The Sani Pass is one of the most scenic and challenging 4x4 mountain passes in South Africa, connecting the town of Underberg to the highlands of Lesotho. Famous for its steep switchbacks, rugged gravel roads, and mountain views, driving the Sani Pass is a bucket-list experience for any adventurous traveller or 4x4 enthusiast.
This guide shares everything you need to know before attempting to drive the Sani Pass. Based on our first-hand experience during a month-long South Africa road trip, we cover how to get there, when to go, whether you really need a 4x4, what to expect along the route, and the best places to stay nearby. We’ll also share practical tips for border crossings, road conditions, and essential safety gear.
Whether you're planning to self-drive the Sani Pass or join a guided 4x4 tour, this article will help you prepare for a safe and unforgettable journey. Discover why the Sani Pass is one of the most iconic drives in Southern Africa and how to drive it with confidence.
Contents
1. Where is the Sani Pass?
2. What is the Sani Pass?
3. How to get to the Sani Pass?
4. When is the best time to drive the Sani Pass?
5. Our experience driving the Sani Pass
6. How difficult is the Sani Pass?
7. Do I need a 4x4 to drive the Sani Pass?
8. What you need to know before driving the Sani Pass & safety tips
9. What essentials do you need for the Sani Pass?
10. Where to stay near the Sani Pass
South Africa has it all – smooth tabletop mountains, a dreamy coastline and a chance to see the Big Five in the wild. It also happens to be one the best countries in the world for a road trip, especially for 4x4 enthusiasts and epic overlanding adventures.
The Drakensberg Escarpment follows down South Africa’s eastern side, a wall of rugged peaks that runs north to south. In Afrikaans, Drakensberg means ‘Dragons’ Mountains’, which already makes it sound like a mythical legend and in real life, these magnificent mountains live up to their name.
When we first heard about the Sani Pass in South Africa, we knew we had to drive it. It is one of the most iconic (and toughest) mountain passes in South Africa, connecting it to Lesotho via a steep gravel road with sharp switchbacks, river crossings and sheer drops.
We tackled the Sani Pass during our month-long overland road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town. It turned into more of an adventure than we expected – yes, we broke down, but now we’ve got plenty of tips to share with you. Our detailed 3-week South Africa itinerary shares the exact route we took and where stayed along the route.
If you’re after an adventure with big views, and even bigger adrenaline, the Sani Pass might just be exactly what you’re looking for. It offers some of the most dramatic landscapes, where the gravel road takes you past cascading waterfalls through a remote valley and up to the highest pub in South Africa.
Where is the Sani Pass?
The Sani Pass is located in the Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa, just northwest of Underberg and west of Pietermaritzburg, the provincial capital. It carves through the Drakensberg Mountains, offering an adventurous route into Lesotho, the Mountain Kingdom.
The Sani Pass is located in the Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa, just northwest of Underberg and west of Pietermaritzburg, the provincial capital. It carves through the Drakensberg Mountains, offering an adventurous route into Lesotho, the Mountain Kingdom.
In Zulu, the Drakensberg Mountains are known as uKhahlamba, meaning “barrier of spears”, a name inspired by the jagged cliffs shaped by centuries of volcanic basalt erosion.
What is the Sani Pass?
The Sani Pass is one of the toughest roads in South Africa. This steep gravel track is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles and offers a challenging drive, with rough terrain, sheer drops, and the occasional wandering sheep. The pass starts just outside Underberg at 1,544 metres and climbs to a summit of 2,973 metres, earning its nickname – the Roof of Africa.
Historically, it served as a trade route, used to transport mules and goods like wool and mohair from Lesotho into South Africa. Even today, Lesotho shepherds still travel the route, and it’s not uncommon to see them along the way.
The first vehicle to successfully drive the Sani Pass was in 1948, by Godfrey Edmonds. A few years later, in 1955, David Alexander founded the first tour company bringing adventurous travellers to experience the thrill of the Sani Pass for themselves.
