Sani Pass
4.5
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4.5
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Muhammed P
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Breathtaking views!!! The question I had before going up was , is it really as difficult as many of the reviews say it is? The short answer is No. I used a nissan Navarra pro 4x to go up in sunny conditions and it was a breeze. I also own a hyundai ix35 AWD and there is no doubt that it would go up there with no problem. A 4x2 with diff lock would have zero issues with going up on a rainy day. Drive slowly and sensibly and it would take you about 50 mins to 1 hour and 30 mins with some stops for pictures. Coming down make sure to keep your gears low and use wide turns on the switch backs.
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert L
Cape Town, South Africa288 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We drove the Sani Pass on 1 October 2023 in some very unfortunate weather. It was raining and very misty throughout the ascent. Having said that, the experience was really magic. It was nothing like the warnings we received which made us apprehensive to undertake the pass. Anybody driving a 4x4 will make the passage very easily. Don't let anyone talk you out of it, it is a great experience and not at all daunting as we were lead to believe!
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourlover2014
Chennai (Madras), India598 contributions
Feb 2022
Anybody who likes the nature, this is definitely one of the places that you must visit to enjoy the mountain range of Drakensberg and the Sani Pass. It is about 8 kms of rough rocky road from South Africa's border to the the Lesotho border at the top. It is better to engage a package tour with any authorised tour operators. This way one can enjoy the trip more leisurely. Total tour time is 5 hours (3 hrs up and 2 hrs down with a snack break of 30 minutes.) upto Lesotho border.
Visa fees-R1900 + R33 for RT-PCR test if you wish to cross the border. The main attraction is the Pub located on the Lesotho side close to the border. (Elevation is around +2873m above MSL)
The drive to the top and coming down is really breathtaking. The nature's beauty is unimaginable.
Visa fees-R1900 + R33 for RT-PCR test if you wish to cross the border. The main attraction is the Pub located on the Lesotho side close to the border. (Elevation is around +2873m above MSL)
The drive to the top and coming down is really breathtaking. The nature's beauty is unimaginable.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick_The_Builder
North Wales - UK276 contributions
Nov 2022
I had always wanted to drive up the pass, the Eddie Jordan did it as part of Top Gear. My Girlfriend said if Eddie Jordan can drive up it – so can I.
We had hired a Hilux for our holiday, so the drive was not particularly a challenge, except that you wanted to spend a more time looking at the views than the road. The pass was quiet the day we went, so no issues with getting other people in your photos.
When you get the the Lesotho border post at the top a sign states that people in big-rigs should pat 450 – not sure how many get those up there.
We took a walk for a couple of hours along the top of the twelve apostles well worth the trip.
Driving down the following day was a little more interesting in heavy rain, as we can out of the bottom of the clouds, the view down the valley was just magical.
We had hired a Hilux for our holiday, so the drive was not particularly a challenge, except that you wanted to spend a more time looking at the views than the road. The pass was quiet the day we went, so no issues with getting other people in your photos.
When you get the the Lesotho border post at the top a sign states that people in big-rigs should pat 450 – not sure how many get those up there.
We took a walk for a couple of hours along the top of the twelve apostles well worth the trip.
Driving down the following day was a little more interesting in heavy rain, as we can out of the bottom of the clouds, the view down the valley was just magical.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pegasustp
Johannesburg, South Africa32 contributions
Jun 2022
Now you will read all about how a 4x4 is a must when doing this pass. I did it going DOWN in a Fortuner 4x2 with chunky tyres. A 4x2 Fortuner with stock tyres came up just as I started the descent and the driver said its fairly easy. Did it in an hour and didn't have any issues whatsoever. I actually enjoyed the rough road. The pass "to me" doesn't have the sheer drops like some have described it, although I do believe some may be intimidated by the height. If you have driven the road to Tugela falls (source), then this wont scare you. I felt so comfortable with the road that I gave my wife to drive as well and she doesn't have any dirt/offroad experience and she performed amazing. Does take some skill in reading the road/path ahead, but still, fairly easy. Keep calm and enjoy, don't rush it.
