SandtracksSouth Africa's 4x4, camping & overland guide

Sani Pass

Southern Drakensberg (Lesotho border) · KwaZulu-Natal Overland route

Steep green slopes and cliffs of the Drakensberg escarpment along Sani Pass
The mountains of Sani Pass, between South Africa and Lesotho. Photo: Mark peacock at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5. Credits

The only road over the Drakensberg escarpment into Lesotho, climbing through steep hairpins from the South African border post to the Lesotho border post at the top. Sani Lodge puts the 4x4 section at about 8 km. The road from Himeville as far as Sani Lodge is tarred. Passports are needed, and Drakensberg Adventures runs guided Land Rover trips up the pass and on to Black Mountain.

Along the way

  • Into Lesotho
  • Hairpin climb
  • Black Mountain (3,240 m) beyond
  • Passport required

Before you drive it

  • Check with the operator for closures after rain. Conditions change faster than any website.
  • Tell someone your route and your expected time out.
  • Carry recovery gear you know how to use, and rated recovery points on the vehicle. See our recovery gear spec comparison.

Camp nearby

Kit up first

Straight-line distances.