, you will be the only people in the vehicle as all tours are completely private

All our tours are available from Underberg, Durban or Pietermaritzburg.

Overnight tours are also available from Johannesburg.

Benefits of choosing a Private Tour

The quest for authenticity.

The majestic Sani Pass is completely natural. Basotho people still follow generations of customs, cultures and traditions .  Interact with daily lifestyles & intriguing beliefs to ensure a ‘very real’ experience.  See little known attractions on multi-day tours.

We give you space.

We give you your space.  No more than 2 passengers (or 4 if they are from the same family) are accommodated in a vehicle.  Your personal space is important to enjoy your tour. There is nothing better than being able to stretch out and enjoy the journey.

We price right the first time

Or private tours, including extra touches, unique itineraries, attention to detail and additional space are very affordable and exceptional value for money.  An amount per person is donated to the  communities as part of a sustainable tourism project.

Adventure in style

Contact us to get more information about our Lesotho and Eswatini (Swaziland) tours or stand-alone Eswatini tours

Some of our latest trip advisor reviews:.

Click on the icon below to see what our guests have to say:

Interesting Articles

Massive dinosaurs footprints found in lesotho., man proposes to girlfriend on lesotho mountain top., interesting things you didn’t know about lesotho.

Click  to read about the remarkable Drakensberg Camino hikes.  

• August 2023
• October 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021
• September 2020

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Full Day Sani Pass and Lesotho Tour

Brief tour description and information.

Sani Pass Tour (Departure 6am) Experience the enchanting Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, nestled atop the Southern Drakensberg Mountains. The adventure begins in Underberg, a village at the base of the Sani Pass, just a 2.5-hour drive from Durban. Join the Sani Pass Day Tour for a thrilling journey up this zigzagging mountain pass, starting at 1544 meters and ascending 1332 vertical meters to an elevation of 2876 meters. The pass features steep gravel slopes, with gradients as steep as 1:3, making it a challenging drive, especially in winter conditions.

The tour offers breathtaking viewpoints along the way, with stops at South African and Lesotho border control posts, so please ensure you have a valid passport with you for this adventure. At the summit, you can enjoy lunch (at your own cost) at the Highest Pub in Africa, the Sani Mountain Lodge. Afterward, visit a Basotho village or the Sani Top Church to engage with the local community and capture memories.

Throughout the tour, your experienced guide shares captivating stories about Lesotho and its resilient Basotho people. You’ll also learn about the Basotho Pony, a vital part of local life with a rich historical background. Traditional beer and homemade bread can add local flavour to your experience.

As the day winds down, you’ll descend the Sani Pass and return to Underberg, usually between 16:00 and 16:30. This adventure combines cultural exploration, natural wonders, and unforgettable memories in the heart of Lesotho.

Tour Gallery

All prices quoted are for a minimum group size of 10 people. 

For individual rates, please contact us.

Itinerary reference: AAT009801

Price: R3000 p/p

Rates include: English speaking tourist guide, transport in air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees, snacks, bottled water and hot beverage, Lesotho tourism levy

Rates exclude: Passport and visas, meals, any items of personal expense

Entry Requirements: Certain passports may require visas to enter Lesotho. To confirm your visa requirements, visit the Lesotho Embassy website at http://evisalesotho.com/visa-exemptions/ . Please note that if you join a tour and are denied entry into Lesotho due to the lack of a relevant visa, you will be required to wait at the South African Border Post until a transfer at your own cost becomes available, and no refund will apply.

Duration of Tour: 8 hours

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How to Conquer Sani Pass (+ The Best Sani Pass Tours)

If you’re travelling through Southern Africa and want an epic mountain drive, look no further than the Sani Pass connecting South Africa and Lesotho. Combining stunning mountain scenery and just the right amount of challenge, this thrilling scenic route is bound to get your heart pumping and your eyes popping. Not only that, you can reward yourself at the end with a drink at one of the highest pubs in Africa. 

The Sani Pass really is an amazing drive and better than we expected. It’s not just a way to get to Lesotho, it’s an attraction in itself. 

Interested in conquering the Sani Pass yourself, whether by driving or taking a Sani Pass tour? Read on for our complete guide to the Sani Pass featuring all the information you need to know including the best Sani Pass tours. 

Lesotho Travel Resources

• Getting there: search for flights to Lesotho
• Where to stay: search for hostels and hotels
• Rent a car: search for deals on car rentals
• Get around: hire a top-rated driver to get around Lesotho
• Travel insurance: get travel insurance for your trip
• Money: get a Wise travel card to save big-time
• Tours: check out the best Lesotho tours

Table of Contents

What is the Sani Pass?

