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Sani PassNature & adventure

Our most recommended Sani Pass Nature & adventure

From Underberg: 4x4 Sani Pass Day Trip

1. From Underberg: 4x4 Sani Pass Day Trip

Depart Underberg in the morning and take in stunning views of the KwaZulu-Natal landscape as you make your way along the Sani Pass mountain road that connects to Mokhotlong in Lesotho. Stop to get breathtaking views from different locations, and at the South African Border Control and Lesotho Border Control posts. Climb to an altitude of 2,874 meters above sea level to enjoy lunch at the Sani Mountain Lodge – the highest pub in Africa. Continue to a village of the ethnic Basotho people and learn about Lesotho and its people from your experienced mountain guide. Try some traditional beer and homemade bread before you brave the drive back down the Sani Pass. Look for wildlife along the road before you arrive back in Underberg in the afternoon.

From Underberg: 4x4 Sani Pass Tour and Basotho Village Visit

2. From Underberg: 4x4 Sani Pass Tour and Basotho Village Visit

With eager anticipation the tour group departs from the starting point and heads up to the highest pass in South Africa, Sani Pass. Travel through Himeville to the World Heritage Site of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, following the Mkomazana River up the scenic Sani Valley to the South African Border Post (border formalities) and the Lesotho Border. After the Lesotho border formalities at the top of Sani Pass, the group makes its way to a fully functional Basotho village to learn more about these humble people. You even get to taste their home-made bread and the local beer. To reflect on this incredible expedition, the tour then moves to the Highest Pub in Africa to enjoy a hearty lunch and cold beer. After lunch the tours makes its way back down Sani Pass, arriving in Underberg at approximately 4:00pm. make our back down the Sani Pass.

From Underberg: Lesotho Day Trip with Picnic Lunch

3. From Underberg: Lesotho Day Trip with Picnic Lunch

Immerse yourself in Lesotho's culture and nature on a 4WD trip from Underberg. Explore the Sani Pass and enter the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, experiencing real Basotho life. Enjoy a picnic lunch in nature and choose between a pony trek in the foothills of the mountains or a cultural experience with a homestead visit. Head out of Underberg in your 4WD, travelling beyond the Sani Pass and heading into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, called Makhotlong. Here, experience real Basotho life as you pass by populated villages. Summit some of the highest peaks south of Kilimanjaro in the comfort of your car. Drive through Black Mountain pass – an incredible sight sitting at 3,240 meters above sea level – it often sees snow in winter and sometimes even in summer. As you descend into the valleys below, start to see the remote villages around Mokhotlong. Stop for a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit, cocktail snacks, and warm drinks, including tea and coffee as you take in the surrounding mountain views. Then, choose between a pony trek in the foothills near Mokhotlong with your local guide who knows all about rural life in these mountains or an immersive culture experience, including a short hike into the heart of a local homestead to meet locals and see how they live. Finally, head back to Underberg in your 4WD.

From Durban: Sani Pass and Lesotho by 4WD Vehicle

4. From Durban: Sani Pass and Lesotho by 4WD Vehicle

Benefit from pickup at a location of your choice in Durban, and then make your way to the historic city of Pietermaritzburg, capital of KwaZulu Natal. Take a short sightseeing tour to see the statue of Mahatma Gandhi by City Hall. Then, venture into the Drakensberg Mountains on the amazing Sani Pass into Lesotho. Travel along the 33-kilometer gravel road that straddles the sheer cliffs in a series of tight zig-zag curves. Marvel at the dramatic landscape as you head from the Sani Pass Hotel, 1,566 meters above sea level. Be amazed as your 4WD Land Rover navigates the narrow road across the border post with Lesotho. Get spectacular views of the rolling hills and endless sky. Reach the top of the Sani Pass, 3,240 meters above sea level. Enjoy a hot lunch at the highest pub in Africa, and then meet the native Basotho people in a local village to learn about their everyday lives. Make your way back down the mountain to cross the boarder back into South Africa.