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elizarenn
Chattanooga, TN384 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
First, you should definitely make this trip. It’s an experience you won’t regret. Except…
Second, rent a 4x4. You just won’t make it without one. We saw a motorcycle get hopelessly stuck on a rocky, sandy, very steep hill. No one wants that.
The road isn’t terrible to maneuver with the right vehicle, and the view is phenomenal. When you get to the top you’ll need to stop for a couple of things: a picture of yourself next to the Lesotho sign, and the office to get your passport stamped. There’s also a pub at the top. You’ll have to pay to park, but keep your receipt because you get that price off your bill when you purchase food or drinks. (We didn’t know that, and it was a great surprise!)
Be sure you have gas in your vehicle, because once you get into Lesotho, there’s a lot of open space. We drove for a while thinking we might see a store, but we eventually just turned around. There’s something otherworldly about being in a country with so much space and quiet. There’s gas at the bottom — a few km away — of the Sani Pass.
By the way, you’ll have an opportunity to stop at the Fountain of Youth! We didn’t drink any of the water, but I splashed some on my face in the hopes that wrinkles might disappear. It must work very slowly.
Second, rent a 4x4. You just won’t make it without one. We saw a motorcycle get hopelessly stuck on a rocky, sandy, very steep hill. No one wants that.
The road isn’t terrible to maneuver with the right vehicle, and the view is phenomenal. When you get to the top you’ll need to stop for a couple of things: a picture of yourself next to the Lesotho sign, and the office to get your passport stamped. There’s also a pub at the top. You’ll have to pay to park, but keep your receipt because you get that price off your bill when you purchase food or drinks. (We didn’t know that, and it was a great surprise!)
Be sure you have gas in your vehicle, because once you get into Lesotho, there’s a lot of open space. We drove for a while thinking we might see a store, but we eventually just turned around. There’s something otherworldly about being in a country with so much space and quiet. There’s gas at the bottom — a few km away — of the Sani Pass.
By the way, you’ll have an opportunity to stop at the Fountain of Youth! We didn’t drink any of the water, but I splashed some on my face in the hopes that wrinkles might disappear. It must work very slowly.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shauns2111
South Africa1,152 contributions
Feb 2020
A stunning drive. Luckely the weather was good all the way. Went up the Saturday, stayed over, and drove down the next.
Currently there are roadworks leading from the bottom up to the SA border post. But thereafter still just plain gravel road. Initially the road starts off fair, with a couple of rough patches. But leading towards the steps, and the steps themselves are 4x4 low. Do not think someone with no 4x4 experiance should drive it. Coming downs, steep decents with heavy switchbacks.
Be on the lookout for other vehicles. Sometimes find a sport to pull over to let someone pass. Take it slow.
Definatelly worth the trip.
Currently there are roadworks leading from the bottom up to the SA border post. But thereafter still just plain gravel road. Initially the road starts off fair, with a couple of rough patches. But leading towards the steps, and the steps themselves are 4x4 low. Do not think someone with no 4x4 experiance should drive it. Coming downs, steep decents with heavy switchbacks.
Be on the lookout for other vehicles. Sometimes find a sport to pull over to let someone pass. Take it slow.
Definatelly worth the trip.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic25045780306
10 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Breathtakingly beautiful! Definitely not necessary to go with a tour guiding company. Road is VERY manageable with a 4x4 vehicle, even for less experienced drivers. Go slow and enjoy the ride and scenery! (Many heavy- loaded mini-bus taxi’s make it up and down all the time!)
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cyril K
Cape Town, South Africa340 contributions
Oct 2022
The pass used to be terrifying due to the state of the road. I have gone up the pas half a dozen times in a decade and during my most recent visit the pass looked great. Weather permitting it is almost doable in a regular two-wheel drive sedan... almost, but not quite.
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean R
Durban45 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We did the Sani Pass in our Ford Everest 4wd in January 2024. What an amazing trip, weather was sunny and clear.