The Sani Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass road located in the Drakensberg Mountains, connecting the countries of South Africa and Lesotho. 

The road is known for its challenging and steep terrain (think lots of big rocks and around 13 tight switchbacks!), making it one of the most iconic mountain passes in Southern Africa. 

The pass climbs over 1300m to level out at an elevation of about 2876m. At times, the gradient rises on a 1:3 ratio. If you’ve ever done any hiking, you’ll know how steep that is. 

Looking to explore more of Lesotho? Check out 15 Awesome Things to Do in Lesotho

Where is the Sani Pass

• Region: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 
• Starting Point: Himeville, South Africa (1544m)
• Ending Point: Mokhotlong, Lesotho (2876m)

The Sani Pass is located in the Drakensberg Mountains between South Africa and Lesotho. The pass connects the town of Himeville in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa with the town of Mokhotlong in Lesotho.

Getting to the Sani Pass

Since you’ll be approaching the Sani Pass from the South African side, you can get there from either Durban or Johannesburg. 

Getting to the Sani Pass from Durban

The drive from Durban to Himeville (the start of the Sani Pass) takes 3 to 4 hours. You can reach Himeville by taking the N3 towards Johannesburg to the R617 towards Underburg Howick.

Getting to the Sani Pass from Johannesburg

The drive from Johannesburg takes 7 to 8 hours. You can reach Himeville by taking the N3 towards Durban and then the R617 towards Underburg Howick.  

If you’re coming from Joburg, be sure to stop by Golden Gate National Park on the way. It’s so beautiful!

Read: 15 Awesome Things to Do in Johannesburg

Best Time to Drive the Sani Pass

If you’re driving the Sani Pass yourself, the best time to drive the Sani Pass is during the drier months, which typically occur in late autumn. Specifically, the months of March through early June are considered the most favourable for travelling the pass. During this period, you are more likely to encounter better road conditions, milder temperatures, and less precipitation.

Winter (May to August) can bring colder temperatures and occasional snowfall to the Sani Pass, making the road more challenging and potentially hazardous. It’s not recommended to attempt the pass during winter unless you have experience driving in snowy and icy conditions.

Related: How to Visit Maletsunyane Falls and Semonkong

Before planning your trip, be sure to check local weather conditions and road reports, as conditions can change, and the pass may be temporarily closed due to weather or maintenance. Additionally, keep in mind that the Sani Pass is a high-altitude route, so even in the warmer months, temperatures are cooler.

If you’re embarking on a Sani Pass tour, then this won’t apply as much, as your driver will be very experienced in all conditions! You’ll still want to pack a warm jacket though. 

What is the Sani Pass road like? 

The Sani Pass is a road like no other. We loved our Sani Pass adventure! 

As for conditions, the road is paved until the South Africa border control station and then paved again after the Lesotho border control. 

This leaves the section between the border posts: a dirt road ranging from rough to very rough – but that’s where all the fun is! On this section, there is a series of hairpin turns and parts of the road can be washed out and rocky at times. As the road climbs over 1300m, there is also no shortage of steep sections, especially on the last few turns . 

As you would expect, the road is extremely scenic. The journey starts by going through the stunning Giant’s Castle area of the Drakensberg and continues up the sweeping escarpment. There are multiple spots to stop and take in the view (and a few photos too) along the way. 

How to Visit the Sani Pass 

There are two main ways for travellers to reach the Sani Pass: self-drive and guided tours. 

Driving the Sani Pass

For (semi) experienced 4×4 drivers (and above) with access to a reliable vehicle, this is the best option. 

Self-driving the Sani Pass allows you the freedom and space to head up there on your own schedule and to travel on your own terms. 

We self-drove the Sani Pass after we bought our car in South Africa and we really loved it!  

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, you can rent a car easily in South Africa for the journey – trust us, Lesotho is best done by road trip . 

Pro tip: use Discover Cars to find the best deals on rentals for your Sani Pass adventure. It’s what we personally use and recommend.

How Difficult Is Driving the Sani Pass? 

How difficult you find the Sani Pass will vary depending on your 4×4 driving experience, what kind of vehicle you’re driving, and the current weather and road conditions. 

That said, while it’s steep and twisty, it’s not particularly technical. So long as you take your time, you’ll be fine. (Of course, this depends on the season). 

