Nestled on the famous Sani Pass Road, just 16 kilometres from the South African border post with Lesotho, Sani Lodge offers a unique mountain retreat coupled with a working farm experience. It also boasts a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, craft shop and tour company. Since 1992, we, Simone and Russell Suchet, have welcomed adventurers to our beautiful 30-hectare property that directly borders the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our farm produces fresh dairy products, handmade ceramics, and we are deeply involved in community upliftment and environmental conservation.
Lodge Accommodation Our Lodge offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From grassy campsites shaded by trees to budget rooms with bunk beds, you’ll find affordable comfort. For larger groups, we provide a self-catering house for up to 30 people. We also have standard rooms with shared ablutions, en-suite rooms for added privacy, and cozy single rooms.
Guests at the Lodge can enjoy a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, relaxing sitting rooms with open fireplaces, modern bathrooms, and a central boma for gathering around a fire.
Self-Catering Cottages If you prefer a bit more privacy and comfort, our self-catering cottages offer the perfect retreat:
Aloe Cottage: Featuring mountain views and a log fireplace, this two-bedroom cottage (each with en-suite) has a lounge, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, and garden with a braai stand. Perfect for four guests.
Guineafowl Cottage: With a garden view, this cottage has two bedrooms (double bed and bunk bed), a bathroom, and a kitchenette. It’s an ideal choice for a family of four.
Honeyguide Cottage: Enjoy mountain views and a log fireplace in this three-bedroom cottage. It has two bathrooms, a sitting room, kitchenette, and a garden with a braai stand. Accommodates up to six guests.
Ntshitshi Cottage: This three-bedroom cottage includes a log fireplace, bathroom, kitchenette, and a garden with a braai stand. Sleeps six guests.
All cottages and the Lodge include access to an onsite restaurant, swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, a fully licensed bar, and a shop stocked with our dairy products, snacks, and locally crafted items.
At Sani Lodge, adventure awaits at every corner. We are the proud home of Drakensberg Adventures Tours, offering a variety of guided tours ranging from 1 to 7 days. Whether you’re hiking to ancient rock art sites, tackling the summit of Thabana Ntlenyana, or enjoying a pony trek through Lesotho, our specialized guides will lead you through unforgettable experiences in the Drakensberg and beyond.
For hikers, we handle bookings for the iconic Giant’s Cup Trail, offering self-guided hiking options with camping or cave stays. Day visitors can also acquire permits to enter the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
On-site activities include: Paint on Clay daily workshops, swimming, hand milking the cows, bottle feeding calves, games in the barn, walking the nature trail, picking fruit in summer, learning for volunteers to make cheese, bread or wine (seasonal).
Indulge in farm-fresh goodness at our onsite Giant’s Cup Café and Crafts Art Gallery, where we serve homemade treats like our very own cheese, cream, and ice cream, made from the milk of our Jersey cows. The café is also home to stunning local ceramics and artwork.
Relax in the evening with a cocktail, craft beer, wine or mixer from our fully licensed Phuzabooza bar, or enjoy a cozy meal by the fireplace. The scenic views of the surrounding mountains are the perfect backdrop for any meal or sundowner experience.
We are proud to be accredited with several prestigious awards, including the Africa Responsible Tourism Award. Our commitment to responsible tourism and sustainable practices has earned us accreditation from Fair Trade Tourism since 2011. In 2023, we were selected as one of five tourism businesses in South Africa to promote responsible tourism to the European market.
At Sani Lodge & Cottages, we offer not only a comfortable place to rest but a true experience of the Southern Drakensberg’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, our farm, mountain views, and warm hospitality await you.
If you don't have a car, you can use the transport service from Durban or Kokstad. Car hire is a cheap and more flexible way to get around South Africa.
The main on-site activities include;
* self-guided hiking into the Drakensberg Park directly from your room,
* partaking in the Paint On Clay daily workshop,
* reading a book at the swimming pool with a view,
* enjoying a sundowner cocktail as the sun sets over the mountains,
* revelling in the tranquility and beauty of the natural surrounds,
* playing table tennis in the barn,
* seeing the milky way in clear night skies,
* observing wildlife such as duiker, rhebuck and reedbuck,
* enjoying a barbeque outdoors,
* meeting people from all over the world in a relaxed environment.
* The restaurant is open from 7.30 am to 8 pm and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (a three course meal).
Please make sure that you book dinner in advance. We cater for vegetarians and vegans.
* The Phuzabooza bar serves craft beer, cocktails, wine, and mixers.
* There is free WIFI at the restaurant and bar only. There is no WIFI at the lodge.
Simone is proud to announce that the 'Paint on Clay' space is available for the whole family. Follow on;
* Instagram #giantscupcafecrafts and #simberclay and,
* Facebook Sani Pass Road Giant's Cup Cafe and Crafts and Simbergclay
BOOKINGS FOR GROUPS - 0835661997
AVAILABLE - 10 AM TO 4 PM DAILY
Our tour company Drakensberg Adventures offers;
* Day tours up Sani Pass into Lesotho,
* 2 to 7 day tours in Lesotho featuring pony trekking, hiking, cultural activities.
* Day hike to view rock art panels in the Drakensberg overhangs and caves.