Sani Pass Private Tour

5. Sani Pass Private Tour

The day begins with an early morning collection in a 4×4 vehicle and travels towards the Sani Pass. Enjoy the luxury of having your own private vehicle, which allows for more space and comfort as you travel along the bumpy roads, and the freedom to decide where you’d like to go. As the altitude increases, the road becomes narrower and more treacherous, and all signs of human habitation disappear, leaving you alone in the glory of the majestic mountains. Stop and take photos at your leisure, and enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages and freshly baked snacks as you absorb the breathtaking views. Nearing the top of the pass at 2876 m, head through border control and towards the desolate Lesotho Highlands. Visit a private homestead and immerse yourself in the local community. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of this small family. Then take a walk to learn the stories of the shepherds within their own stone dwellings. Finally, enjoy a refreshing beer at the highest pub in Southern Africa on the return journey before relaxing in the 4×4 as you marvel at more stunning scenic views.

From Underberg: Sani Pass Day Tour

6. From Underberg: Sani Pass Day Tour

The Sani Pass is regarded by some as having the most spectacular views in South Africa. Originally a bridle path, it has become a ‘bucket list’ experience that is not to be missed. Walls of sandstone, cascading rivers, and hair-raising bends are just some of the highlights as your 4x4 vehicle takes you through the Barrier of Spears and into the Kingdom of Lesotho.  Visit a living Basotho village and meet its people for a true cultural experience. The highest pub in Africa welcomes you with a hearty lunch and refreshments before your journey back down the pass to Underberg. 

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

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

It’s the perfect mix of nature, culture and history; enjoy Lesotho’s natural flora and fauna, driving past Lesotho’s highest peak, dive into the culture of the Basotho people in this historical trading post and take a peek into history by getting to see the beautiful old buildings that pack lots of history into this small village. Lesotho is the only country in the world that is in its entirety above 1000m in elevation, making this an experience that you cannot enjoy anywhere else in the world! This tour ticks all these boxes – nature, culture and history – all in Lesotho, all in one day. 6.30 AM We pick you up from your accommodation in Durban. 2 9.00 AM We arrive in Undeberg, grab a coffee and head up into Lesotho for the day. 3 9.00 AM We head up to the highest pass in South Africa, Sani Pass. We travel through Himeville to the World Heritage Site of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, following the Mkomazana River up the scenic Sani Valley to the South African Border Post (border formalities) and the Lesotho Border. 4 10.30 AM After the Lesotho border formalities at the top of Sani Pass, we climb even further into the Lesotho highlands, all the way to the top of the Black Mountain pass. 5 11.00 PM At the top of Black Mountain Pass we get a chance to leave our vehicle, climb a short distance to a beautiful viewpoint of Thabana Ntlenyana. 6 12.30 PM We arrive in the town of Mokhotlong and enjoy lunch together 7 1.00 PM We visit a cultural Basotho village OR go horse-rinding into the Lesotho Highlands 8 2.00 PM We make our back to Sani Pass. 9 5 PM We watch the sun go down on the top of Black Mountain Pass before making our way to overnight accommodation DAY 2 1 8.00 AM After a hearty breakfast, we join up with you again for day two’s activities. 2 8.30 AM Choose between a visit to a cultural village, a hike at the top of Sani Pass or Come back down the pass to explore the villages of Underberg and Himeville and its museum. 3 12:15 PM We arrive back in Underberg, in time for lunch, if you aren’t in a hurry we’ll choose the best spot in Underberg to have lunch together. 4 13:15 PM Head back to Durban.