We drove the Sani Pass at the start of April in our Toyota Prado with standard clearance and we found the drive very manageable. There are a couple of more challenging sections towards the end where the road gets steeper and the turns become narrower, but overall, it was a really fun and enjoyable drive. It was the first (of many) adventurous roads we took our car on and we’d do it again in a heartbeat!

While I do have a fair bit of 4×4 experience, I hadn’t driven many other mountain passes before this. 

Take home point: if this is your first time tackling a 4×4 road, you will find it challenging, but doable. If you’ve done some 4×4 driving before, you’ll have a lot of fun. 

How long does it take to drive the Sani Pass? 

It can take anywhere from 1 – 2 hours to drive the 9 km road up the Sani Pass. This will vary slightly depending our your driving experience, road conditions and the amount of stops you decide to take. 

What kind of vehicle do I need to drive the Sani Pass? 

The best vehicle for driving the Sani Pass is a high-clearance 4×4. When we say high clearance 4×4, we mean a proper 4×4 such as a Toyota Prado, Nissan Patrol or Land Rover Discovery and NOT an all-wheel drive such as a Toyota Rav-4 or a Nissan X-Trail. 

While it is possible to drive the Sani Pass using an all-wheel drive vehicle, we would only recommend this option for experienced 4×4 drivers. This is because an all-wheel drive vehicle is considerably less powerful than a genuine 4×4 and has less clearance, meaning a greater chance of running into issues and extra skill required.  

However, it’s not necessary to have an additional lift on your 4×4 (extra clearance) beyond the standard clearance. We drove in our Toyota Prado with standard clearance and didn’t experience any scraping. 

Read next: The Essential Guide to Ts’ehlanyane National Park

Tips for Driving the Sani Pass

Drive slowly . The road is steep and winding, with many, many hairpin turns, so drive carefully.

Check the weather . Lesotho is a high-altitude mountain environment, so the weather can get crazy. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and check road conditions before starting the ascent.

Check your car. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the challenging journey with a good spare tire (and the ability to change a tire!)

Don’t drive in the late afternoon . The sun will be in your eyes as you ascend the Sani Pass, adding an extra unneeded challenge to the drive. 

Stock up on supplies in Underberg. There are no fuel stations or shops at Sani Pass, so get what you need in South Africa before you head out (although fuel is slightly cheaper in Lesotho than in South Africa). 

Travel insurance, as always, is essential. If something goes wrong, you want to be covered. We use and recommend SafetyWing . Trust us, we’ve used a lot of travel insurance and they really are the best.

Take your time and enjoy the ride!

Sani Pass Tours

If you lack the confidence or car to drive the Sani Pass yourself or if you’d simply prefer to have an expert’s touch, there are a ton of excellent Sani Pass tour companies that will take you up there. Taking a Sani Pass tour is a very popular way to explore the epic pass. 

When it comes to Sani Pass tours, there are 3 main options:

• Sani Pass day tours departing from the Drakensberg region of SA;
• Longer Sani Pass day tours departing from Durban, and 
• Multi-day Sani Pass tours departing from Durban or the Drakensberg region. 

All of these options include a 4×4 journey up and back down the Sani Pass and include stops at the Sani Mountain Lodge to visit the highest pub in Africa. Some Sani Pass tours also include a visit to a cultural village, meals and drinks.  

Sani Pass Day Tours Departing from the Drakensberg Region of South Africa

These are generally the most popular Sani Pass tours as they provide an economical and timely way to experience the journey. 

Our top picks include: 

Private Sani Pass Classic Tour

Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg

Longer Sani Pass Day Tours Departing from Durban

These are popular Sani Pass tour options for those who are based out of Durban and are looking for the easiest way to visit the Sani Pass. 

Sani Pass & Lesotho 4×4 Experience Day Tour from Durban

From Durban: Sani Pass and Lesotho by 4WD Vehicle

Multi-Day Tours Departing from Durban or the Drakensberg Region

Want to really get out there and explore more of Lesotho? As you should, because there are so many amazing things to do in Lesotho !

These multi-day Sani Pass tours often offer flexible pick-up points and are a great option for those who are looking for more than just a visit to the Sani Pass, as they include additional activities such as hiking, pony trekking, visits to cultural villages and beyond.

From Durban: 2-Day Lesotho Guided Trip with Lodging & Meals

3 days Lesotho Private Tour, Sani Pass and Maletsunyane Falls

Sani Pass Red Tape

The Sani Pass crosses from South Africa to Lesotho, therefore, there’s a bit of red tape involved, mainly passing immigration and paying a road tax.  

