The only road pass between South Africa and Lesotho over the high escarpment of the KZN Drakensberg, the Sani Pass has become iconic in South Africa’s travel landscape. Originally a mule track, it was pioneered for motor vehicles by David Alexander and his company, Mokhotlong Mountain Transport in the late 1950’s. The road in those early days was characterised by extremely rough sections, corners so tight that it took many attempts to get round and constant damage caused by the elements.
The 8 km between the two border posts, still a tortuous, hair-raising road, gives you a taste of what the pioneers faced. At the top of the Pass (2873m), you find the Lesotho border post where you can cross into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and you know you are in a different, special place. The views from this altitude are nothing less than awe-inspiring, with snow and frozen waterfalls in winter, and a blaze of flower blooms in summer. The eastern highlands of Lesotho are accessible from the top of Sani Pass, explore this remarkable area on your own or with one of the local tour operators, many of whom offer a variety of tours and experiences in this part of Lesotho. From Sani Top, the road is tarred all the way to Mokhotlong and across the “roof of Africa” route to the west of the country and the border posts to the eastern Free State.
Lesotho Tourist Levy
The Lesotho Government has introduced a Tourist Levy of R100 per person entering the country as from 1 April 2024. This amount is payable in cash or by card upon entering Lesotho. The Levy will go towards marketing Lesotho as an international tourist destination. For those going on an organised tour, the levy is R50pp until 31/10/24 and from then on, it will be R100. This is payable with your tour price to the operator involved.
Under your own steam
If you feel confident in your vehicle and your driving ability, take your own four wheel drive. A 4×4 vehicle is essential due to the very steep gradients, road clearance and snow and ice in winter. Note that all persons travelling beyond the South African border post require valid passports. If driving the Sani Pass, be aware that upwardly moving traffic has the right of way!
Alternatively let a recognised tour operator drive you. A number of local tour operators offer day tours as well as longer trips into the eastern Lesotho Highlands. An organised tour will allow you to get a deeper insight into the area as the guides use their expertise gained over many years to give you information on many aspects of the area. Often tours include a visit to a household in a village in Lesotho and an insight into a unique traditional way of life.
If you don’t want to drive, you can walk up the road. The steep 8km of rough track takes around 2.5 – 3 hours each way. Note that you have to walk on the road itself as there is no footpath. Traffic is travelling very slowly but take care. Ensure you have a good pair of hiking footwear and a hat and sunscreen as the sun is powerful at high altitudes.
It is also a tough but exhilarating bike ride.
Controversy over the future of the road
In 2004, the South African and Basotho governments signed an agreement to upgrade the road from Underberg to Mokhotlong with a hard surface.
On the Lesotho side of the border, the new tarred road from Mokhotlong to Sani Top was built over a 3 year period from 2012 to 2015.
On the South African side, the project was divided into 3 phases. Phase 1 was from the Himeville Junction to the Good Hope Store ruins and this took 6 years from 2006 to 2012.
Phase 2 was from Good Hope to the South African border post. An extensive and lengthy Environmental Impact Assessment process was conducted between 2007 and 2012, and when the EIA report finally went to the Department of Environmental Affairs to adjudicate, their decision was that the road upgrade could proceed, but only with a gravel surface. They ruled that this would not totally change the “sense of place” and would not negatively affect tourism in the area while still allowing for much improved access to any type of vehicle. Local people and lovers of the Sani Pass rejoiced that the EIA process had delivered a rational and well considered decision, but this was short-lived as the Department of Transport and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife appealed. Eventually the appeal decision was handed down by the Minister of Environment who overturned a 2000 page EIA report in a 5 page decision giving permission for the tarring of the route. Phase 2 commenced in 2017 and was concluded in 2022.
Phase 3 is the serious 4×4 section of the road where it climbs over 900m in 8km. The KZN department of Transport have commenced the process and is expecting that work will commence on that section in 2025 or 2026.
Experience the Sani Pass NOW before construction begins and the unique experience is changed forever!