How to get to the Sani Pass?
The Sani Pass road climbs 1,000 metres in just 8 kilometres, making it one of the most dramatic mountain roads in South Africa leading to Lesotho.
Since South Africa completely landlocks Lesotho, most international travellers begin their journey from the South African side. If starting from South Africa, the closest international airports are Durban (4 hour drive) and Johannesburg (7 hour drive). It’s possible to book a guided tour from Durban, taking away any of the stress of the drive.
The nearest city is Pietermaritzburg, just 2.5 hours away and only 30 minutes from the town of Underberg, the gateway to the pass and last stop for supplies.
If you’re driving from Lesotho, the pass is about an hour’s drive from Mokhotlong and 3.5 hours from Butha-Buthe in the north.
When is the best time to drive the Sani Pass?
The Sani Pass sits high in the mountains, which means the weather can change quickly and is often unpredictable. During heavy rain, strong winds or snow, the pass can become impassable and may be closed in extreme circumstances. Accidents on the Sani Pass are unfortunately not uncommon, which highlights the importance of being prepared.
Located in a Highveld climate, the region experiences two main seasons; a dry season (April to September) and a wet season (October to March). The best time to drive the Sani Pass is during the dry season, when you’re more likely to have clear blue skies and minimal rain. The landscape during this time is usually brown and dry, in contrast to the lush green scenery of the wetter months.
If you’re travelling in winter (June to August), be prepared for cold mornings and evenings. Snow and ice can form at higher altitudes, especially overnight. Avoid driving between November and February when heavy rains can create slippery and dangerous conditions. Landslides and flooding are also more likely during this period. Due to the elevation, snow is possible at any time of year.
We drove the pass in mid-March, the start of autumn. The landscape was a palette of greens, but weather at the top was unpredictable. We checked the weather forecast the night before and set off early to avoid the afternoon rain and storms. Even in March, snowfall and rain at the top made the drive more challenging.
TIP | Always check the weather before your journey on the Sani Pass. As a result of the altitude, snow on the Sani Pass is possible even outside the winter months, making the road slippery and dangerous to drive.
Best times to drive the Sani Pass
June to August (winter) - Dry conditions, though the summit may be icy or snow-covered
March to May (autumn) - Better chances of stable weather with beautiful green scenery
September to mid October (early spring) - Cool weather and blooming with wildflowers
Our Experience driving the road into Lesotho - what’s it like Driving the sani pass?
Starting the climb
We started our drive early, knowing that the weather forecast predicted rain by the afternoon. After a quick stop for supplies and fuel in Underberg, we headed toward the start of the Sani Pass.
The road to the South African border post is tarmac, winding through the valley alongside the Mkhomazana River. Scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and striking rock formations make this part of the journey surprisingly peaceful and relaxing. Don’t rush and take the time to enjoy the scenery at the start of the pass!
At the South African border post before the start of the Sani Pass gravel section, we both made the most of the toilets (took a nervous wee) and showed our passports. The border post opens at 8 am. We arrived just after it opened and were among the first on the trail. This is usually where you will be asked about your vehicle‘s four wheel drive capability.
Tip | Fill your car with fuel and check your vehicle before you go.
The first ascent
As we started the official gravel track of the Sani Pass, the gradient was relatively flat, giving us a chance to warm up for the challenge ahead. The road was mostly wide enough for passing vehicles, or you would need to find a spot to pull over. We did have one car speeding down the pass without giving us right of way, even though we were heading uphill.
The road then begins to twist, and the bends start. There are a few small stream crossings as water drains from the surrounding mountains into the Mkhomazana River. Around 2,400 metres, there is a wonderful viewpoint. We highly recommend stopping here. The views from halfway up are some of the best.
The first sign of troubles
It was around this point our 4x4 rental car began to overheat. The engine temperature slowly crept up, and we had to stop to let it cool down. Several tour vehicles passed us, and we began to wonder whether we’d even make it to the top!