Lesotho Immigration

Visitors from most countries do not require a visa to visit Lesotho. Just present your passport to immigration for your stamp, and you’re in!

Note that both the Lesotho and South African border posts are open from 6am to 6pm. You must clear both border posts by 6pm, so be sure to cross the South African border on the way up by no later than 4pm!

Lesotho Vehicle Road Tax

Self-driving visitors must pay a road tax for their vehicle, which is required to enter Lesotho. 

The Lesotho road tax is 75 ZAR/LTL for a foreign-registered car (including SA-registered). The payment is made at the immigration post at the top of the pass. You can’t miss this as the road passes through the post and there is a boom gate blocking the way. 

Sani Pass Accommodation

If you want to spend a night at the top of Sani Pass, there are a couple of options. 

Masoba Soba

This is our preferred choice. Located just a few hundred metres past the Sani Mountain Lodge, Masoba Soba has super cute rondavels and the ladies who run it are super lovely (as evidenced by the photo above!). 

If you’re overlanding and want to camp, they’ll let you camp on the grass for 100 LTL pp (what we did). 

Sani Mountain Lodge

This is the longstanding option at Sani Pass. Expect basic rooms, but pretty high prices. The camping area is not great.

Where to Stay Near Sani Pass

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the Sani Pass, Underberg in South Africa has some great options.

J&B Lodge

Cedar Garden

Malachite Manor

What To Do Near Sani Pass

Have a drink at the sani mountain lodge pub.

After your drive up the Sani Pass, we definitely recommend stopping for a drink at the Sani Mountain Lodge pub! It’s very cute and cozy. 

While it claims to be the highest pub in Africa, that title actually belongs to the Simien Mountain Lodge in Ethiopia. But hey, does it really matter? The stunning panoramic views are awesome! 

If you’re chilly up there and don’t want a cold beverage, fear not: they have hot chocolate!

Explore the Giant’s Cup Wilderness Reserve

En route to the Sani Pass is the Giant’s Cup Wilderness Reserve, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the Drakensberg Mountains. 

In the reserve you can fish, camp, hike or simply just take in the views. If you can swing the time, we highly recommend spending a day or two in the Giant’s Cup area to experience this beautiful part of South Africa. 

Day Hiking at Sani Pass

If you want to stretch your legs, there are also two excellent day hiking options starting near Sani Pass. 

Hodgkin’s Peak

This 8.7-km circular trail departs near the border post and takes in some excellent mountain scenery. The moderately challenging route takes around 3 hours to complete.

The trail is well marked and it’s possible to complete without a guide. You can find a digital map here .

Thabana-Ntlenyana

At 3428m, Thabana-Ntlenyana is the highest Peak in Southern Africa. The 13km return trek departs from Sani Mountain Lodge and takes around 8- 9 hours to complete. 

There’s a clear trail and you don’t need a guide but if you prefer, guides can be arranged from the Sani Mountain Lodge.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book anything through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us run this website and create comprehensive guides to help you get off the beaten track. We only recommend products and/or services that we use ourselves and trust. 

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HOW TO BOOK A TOUR

You are also welcome to email us directly on [email protected]. Reach us anytime on our MOBILE +27 8277 6677 1.

USHAKA TOUR OFFICE HOURS

ZULU SAFARIS is a Durban-based tour company specializing in DAY & OVERNIGHT Safari tours from DURBAN.

M +27 72 776 6771 Email:  [email protected]

