To & From Sani Pass
 

Greetings. I have been reading about the Sani Pass, but all I can deduct thus far is that it is beautiful and parts are challenging. Does anyone have advice as far as the best route to and from the pass... also, how long is the pass, are we talking a day long trip up and back or several days? I'm coming from Pretoria, thought I would approach from the N3. Many thanks.

Very straightforward. From memory (we did it in 2001) it took about 1/2 hr - 1 hr - we came in from Durban and then carried on looping through Lesotho. The pass was easy but nice views, just lots of switch backs. Lesotho was really cool.

Sani Pass
 

I passed through Lesotho a few days ago and came through Sani Pass. From the north, south of Bethlehem, the small town of Clarens is a nice spot for a stopover, then through Fouriesburg to the border (very easy border). It is possible to drive from Clarens all the way across Lesotho and back into ZA on the other side if that's what you want to do. Follow the signs to "Afri Ski", which is basically one left turn off the road you enter on. The drive is beautiful, and after reaching high altitude, you'll pass by Afri Ski and a diamond mind. The road has a lot of potholes. The road goes towards Mokhotlong, and you turn right just before the town to Sani Pass (beautiful dirt road). The Lesotho border post is at the top of the pass- super easy. The only technical part of the pass is the top 1/2 kilometer or so- maybe 8 or 10 switchbacks with large rocks, but not too difficult. You then enter the Drakensburg, and the scenery is fantastic. The ZA border post is at the bottom of the pass. After around 12 ks from the pass, there's a backpacker hostel on the right called Sani Pass Lodge that I really recommend. The sign is small, but it's right next to a coffee hut that has a big sign. Enjoy the drive-
Marcus

nice bread,cheese and ice cream!
 

The coffeplace has very nice home made bread, cheese and icecream! So before you enter Lesotho bring some of the good bread! The Sani Pass is great, very very beautifull. I agree its only a short strech that is difficult. After the Sani pass you can spend as many days in Lesotho as you like. We spend 5 days in this beautifull country but I can imagine you can spend a lot more!
Enjoy!