We managed another two kilometres, past the infamous Suicide Bend and to the base of the hairpin turns (starting around 2,593 metres), where the engine overheated again. We waited for a long time, taking in the views and watching a local shepherd guide his sheep up the pass.
The Final Push and Pull
The final stretch, with more than a dozen hairpin bends, was the most difficult part of the Sani Pass. With sheer drops, steep inclines and little room to pull over, we were quite stressed. Our attention was focused on the engine and just trying to make it to the summit.
As the Sani Pass sign finally came into view, clouds began to roll in over the Roof of Africa. With only a few hundred metres from the top, the engine overheated again. By now, most tour vehicles had passed us, many kindly stopped to check if we were okay as we waited for it to cool when we just wanted to be in the pub with a well-earned Savanna.
A lovely South African named Juan offered to tow us for the last distance to the border. We also drove slowly to take the weight off and made it to the summit just as the heavens opened with torrential rain.
Juan mentioned this happens often as many people underestimate how tough the Sani Pass is on vehicles, especially our heavy vehicle.
The highest Pub in Africa
At the top, we went through Lesotho border control, to get our passports stamped and pay the tourist tax. Then it was time to take shelter in the highest pub in Africa, the Sani Mountain Lodge. Entry costs R100 per person, which you redeem as a voucher inside through buying food and drink. We bought Juan a drink to thank him for helping us to the top.
Unfortunately, we did not get much of a view at the top, but we enjoyed learning about the history of the Sani Pass and the fascinating collection of banknotes from across the world.
How difficult is it to drive the Sani Pass?
While driving the Sani Pass, you may spot car wrecks in the valley below, scars left of past accidents, which are not uncommon on this stretch of road. The most recent tragedy was in January 2023, when a bakkie (pickup truck) lost control and rolled. The Sani Pass has claimed many lives over the years, highlighting the road’s dangers and the importance of taking safety seriously when driving.
Before attempting the Sani Pass, you should have prior 4x4 driving experience. Without it, you risk your safety and that of others. You can still enjoy the journey safely by booking a guided tour with a professional and experienced driver.
That said, it’s not impossible. The drive up the Sani Pass takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, starting relatively easy before becoming narrow and steep. In heavy rain, snow, or ice, the gravel track can become treacherous and it’s easy to lose traction. The road may also flood from snow melt or rain. Preparation is essential, expect potential breakdowns, and unpredictable weather, and always have a plan B in case the pass is closed.
After completing the challenge, reward yourself with a drink and some food at the Sani Pass Pub, the highest in Africa, and have a chance to reminisce on your journey with other fellow adventure-seekers.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive the Sani Pass?
Yes, you must have a 4x4 to drive the Sani Pass, and your vehicle will be checked at the border post. This requirement exists because of the steep gradients (up to 1:5), the elevation gain of over 1,000 metres, and the gravel road conditions.
The Sani Pass should only be attempted in a 4x4 by those with previous off-road experience. While some claim it’s possible to drive a 2WD vehicle in dry conditions, why take the risk?
There are online accounts of people driving down the Sani Pass in a 2WD, claiming it’s safer to drive uphill. However, even driving downhill can be dangerous without proper traction and control. Vehicles can easily slide out of control.
If you’re not confident driving off-road, you can still experience the adventure of the pass by booking a Sani Pass tour with an experienced guide and 4x4 vehicle.
Here are some reasons why you need a 4x4 to drive the Sani Pass:
4WD alleviates pressure on the vehicle’s brakes, especially on steep downhill sections.
4WD reduces the strain on the engine when climbing steep gradients.
Unpredictable mountain weather may bring rain, snow, ice or mud and 4WD offers better traction and control.
Gravel roads, loose rocks and wet conditions require better clearance and traction.
Elevation changes demand low gear control and reliable grip, which 4WD provides by evenly distributing torque across all four tyres.
