The only road over the southern Berg into Lesotho, a steep 4x4 climb to a border post at about 2,873 m. Switchbacks, the highest pub in Africa at the top, and the bare highlands of the mountain kingdom beyond.
The Sani Pass is the most adventurous road in the Drakensberg, and the only one that climbs over the southern Berg into Lesotho. It starts above Underberg and Himeville in KwaZulu-Natal, runs up a valley to the South African border post, and then rears up the headwall in a series of rough switchbacks to the Lesotho gate at about 2,873 metres, the highest road border post in Africa.
The climb is the experience. The lower South African side has been tarred, but the steep top section is loose gravel and strictly 4x4 country, which is why most people go up on a guided trip from the foot of the pass or from Durban. As you grind up the bends, the Berg drops away behind you, and at the top the Sani Mountain Lodge keeps the famous ‘highest pub in Africa’, a fine place for a drink with the whole pass laid out below.
Over the border is Lesotho, a high, treeless plateau where Basotho herders ride sure-footed ponies across the grass wrapped in their blankets, and the highest peaks in southern Africa rise not far off. It crosses an international border, so you’ll need your passport even for the day. Dress warm whatever the season, because it’s cold and windy up top and snowbound in winter, when the pass can close altogether. Go with an operator who knows the conditions, and let them do the driving.
A 4x4 climb up the pass, the border, and the Lesotho highlands at the top. A full day.
The climb is the thing: a rough 4x4 ascent above the South African border post, switchbacking up the headwall to the Lesotho gate at about 2,873 m, with the Berg falling away behind you. At the top, the Sani Mountain Lodge keeps the 'highest pub in Africa', the reward for the rattle up.
Over the border lies Lesotho, the high, bare plateau of the mountain kingdom. Tours stop at a Basotho village, where herders in blankets ride hardy ponies across the grass, with the highest peaks in southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana among them, not far off.
The easiest and safest way up. Operators run day trips from Underberg and Himeville, and longer ones from Durban, with the driving and the border handled for you.
The pass crosses into Lesotho and back, with border posts at the bottom and the top, so you need your passport even on a day trip.
It's cold and windy at 2,873 m even in summer, and bitter with snow in winter. Bring warm, windproof layers whatever the season.
The South African side is tarred, but the steep top section is rough gravel and 4x4 only. It's not for an ordinary hire car.
The 'highest pub in Africa' at the Sani Mountain Lodge is the traditional reward at the summit, with the long view back down the pass.
Snow and ice can close the pass in winter, and mist rolls in fast. Mornings are usually clearer, and a guided operator will know the conditions.
Book the 4x4 and the border crossing through our trusted partners, at the same price as booking direct.
A guided 4x4 trip up the pass into Lesotho, with the highlands, a Basotho village and the highest pub in Africa.
Book on GetYourGuide →A guided 4x4 day up the Sani Pass into Lesotho — the mountain kingdom, a Basotho village and the highest pub in Africa.
Book on Viator →A guided day over the Sani Pass into the highlands, with the Basotho culture and the views from the top of the Berg.
See Lesotho tours →A long guided day from Durban up the Sani Pass and into Lesotho, the pass without basing yourself in the Berg.
See Durban day trips →Guesthouses and lodges in Underberg and Himeville at the foot of the pass, and the lodge at the top in Lesotho.
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The Sani Pass is the Drakensberg's wildest road. See the rest of what the mountains hold.
