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Top 10 Interesting Facts about Sani Pass

Located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, the Sani Pass is a mountain pass on a road between Mokhotlong, Lesotho, and Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal. The Sani Pass route rises to an altitude of 2,876 m (9,436 ft) starting at 1,544 metres (5,066 ft), and climbs 1,332 m (4,370 ft).

It can be difficult to drive up the pass during bad weather and especially during winter when the road is covered in snow. Several tour operators carry out guided tours up and down the pass. The South African government laws stipulate that only 4×4 vehicles are allowed on that road due to the nature of the terrain.

Several vehicles which did not make it on the Sani Pass steep gradient sometimes surface and can be seen as you drive along. You must be cautious and exercise caution on the pass as it has claimed many lives.

Below are ten amazing facts about Sani Pass.

1. This pass was first used in October 1948, even before the road was built

Godfrey Edmonds, an ex-RAF Spitfire pilot, used this pass on 26th October 1948. He was the first person to use it and it took five and a half hours to summit.

Edmonds was assisted up the pass by a team of Basothos with mules, ropes, and other equipment. It was a remarkable achievement and probably led to the construction of the road.

2. You will encounter two different immigration border controls when the road is open

Lesotho Border Post at Sani Pass. Photo by Vaiz Ha/

You will encounter both the South African and Lesotho immigrants when you use the pass. South African agents will prohibit vehicles considered unsuitable for the journey. On the other hand, the Lesotho agents usually allow all vehicles to use the pass. The pass is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm every day.

3. This road summits at about 2,876 meters above sea level

The Sani Pass was built circa 1950. The tough conditions and bad weather make this pass a challenge even for 4WD vehicles. It summits at an altitude of about 2,876 meters above sea level. As you attempt the cross, please brace yourself for extremely bad weather. It has been known to snow at different months of the year and each month has experienced snow.

4. Visitors travel from abroad to experience the road due to its reputation of being treacherous

The mountains of the Sani Pass in the Drakensberg Mountains between South Africa and Lesotho. Photo by Mark peacock/

Many visitors travel from abroad, hire 4WD vehicles and attempt to drive down the pass. The road has been used for Nissan and ford vehicle television commercials.

There are campaigns to tarmac the road although there are those who would like to preserve it as is. The road will likely be tarmacked. Once tarmacked, the drive will not be as treacherous as it has been in the past.

It will be an easy Sunday afternoon drive. To some, this will cause the road to lose its appeal but development will take precedence.

5. The road is often closed during winter due to the challenges of snow

Cliffs in the Ukhahlamba Drakensburg, South Africa. Photo by Cwawebber/

This road connects Mokhotlong in Lesotho with Underberg’s town of KZN. There are several accommodation facilities along the road. The pass is often closed during winter due to the snow. Before using it, it is best to check with a local business owner or the authorities on the path’s condition.

6. Driving down the path requires sobriety and intense concentration

A vehicle on the Sani Pass. Photo by Vaiz Ha/

As you descend the first eleven switchbacks below the summit, you require sobriety and a high level of concentration. If you are using a manual car, it’s best to keep the gear in 2^nd or 3^rd gear.

The tough terrain will clearly illustrate the need for 4WD vehicles. Not everyone is capable of properly driving in the winter. If you can, you should stay an extra night in the accommodation facilities as you wait for the conditions to get better.

It can sow at any time of the year on that path. You should have snow chains for your vehicle and you should practice fitting your car. Trying to fit the snow chains in the snow will be a little difficult.

7. As you drive, you will encounter several mules and donkeys along the path

As you drive along the pass, you will encounter several mules and donkeys. These are usually used to transport items bought in South Africa. Do not worry about coming face to face with the mules. Your speed will be relatively low giving you ample time to stop and let them pass.

8. You are likely to experience summer storms and windy conditions as you drive on this pass

View down into South Africa from top of Sani Pass in Lesotho. Photo by Michael Denne/

The first few bends on the Sani Pass can be dramatic and a little terrifying to most people. Some of the bends allow for one vehicle to stop. Some road work was carried out on some of the bends, making them slightly wider.

This also helped reduce the drastic bend in the road. As you drive, you will likely experience summer or electrical storms. You should maintain the right speed, and gear and have 100 percent concentration as you drive.

9. The road has been built in the middle of a ravine and experiences water damage from time to time

The Sani Pass has been built in the middle of a ravine. To prevent rocks from falling, gabions have been installed at the most crucial sections of the road. Some ditches help get rid of excess water. It’s this water that damages the road.

As you drive along, the road is less steep and it opens up to a beautiful view. It’s even possible to stop for some photos on a beautiful day.

10. Sani Pass was South Africa’s highest pass but this is no longer the case

The road through Sani Pass taken from the rim of Drakensberg Escarpment within 100 metres of the South African/Lesotho border. Photo by Vaiz Ha/

Sani pass held the record for South Africa’s highest pass for many years. However, in October 2016, a new pass opened to the public. The Ben MacDhui Pass summits at 3001m at beats Sani’s altitude by 125 meters.