The trip is filled with small rocks and some shale and it does get very steep in sections. But it is totally doable in a 4wd, just take it slow and enjoy the views. I only had to use low range in one section after a river crossing where I got stuck a bit. Otherwise, did the rest of the pass in normal drive mode.
Coming back on the descent is a bit daunting as you have to take it very slow especially by some of the hairpins.
Make sure to visit the restaurant at the top and have some lunch and hot chocolate
The trip is filled with small rocks and some shale and it does get very steep in sections. But it is totally doable in a 4wd, just take it slow and enjoy the views. I only had to use low range in one section after a river crossing where I got stuck a bit. Otherwise, did the rest of the pass in normal drive mode.
Coming back on the descent is a bit daunting as you have to take it very slow especially by some of the hairpins.
Make sure to visit the restaurant at the top and have some lunch and hot chocolate
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rishav
Pinetown, South Africa
Good day, Some advice needed...
We are heading to AfriSki. We plan to enter Lesotho at the Calendonspoort Border post.
Is it possible / advisable for us to exit Lesotho at the Sani Pass post?
Written 29 July 2024
To the original poster Liemo 10, and a lot of reference to facts, may i suggest you check your information and report correctly. Take note of country boarders..... Sani Pass is indeed in KZN, a province of South Africa.
Written 10 June 2021
Hi, can we drive up Sani Pass by 16 seater buss?
Written 18 November 2019
Hello! I´m from Chile and I read I need a Visa to entry in Lesotho. If i want to do the Sani Pass with an agency... Is it necessary to get a Visa?
Thanks!
Hola! Soy chileno y leí que necesito una Visa para ingresar a Lesotho. Si quiero hacer el Sani Pass con una agencia.. es necesario obtener la Visa?
Gracias!
Written 5 November 2019
Hi there,
We're planning to do the Sani Pass around New Year to continue our travel in Lesotho.
Is the pass open 12/31 or 01/01 pr 01/02?
Thanks for your help!
Written 7 August 2019
Hi sorry for late respond ,Yes the Sani Pass will be open ,they dont close even on public holidays it's open.
Written 11 October 2019
Hi everyone, I am going to have a road trip in Lesotho and I need to do Sani Pass in August 2019.
I will come from Mokothlong and I want to reach Durban: is Sani Pass vehicle accessible during winter (of course with 4x4)? I don't want to remain stuck...
Can anyone give me some suggestions?
Written 23 June 2019
Hi Edo
The 4x4 vehicle will be great as long as it hasn't snowed , you'll be fine. Please be aware that the terrain needs someone who is highly experienced in driving on a gravel roads... best of luck..
Written 26 June 2019
Hoffmann SANI PASS
Pretoria, South Africa
To whom this may concern
We are planning a trip from Pretoria to the SANI Pass. During June 2019. We need some tips/advise to plan our route and also accommodation which is not to expensive for 4 adults (2 adults per room). Accommodation preferably with restaurant availability.
Looking forward hearing from you.
Adrie
Written 6 May 2019
The Old Hatchery is quite nice
Written 23 December 2019
Hi, Me and hubby would like to come up the Sani Pass and Visit Lesotho end of July. Is it possible that the pass will be closed due to snow. If it does, how many days does it take for the pass to be open again. We are only going to be there for 4 days, so I dont want come all the way and we get stuck?
Written 10 January 2019
Follow Snow Report SA on fb, they often quite accurate. It's a matter of luck finding snow... we've travelled to the pass a few times in hope of finding snow, experienced a great snow fall in May 2017 :)
Written 23 December 2019
Hello, anyone knows if it is possible to just hike on the pass? And sleep in Lesotho and return the day after? We go 1 december
Written 20 November 2018
Helllo,
I would like to visit Sani Pass in the winter... July or August... Is it possible to go down in a 4x2 ??
Written 28 May 2018
Hi, yes it is possible. I went up and down in a 4x2. BUT, if the weather is bad in terms of heavy rains or snow I would be cautious as it does become slippery.
Written 3 August 2018
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