Sani Pass
The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from South Africa's Natal Drakensberg Park. The Sani Pass is the gateway to the "Roof of Africa" scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho.
           |
A
4X4 vehicle is necessary for this road especially if the weather is bad.
Never underestimate the changeability of the weather in Lesotho. A common
truth is that you can have four seasons in one day, so be prepared. Whatever
you do dont forget your passport.
The Sani Pass was originally developed as a bridal path in 1913. This steep zigzagging pass climbs the face of the Drakensberg escarpment to an altitude of 2874m. The first vehicle negotiated the path in 1948 when it was no more wide boulder littered donkey track. It is now used for the most part by 4x4 vehicles and has become a highlight for tourists visiting the Southern Drakensberg.
The
Sani Pass is the only access from KwaZulu Natal to the harsh environment
of the Lesotho Highlands, the domain of the endangered Bearded Vulture,
Basotho shepherds and their animals. The Route, boasts to be the highest
road in Africa
and third highest in the world and peaks at a heady height of 3200m above
sea level! Close to the Sani
Pass summit, within a couple of kilometres, is the highest peak in
Southern Africa, Thabane Ntlenyana, 3482m high.
Hiking at Sani Pass
- Sani Pass Hike 7 hours - Follow the road. Passports required
Sani Pass and Skiing
The paradox of Sani is that the good skiing is not in the pass; it's on top. In fact about 25 minute's drive from the the Lesotho border pass at Sani Top on the road to Mohotlong. The road drops down the flat plain after the escarpment and then winds up the base of Black Mountain in a wide bowl which hooks to the left at the top before turning right through a saddle to drop into a long valley which goes to God knows where. But who cares. 'Cos just along the section that hooks to the left before the saddle is where the best snowfield will be found.
It drops off straight from the road for up to a kilometer or more depending on your luck. And if you've had the foresight to pack some rope and a pulley you can rig up a working drag lift by using a vehicle to drive along the road and pull everyone up. The snow's usually been around for some time so it has frozen base and a hard top; not unlike corn snow on a groomed piste.
Accommodation near Sani Pass