 The Sani Pass is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in South Africa. It climbs up through the sheer cliffs of the Drakensberg escarpment in a series of tight zig-zag curves. The route was originally used by pack animals to bring goods up from South Africa to the colonial outpost of Mokhotlong in Eastern Lesotho and the surrounding villages. It was opened to vehicle traffic by the efforts of David Alexander and his company, Mokhotlong Mountain Transport in 1955. At that time, many of the corners required 3 or more attempts to get round. Today, the road has been improved, but is nevertheless very steep and very rough. In winter, it is occasionally blocked by a heavy snowfall, and ice can be a problem. The South African border post is at the bottom of the main climb, at around 1900m. This is an international border, so passports are required. The border is open from 8am to 4pm daily. The road climbs to the summit of the pass at 2874m. Here is the Basotho border post (visas not required for most nationalities) and the Basotho village of Sani Top. The views from the pass and its summit are quite spectacular, sights normally reserved only for those willing to put on a backpack and hike for a couple of days. From Sani Top, the road continues on across the Sani Flats, and ascends Kotisepola Pass at over 3250m before dropping down towards the town of Mokhotlong, where the tar road from the Free State side of Lesotho ends. A trip up the pass combines amazing scenic splendour with a fascinating glimpse of the unique mountain culture of the Basotho people.
The Sani Pass can be conquered in four ways:
+ In your own vehicle - a 4x4 vehicle is recommended
+ Park at the SA border post and walk up
+ On an organised tour with a tour operator
+ Go up with a quad bike on a tour with a guide
Take a look at a diagram of the pass! |