The Sani Pass is the only vehicle route over the Drakensberg escarpment and into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. It is a spectacular 4x4 track twisting and snaking its way through the rocky cliffs to the top of the world. Before the 1950's, it was a trail for pack animals to carry goods through to the isolated town of Mokhotlong in Eastern Lesotho. Now, the road carries 4x4 vehicles, though the odd donkey and horse can still be seen plodding slowly up the steep route. Crossing the border at the top of the pass, one enters not only another country (passports required (Please click here for Lesotho visa requirements)), but another world. The Basotho have a unique African mountain culture, reminiscent of Tibet! People live in traditional rondavels(huts), herd goats and sheep in the high mountains and grow crops by ox-ploughing and hand-hoeing in a lifestyle fascinating for the visitor. Come and experience the wonders of the mountains. Visit Lesotho under your own steam, or on one of our tours. The South African border post opens at 6am and closes at 6pm.

4 x 4 tours
up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Drakensberg Adventures, based at Sani Lodge runs 4x4 tours in their own landrover.

• Standard Day Tour
This popular day tour gives an all round taste of Lesotho via the spectacular gateway of the Sani Pass (2874m). Travel up the only road through the Drakensberg cliffs in a 4x4, hearing tales of the pioneering of the route, learn about the natural history of the Drakensberg and see the beautiful wildflowers, wildlife and birds which inhabit the slopes. We drive further into Lesotho, visiting a small shepherd’s village to get a feel for the unique way of life, including sheep shearing in season. Ascend Black Mountain (3240m), second highest road pass in Lesotho and picnic with stunning views. We take a short walk to view Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point in southern Africa at 3482m, then return via a stop at Sani Top Chalet for a drink in the highest pub in Africa.

Tour departs from sani lodge at 09.00 and returns around 17.00 hours.

Passports essential.
Tour price includes a contribution to the Sani Top community which we visit.

Please have a look at our tour map or download Tour Brochure pdf file

• Hodgson's Peaks
For those looking for a Sani Pass experience with a challenging hike added on, see the Hodgsons Peaks Trip.

More About Lesotho
For those who do a tour and want to know more, or for those wanting to travel deeper into Lesotho for a longer period, "A Backpacker's Guide to Lesotho" is an invaluable little book. Written by Russell in 1993, the book has been regularly updated and offers background information on the country as well as specific travel information on where to go, what to see, how to get there and where to stay. The current edition was updated in November 2009. If this isn't enough, then come to Sani Lodge and ask the author himself for the latest information. A trip through Lesotho should be an incredibly rewarding experience, start it with us and we'll help you get the most out of it. Click here for more information on the book.

If you are interested in longer Lesotho trips please look here for a directory of all our tours