Sani Pass — Roof ofKwaZulu-Natal.

Distance

130 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

1,900 m

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Sani Pass — Roof of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Sani Pass is the only road crossing between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho in the Drakensberg region. The South African side is paved; the Lesotho side is a dramatic, rocky 4WD track climbing 1,300m in 9km. The pass summit sits at 2,874m on the Lesotho plateau. Technically demanding but unmissable.

Quick facts

SurfaceMixed

Distance130 km

Days1

Total climb1,900 m

DifficultyChallenging

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

7 stops

UnderbergStart · Start in Underberg. Fuel up and check permit requirements for entering Lesotho.

Drakensberg FoothillsScenic Point · The road follows the Mkhomazana River valley into the Drakensberg escarpment. Grassland and protea.

Sani Pass South Africa GatePhoto Spot · The paved road ends at the SA border post. The real climb begins here.

Sani Pass Summit — Lesotho Border (2,874m)Mountain Pass · The highest pass in South Africa. On the Lesotho plateau, the landscape is treeless grassland at altitude. Cold.

Sani Mountain LodgeScenic Point · The highest pub in Africa at 2,874m, just across the Lesotho border. Warm Basotho blanket and brandy.

Lesotho Plateau ViewpointScenic Point · The vast Lesotho plateau stretches to the horizon at 3,000m+ — the 'Kingdom in the Sky'. Horsemen in Basotho blankets.

UnderbergEnd · Return to Underberg descending the same route. The descent shows different angles of the Drakensberg wall.

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