Sani Pass- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Natural Scenery
Lesotho
8 Reviews
+3 Photos
Suggested Duration: 8 hours
Sani Pass, a dramatic mountain pass in the west of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, represents a thrilling adventure that connects Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal with Mokhotlong, Lesotho. This remarkable route, carving through the highest reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains, elevates travelers from 1,544 meters to 2,876 meters above sea level over a precarious 9 km stretch. The pass, steeped in history from its early usage by the San people to its transformation into a transport and tourism route in the 20th century, features gradients as steep as 1:3. This challenging drive, navigable only by 4x4 vehicles due to its rugged gravel road often slick with snow or ice in winter, skirts the edge of danger with its breathtaking climbs and formidable weather conditions. The pass's rich legacy includes its development into a vital link and an adventurous route for tourists, underscored by its role in the iconic Roof of Africa Rally.

Reviews of Sani Pass

  • reviews-avatar Striney Pillay
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-08-06

    A once in a lifetime experience. I've been up 3 times. Once in a Nissan Xtrail 2.0dci 4x4 and twice with my Landrover Freelander 2 SD 4. Beautiful scenery

  • reviews-avatar Striney Pillay
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-08-06

    A once in a lifetime experience. I've been up 3 times. Once in a Nissan Xtrail 2.0dci 4x4 and twice with my Landrover Freelander 2 SD 4. Beautiful scenery

  • reviews-avatar M K
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-07-29

    Not much left to be said that hasnt already, it's stunning in every way! Some things to consider : -A 4x2 or AWD vehicle will make it up on a clear day, be careful when coming down as you will be relying heavily on brakes. A 4x4 with low range will make easy work of this pass up and down. - a 4x2 vehicle with low profile tires and low ground clearance will suffer. There are scape marks on certain rocks from low ground clearance vehicles. You have to be extra careful picking a line. It is possible, but very uncomfortable and slow, you may damage the undercarriage of the vehicle or suspension components. - Vehicles going up have right of way - The Lesotho taxis speed up and down the pass. - in a 4x4 Vehicle, it will take approximately 1.5hrs to summit the pass, and 1 hour back down. - air down your tires for more comfort and traction.

  • reviews-avatar M K
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-07-29

    Not much left to be said that hasnt already, it's stunning in every way! Some things to consider : -A 4x2 or AWD vehicle will make it up on a clear day, be careful when coming down as you will be relying heavily on brakes. A 4x4 with low range will make easy work of this pass up and down. - a 4x2 vehicle with low profile tires and low ground clearance will suffer. There are scape marks on certain rocks from low ground clearance vehicles. You have to be extra careful picking a line. It is possible, but very uncomfortable and slow, you may damage the undercarriage of the vehicle or suspension components. - Vehicles going up have right of way - The Lesotho taxis speed up and down the pass. - in a 4x4 Vehicle, it will take approximately 1.5hrs to summit the pass, and 1 hour back down. - air down your tires for more comfort and traction.

  • reviews-avatar jeremy kalous
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-02-26

    Yer. I give it 5 stars because we survived. Hell of a 7 kilometres up … we did it on two Big Boy Chinese motorcycles. My friend had a trail but mine was a Mustang road bike. I dropped it twice but made it up. The bike was amazing to do it. Do not underestimate the difficulty. It’s a tough road

  • reviews-avatar jeremy kalous
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-02-26

    Yer. I give it 5 stars because we survived. Hell of a 7 kilometres up … we did it on two Big Boy Chinese motorcycles. My friend had a trail but mine was a Mustang road bike. I dropped it twice but made it up. The bike was amazing to do it. Do not underestimate the difficulty. It’s a tough road

  • reviews-avatar Asheed Abark
    5
    Reviewed: 2023-12-16

    The ride from Durban was awesome. The guide was very friendly and organized. His knowledge base was exceptional, as was his driving skills .The tour was very private for 3 of us, but we were treated as if we were a large group. The scenery was beautiful and perfect by nature standards. From the lowest valley to the highest peak, just pure beauty. The village was awesome, and the history lesson was excellent . It's a must to do if you want it 1 day tour to Lesotho.

  • reviews-avatar Asheed Abark
    5
    Reviewed: 2023-12-16

    The ride from Durban was awesome. The guide was very friendly and organized. His knowledge base was exceptional, as was his driving skills .The tour was very private for 3 of us, but we were treated as if we were a large group. The scenery was beautiful and perfect by nature standards. From the lowest valley to the highest peak, just pure beauty. The village was awesome, and the history lesson was excellent . It's a must to do if you want it 1 day tour to Lesotho.

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