ZULU SAFARIS Ushaka Marine World, Point, Durban, 4001

• HOW TO BOOK
• 1 Safari & PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour
• 1A PheZulu Cultural Village & Reptile Park
• 1B Half Day Safari From Durban
• 2 Durban City Tour (Half Day)
• 2A Durban City Tour & PheZulu Cultural Village
• 2B Top 10 Durban City Tour (Full day)
• 3 Shakaland Zulu Village & Dlinza Forrest
• 4 Sani Pass Lesotho 4×4
• 5 Drakensberg Giant’s Castle Cave Art & Nelson Mandela Capture Site
• 5A Drakensberg Kamberg Cave Art & Nelson Mandela Capture Site
• 6 Isandlwana & Rorkes Drift Battlefields Day Tour
• 7 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari Day Tour
• Royal Reed Dance Tour (1 Day)
• Half Day Safari From Durban including Game Drive
• 7D Hluhluwe Imfolozi Open Vehicle Game Drive Day Tour
• 7A Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & iSimangaliso St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour
• 7B Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour
• 7C Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & DumaZulu Cultural Village Day Tour
• 8 Isimangaliso St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour
• 8A St Lucia iSimangaliso Boat Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Day Tour
• 8B iSimangaliso St Lucia Boat Safari& Bayete Elephant Interaction
• 8C iSimangaliso St Lucia Boat Safari & DumaZulu Cultural Village
• 17 Oribi Gorge & Lake Eland Reserve Day Tour
• 19 Nelson Mandela Capture Site & PheZulu Cultural Village
• 20 Zulu Oracle & Herbalist Experience
• 21 PheZulu Cultural Village & Zulu Oracle Herbalist
• 22 Sardine Run & South Coast Aerial Tour
• 12Days 11Nights Johannesburg-Pretoria-Panorama Route-Kruger National Park-Mozambique-Swaziland-St Lucia-Durban-Sani Pass
• Durban Healhcare Safari
• 2 Days Hluhluwe Imfolozi Budget
• 6 Days, 5 Nights Durban-Swaziland-Kruger National Park-Panorama Route-Pilgrims Rest-Johannesburg
• 9 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari 2 Days
• 10 Drakensberg Tour 2 Days
• 11 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari 3 Days
• 12 Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift 2 Day Battlefields Tour
• Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari Day Tour From Richards Bay including Open Vehicle Game Drive
• DumaZulu Cultural Village Day Tour From Richards Bay
• Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour From Richards Bay
• Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari Day Tour From Richards Bay
• Isimangaliso St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour From Richards Bay
• Half Day Safari From Pietermaritzburg
• PheZulu Cultural Village & Reptile Park From Pietermaritzburg
• Safari & PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour From Pietermaritzburg
• Battlefield Day Tour From Pietermaritzburg
• Drakensberg Giant’s Castle Cave Art & Nelson Mandela Capture Site From Pietermaritzburg
• Drakensberg Kamberg Cave Art & Nelson Mandela Capture Site From Pietermaritzburg
• Sani Pass Lesotho 4×4 Tour From Pietermaritzburg
• Cape Point & Peninsula Private Day Tour
• Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Cape Town
• Safari Day Tour from Cape Town (Private)
• Safari & Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Cape Town
• Tugela Falls Sentinel Peak 2Days 1Night Overnight Tour
• Tugela Falls Gorge 2Days 1Night Overnight Tour
• Tugela Falls Chain Ladder 3Days 2Nights Overnight Tour
• Private Deep Sea Fishing Durban
• Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour
• Scuba Diving Tour
• Shark Cage Diving Tour
• Oribi Gorge & Eland Reserve Day Tour
• 1A Durban City Tour & PheZulu Cultural Village

Sani Pass Lesotho 4x4 Tour

At the top of sani pass, at a height of 3240 metres / 9900 feet is the “highest pub in africa” where you will be given time to enjoy a warm pub meal., ready to book, tour name & number, tour duration, from r3500 per person sharing, price varies by group size, *private tour price negotiable*, *contact us for our daily specials*.

MINIMUM - 1 Person

Minimum - 2 persons, 3-4 persons, 5-6 persons, 7-8 persons, 9-10 persons, tour description, one of our most popular tours the sani pass lesotho 4x4 tour leaves from durban and stops at the capital of kwazulu-natal, pietermaritzburg. your guide will give you a short tour of the city and visit mahatma gandhi’s statue by pietermaritzburg city hall. afterwards the tour moves towards the drakensberg mountains and up to the sani pass in lesotho. passport required..

The Sani Pass is a 33km gravel road that straddles the sheer cliffs of the Drakensberg escarpment in a series of tight Zig Zag curves. The route begins at the Sani Pass Hotel which is 1566m above sea level. You will be travelling in a Land Rover 4×4 upwards along the narrow road crossing the South African / Lesotho border post which is 1968m above sea level. On route the landscape of KwaZulu-Natal opens-up displaying spectacular views of rolling hills and vast skies.

At the top of Sani Pass, at a height of 3240 metres / 9900 feet is the “Highest Pub in Africa” where you will be given time to enjoy a warm pub meal. You tour guide will take you to a local’s home near the pub to introduce you to a Basotho people in a local village . There you will see how the Basotho people of Lesotho live. Thereafter you will make your way down Sani’s Pass and cross the boarder back into South Africa and head back to Durban.

TOUR INFORMATION

What you need to know.