From Underberg: Overnight Lesotho Trip with Meals & Lodging

8. From Underberg: Overnight Lesotho Trip with Meals & Lodging

This tour departs from Underberg / Himeville, from where we take you up Sani Pass and further on into a village in the Mountain Kingdom, called Mokhotlong, allowing you to explore more of Lesotho’s Highlands! After lunch you get to choose between a tour of a cultural village or explore the rugged terrain the best way possible – on horseback! In the late afternoon we make our back towards Sani Top, where we spend the night atop the Roof of Africa. The next morning you will meet your guide after a hearty breakfast to choose your activity for the morning – hiking, horse riding or immerse yourself in more of the areas culture and history and your personal guide shows you around. Enjoy a hearty lunch at the top in the Highest Pub in Africa before heading back down the pass. This 2 day and 1 night tour of Lesotho from Underberg is great value for money as it includes all tours and activities as well accommodation and meals. The only thing you have to pay for is your drinks. Its not just a Sani Pass tour, rather an immersive full day trip into the heart of Lesotho and then back to best accommodation available on Sani Top, Lesotho. Day 1 8.00 AM We meet in Underberg 3 9.00 AM We head up to the highest pass in South Africa, Sani Pass. We travel through Himeville to the World Heritage Site of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, following the Mkomazana River up the scenic Sani Valley to the South African Border Post (border formalities) and the Lesotho Border. 4 10.30 AM After the Lesotho border formalities at the top of Sani Pass, we climb even further into the Lesotho highlands, all the way to the top of the Black Mountain pass. 5 11.00 PM At the top of Black Mountain Pass we get a chance to leave our vehicle, climb a short distance to a beautiful viewpoint of Thabana Ntlenyana. 6 12.30 PM We arrive in the town of Mokhotlong and enjoy lunch together 7 1.00 PM We visit a cultural Basotho village OR go horse-rinding into the Lesotho Highlands 8 2.00 PM We make our back to Sani Pass. 9 5 PM We watch the sun go down on the top of Black Mountain Pass before making our way to overnight accommodation DAY 2 1 8.00 AM After a hearty breakfast, we join up with you again for day two’s activities. 2 8.30 AM Choose between a visit to a cultural village, a hike at the top of Sani Pass or Come back down the pass to explore the villages of Underberg and Himeville and its museum. 3 12:15 PM We arrive back in Underberg, in time for lunch, if you aren’t in a hurry we’ll choose the best spot in Underberg to have lunch together, or stay up in the mountains and have lunch at the Highest Pub in Africa

Sani Pass and Mokhotlong in Two Days

9. Sani Pass and Mokhotlong in Two Days

Day One:  Depart from Underberg, or be collected along the route, in a 4x4 vehicle and travel via the Sani Pass, with a stop for early tea at Sani Top Chalet. Travel up Black Mountain Pass for a short walk to a vantage point to view Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest peak in Southern Africa at 3482 meters. Continue on to Mokhotlong via the stunningly beautiful Sehonghong Valley and stop at 10 Riverside for an ethnic Basotho experience, including a visit to the Ngaka, a traditional healer, and the artifact house. Afterward, go to Mokhotlong for dinner and your overnight stay. Day Two:  After breakfast, drive through Mokhotlong, which was once billed as the most remote village in the British Empire. Stop for a short walk down the main road to view the rare Spiral Aloe, the National plant of Lesotho. Travel to St James Mission to see the fascinating ceiling of their church. Drive back up the Sehonghong Valley, looking for the rare Bearded Vulture on the route. Reach Sani Top and go for lunch at the Sani Top Chalet before descending the Sani Pass back to Underberg.