It’s a legal requirement
The road is challenging and often changes after flooding
Driving 4WD lets you enjoy the drive instead of worrying about trying to survive.
What you need to know before driving the Sani Pass & safety tips
🚘 Vehicles going uphill have the right of way.
🚘 If you’re going downhill, you must give way to oncoming vehicles.
🚘 Allow plenty of time to account for delays, breakdowns, or weather changes
🚘 Make a note of the border opening and closing times (for both South Africa and Lesotho)
🚘 Save emergency contact numbers and note that some areas on the pass may not have phone signal
🚘 Be prepared for no phone signal. You may need to call SOS on your phone or walk to the nearest border post for help.
🚘 Stop at scenic points to take breaks and give your car a rest. Don’t rush the adventure!
🚘 Check the weather forecast the day before and the morning of your drive, the weather can change quickly
🚘 Travel with a spare tyre, tools, coolant, and water as breakdowns are not uncommon
🚘 Carry your passport and vehicle documents for the border posts
🚘 Bring snacks and extra water
🚘 Engage low gear when descending to reduce the strain on your brakes
🚘 Let faster vehicles overtake in safe pullover spots
🚘 Let someone know of your travel plans
READ MORE | Useful tips for Driving in South Africa & Road trip ideas
What essentials do you need for the Sani Pass?
Vehicle Requirements
4x4 vehicle (mandatory)
Previous 4x4/off-road driving experience
Full tank of fuel
Spare wheel and tyre repair kit
Tow gear (tow rope or strap)
Vehicle paperwork (registration, rental agreement, border permissions)
Border Crossing Essentials
Passport (for both South African and Lesotho border posts)
Border paperwork for the vehicle
Cash in South African Rand (for border fees, pub, and tips)
Navigation & Communication
E-SIM or local SIM card
Paper map or offline GPS
Emergency contact numbers
Power bank to charge phone
Comfort & Safety
Warm clothing/layers (e.g. down jacket – it’s colder at the top)
First Aid Kit
Snacks and drinking water
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera or phone for photos
Border opening hours and emergency plans
Where to stay near the Sani Pass
Whether you’re preparing to climb or descend the Sani Pass, there are many options for accommodation in the Drakensberg. There are luxury hotels, budget stays, self-catering and camping places to stay, either at the base of the pass in Underberg or at the summit in Lesotho for more dramatic morning views.
Khotso Campsite and Overlanders
We stayed at Khotso the night before tackling the Sani Pass. This beautiful, quiet riverside campsite sits just outside Underberg. Its peaceful setting is ideal for settling your nerves before the drive or makes a great destination after descending the pass.
We paid R380 for two adults, which included access to the community kitchen area, toilets, and hot showers. It takes around 50 minutes to drive from the campsite to the South African border post.
Sani Mountain Escape
At the top of the Sani Pass, Sani Mountain Escape offers cosy rondavels for 2 to 6 guests—perfect for couples, families, or groups. It shares the same grounds as the Sani Mountain Lodge Pub, the highest pub in Africa.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Sani Mountain Escape
Sani Top Backpackers & Campsite
An excellent choice for backpackers and budget-savvy travellers, offering space to park your campervan as well as simple dorm rooms. It’s a very convenient place to stay either before or after driving the Sani Pass.
Premier resort sani pass
At the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, the Premier Resort Sani Pass offers a more comfortable option with spa treatments, luxury accommodation and a pool. It provides easy access to hiking trails nearby, and other activities including horse riding and birdwatching.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Premier Resort Sani Pass
Mamohase B&B Homestay
After driving up the Sani Pass, we continued north into Lesotho along the A1, passing stunning waterfalls and mountain views to reach this welcoming homestay.
The journey to get there feels like a mini Sani Pass of its own. Hosted by Moruti, we stayed in a traditional rondavel, which was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. He offers warm hospitality and a genuine insight into local life in Lesotho.
We paid R100 per person per night and the drive from the summit of the Sani Pass takes around 3 hours.