Passport Required to cross RSA and Lesotho boarders. Please confirm here if you need a visa to enter Lesotho.                                                                                                                            http://evisalesotho.com/visa-exemptions/                                                                                                                         Please contact us if your country is not listed for more information.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Pickup & drop off service with in a 5km radius of 1st Zulu Safaris office at Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, 85 OR Tambo Parade, Durban. If you are out of our pickup radius, special arrangements can be made to pick you up at your location of choice DEPARTURE TIME: 06:00 RETURN TIME:  19:30 WEAR: Comfortable clothing, Hat, Sunscreen, Jacket. (Can get very cold there) LOCATION:  South Africa, Sani Pass, Lesotho AGE: All ages welcome DATES: All year round TRAVELER TYPE:  Single or Per Person Sharing

TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH ZULU SAFARIS

Be sure to take a look at the zulu safaris fleet here, everything you need to know about this tour, need to know what is included or exclude do you want to know the itinerary for this zulu safaris tour and why you might want to take this tour you will find all this and more right here, tour itinerary.

• WHAT IS INCLUDED?
• WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
• REASONS TO TAKE THIS TOUR

Places you will visit on your tour with ZULU SAFARIS South Africa

• Pietermaritzburg
• Mahatma Gandhi Statue, City Hall.
• Sani Pass in our 4x4
• Visit local Bosotho village / homestead in Lesotho
• Highest Pub in Africa.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?

What you can expect to be included in your tour.

• Collection and drop off from Durban in an air-conditioned vehicle
• All entrance fees to all attractions.
• Qualified Tour Guide

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS TOUR?

The items below are not included in your tour price with us.

REASONS YOU MIGHT GO ON THIS TOUR

Not sure if this is the tour for you we are sure the reasons below will help you decide.

• You are looking to visit Lesotho.
• You enjoy scenic long travel time in the vehicle.
• You want to experience the challenge of travelling up Sani Pass in a 4X4.
• You want to experience the scenic landscape that unfolds as you climb the Sani Pass.
• You want to meet some local Basotho people.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR GALLERY FROM THIS TOUR

Just some of the exciting things you may see whilst on this tour with us.

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Sani Pass Tour

Day 1: Lunch, Breakfast, and Dinner

Departure at 09h00 from, Underberg via the Sani Pass. Stop at the Good Hope Trading Store, originated in 1917 by John White-Smith. Ascending the legendary Sani Pass with its hairpin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the Sani Valley and Drakensberg Escarpment situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of our world's Heritage Sites.

Proteas along the road, proceed to view of 12 Apostles. These geological structures are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our Guide is taking care of the border formalities. At the summit at 2.874 m, short stop at Sani Top Chalet, the Highest Pub in Africa. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained, guests can taste traditional beer and homemade bread.

Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3.280 m, following the Senqu River. Nearby the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana with 3.482 m, meaning “the little mountain which is a little nice”. Picnic lunch on route. Visit one of the primary schools along the route. Town Tour of Mokhotlong.

Overnight: Mokhotlong Hotel

Day 2: Breakfast

After a good breakfast, depart Mokhotlong via St. James Mission, brief description about St. James Mission, then depart double backing the route from Day 1. Refreshment stop and lunch at Sani Stone Lodge(the New ! Highest Pub in Africa). Descend the majestic Sani Pass Back to Underberg.

Transport in 4x4 vehicles Driver/Guide Fees Accommodation and meals as indicated Entry Fees Mineral Water

Personal expenses Personal insurances Beverages & Alcohol Transfer from Durban to Underberg-Durban

Explore More About Sani Pass:

Sani Pass is a mountain pass located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on the road between Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mokhotlong, Lesotho.

The route up Sani Pass starts at 1,544 meters (5,066 ft) and climbs 1,332 m (4,370 ft) to an altitude of 2,876 m (9,436 ft). The steep gravel road has gradients up to 1:3, which can be difficult to drive in bad weather and may be covered with snow and ice in winter. By South African law, only 4x4 vehicles are allowed on the road.

Several tour operators run guided tours up and down the pass. The pass lies between the border controls of both countries and is approximately 9 km in length. Caution must be exercised and motorists must be alert while navigating the pass as it has claimed many lives.

Occasionally the remains of vehicles that did not succeed in navigating the pass's steep gradients and poor traction surfaces can be seen.

• 6 Nights 7 Days - Cultural / Botanical Tour
• Lesotho Overland Excursion Tour
• 4x4 Adventure - Lesotho Tour
• Semonkong/ Mohale Tour

• 7 Special Services
• 2 Sightseeing
• 3 Activities
• 8 Places to Visit
• 5 Transportation

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