MAP KEY: 1. South African Border Control • 2. Lesotho Border Control • 3. The beginning of the steep switchbacks.

Sani Pass: A 4x4 adventure chasing snow from South Africa to Lesotho

27 June 2022
By Staff Writer

Sani Pass is a mostly gravel road that connects the tarred P318 starting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa with the tarred A14 in Lesotho. It is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Southern Africa, and is a favourite with the 4x4 and adventure biker community as well as other tourists who make use of the local tour operators.

The distance from where the main part of the pass essentially begins, which is just after Premier Resort, to the Lesotho border control at the top is 22km. The section between the South African border control lower down the pass and the Lesotho border control at the top of the pass is a rough and steep gravel section that is limited to 4x4 vehicles only. The last 2km is very steep and features a series of switchbacks that can be very challenging in fresh snow, and includes the infamous “icy corner”.

For those determined to find snow, driving the extra 13km from the Lesotho border on the tarred road to Black Mountain (Kotisephola Pass) may be worthwhile, since it’s around 375m higher in evaluation and often has snow long after it has melted at the top of Sani Pass.

The technical aspects of driving Sani Pass should not be underestimated however, especially if you're not used to driving in snow and ice. In fact when the pass is icy it can be dangerous no matter what kind of vehicle you're in, but experience counts more than anything else so you can certainly feel comfortable if you're using one of the reputable tour operators since their guides know the pass very well. Many a driver has learned about the risks of this route the hard way, and a recent serious accident yet again demonstrated the dangers of driving the pass with ice and snow. In most countries that are used to driving in snow, few would dare to tackle a pass like this without tyre chains but since they are expensive to import for the occasional snow adventure not many people tend to own a set.

But while tackling Sani in winter does have risks, it is truly one of the spectacular adventures of the region, so it is not our aim to put people off driving the pass if they are confident enough to do so. If the conditions are suitable at the time for the type of vehicle, tyres and skill level of driver then it can be a wonderful experience.

With the top of Sani Pass being at an elevation of 2875m, temperatures can drop down well below freezing so the right clothing is essential for a trip in winter. The SnowReportSA team have encountered minus seventeen degrees in the early hours of the morning while staying at the top of the pass.

One of the results of the very low temperatures on the pass is the spectacular frozen waterfalls that can be seen next to the road on the switchbacks, but these conditions also mean that ice on the road is regularly a factor for drivers tacking the pass. The steepest parts of the pass are not tarred, which makes them far less dangerous since the ice breaks up more easily on gravel, but on the steepest sections this can still result in even the most suitable vehicles losing traction sometimes.

On some days nobody can get to the top of the pass and many a vehicle is left in the road while the owners walk the rest of the way up the switchbacks to the warmth of the lodge and "the highest pub in Africa" at the top. Needless to say SnowReportSA strongly warns against drinking alcohol before trying to drive down the pass!

Because of the extreme cold at the top of the pass sometimes, staying overnight is for the more adventurous traveller and many people choose some of the convenient accommodation at the bottom of the pass in the nearby town of Himeville or outside Underberg. Since winter is a big part of tourism in this area they get low-level snow at least every year or so, most establishments are well equipped with good bedding and fireplaces to ensure that nobody is cold after a chilly day of snow chasing.

Of course Sani Pass is also an exciting adventure throughout the year, and is far less challenging when there is no ice or snow on the road. There is plenty to do in the area and most of the establishments that we work with are booked out during peak season, so be sure to plan your summer holidays to this area well in advance.

As always be safe when driving to snow, and always check conditions right before you leave. Since Lesotho can be extremely cold, be sure to carry enough food, water and blankets in the vehicle in case you get stuck in the snow if you’re driving through the country. Also be sure to charge your devices because the batteries drain quickly in the cold.

The Sani Border controls are open 7 days a week between 6am and 6pm, so don’t forget to bring your passport (and for the kids) if you’re planning to go past the South African border. As far as we know, unabridged birth certificates are still needed for children to cross the border.

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