From Durban: Lesotho Highlights 4-Day Trip with Meals

10. From Durban: Lesotho Highlights 4-Day Trip with Meals

Itinerary Day 1: Depart at 08:00 from Durban and head to the aptly named town of Underberg under the Drakensberg mountains. In our guided 4wd vehicle in Underberg we proceed into Lesotho Via Sani Pass The Sani Pass climbs from 1500m to 2874m ASL. The famous switchbacks overlooking the South African valleys are spectacular. Go on a hike of the escarpment overlooking the Sani Pass or pony trek along the cliffs. Day 2: Climb further to the top of Black Mountain Pass at 3240m ASL. The remote villages of the Sani Top and Mokhotlong areas are some of the most remote villages in Lesotho. Get an inside look at the people living in this tough environment with a visit to a village. Picnic lunch is over a beautiful vista of the Senqu river, which becomes the Orange river in South Africa. An important river for several Southern African countries makes the perfect lunch stop. The route from Sani Top to Thaba Bosiu is often called the Roof of Africa route, we have already conquered the Sani Pass as well as Black Mountain Pass. After lunch we tackle Taeeng pass at 3225m and Motebong pass at 2820m. Along the way you will see Letseng Diamond mine–the world’s highest diamond mine and Afriski Moutain Resort and countless villages and other picturesque scenes. We will head to our overnight accommodation in Hlotse. Check-in at Bird Haven at approx. 18:00. Day 3: Breakfast at 07:00, departure at approx. 08:00-30. We backtrack slightly to visit a riverbed close to our overnight accommodation, where there is evidence of prehistoric life forms. If the river is in flood these ancient footprints are hidden to the world but usually the water levels are low enough for us to look at the Dinosaur Footprints We now leave the main road to Maseru and travel to the Kome Caves, home to modern cave-dwellers, these caves were originally inhabited by clans escaping the Lifqane wars and cannibalism. We make our way to Thaba Bosiu along the back roads which go through many rural villages. Thaba Bosiu is a cultural centre of utmost importance to Lesotho and its history. From Thaba Bosiu we drive into the capital city Maseru for lunch at approx. 13:00, this gives one a good understanding of modern-day city life in Lesotho and its mix with Lesotho’s strong culture. By 15:00, We head back into the highlands of Lesotho going through the Mantsa Pass to highland town of Semonkong. Check-in at Semonkong at approx. 17:30 Day 4: Breakfast at 7:30am Hike/4wd Drive to the Maletsunyane Falls Depart the Lesotho highlands via passes that enter South Africa at Qacha’s Nek. We snake our way through the last remote villages of Lesotho. We cross the Senqu river again–which we first saw on day 1 and then follow it along the Senqu river valleys toward the border town of Qachas Nek. Once back in South Africa we are normally in Matatiele around 13:00 for lunch. From Matatiele we skirt alongside the Drakensberg mountains and return to Underberg along scenic back roads, returning usually around 15:00-16:00

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What people are saying about Sani Pass

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 27 reviews

I'm so happy my husband and I decided to do this tour. I'm not sure I even have words to describe how wonderful the experience was, but it was definitely worth it. Our guide, Freddy, was prompt, professional and most courteous and gracious. He was very informative and educated us along the trek. He stopped to allow us to take photos, take restroom/snack breaks and answered any questions we had. The views along the Sani Pass are out of this world! You cannot visit Durban without this experience, please trust me. Finally, the icing on the cake was meeting the beautiful Besotho people and learning about their culture. Again, my words can't do it justice, but I highly recommend this tour. Don't second guess it for another moment. Book right now!

This experience was truly one of a kind. It was the highlight of our time in KwaZulu-Natal. Both Justin and Peter offered so much insightful information about the area and culture of where we were going that the experience always felt rich and complete. The accommodations, transport, activities and guides where all excellent. They all showed the commitment this company has for thoughtful and unique experiences. Would absolutely reccomend them for any of their offered activities! Thank you so much for having us!

I think we had one of the best guides that ever existed. Martin knows exactly where to stop for the perfect photo's. Could answer all our questions. He kept us entertained with his knowledge of the area and has a wonderful personality. I would recommend him any day. Martin thank you for the wonderful experience

Martin is an amazing guide with a big smile. We enjoyed the knowledge he shared with us.He is careful driving. It was very pleasant spending the day with him.

It was an amazing experience. Never to be forgotten