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Himeville, South Africa → Mokhotlong, Lesotho

Sani Pass

Hard#1 in South Africa680 votes
Distance
90 km
Duration
Half day
Best time
Oct – Apr
Highest point
2,874 m

Dirt switchbacks up the Drakensberg escarpment into Lesotho. A border post at the bottom, another at the top, and a pub at 2,874 m that has earned the joke.

Top highlights

  • High altitude2,874 m
  • The switchbacksStop only in a bay. The drop is the whole story.
  • Sani TopThe lodge and the highest pub. Look back down the wall you just climbed.
  • Road qualityGravel, steep, 4×4 required on the pass itself. Ice and snow in winter. Storms in the afternoon. The South African side is the drawing; Lesotho is the plateau.
  • PermitsPassport. 4×4 only on the pass — they will turn a 2WD around. Border hours are not 24.
  • Best timeOct – Apr

Recommended itinerary

  1. Himeville, South Africa

    Start

  2. The switchbacks

    25 km

  3. Sani Top

    33 km

  4. Mokhotlong, Lesotho

    End · 90 km

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