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Lesotho: Sani Pass Scenic Day Trip w/ Village Visit & Lunch
Climb aboard our Landrovers to travel through the legendary Sani Pass on a full-day tour. Admire stunning views of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and get a taste of the Basotho lifestyle and cuisine.
About this activity
Highlights
- Enjoy incredible views as you travel up the 4x4 track through the Drakensberg
- Experience the unique mountain culture of the Basotho people
- Meet local shepherds
- Watch hand-shearing of sheep or angora goats in season
- A short walk to a viewpoint where you can see Thabana Ntlenyana, highest point
Full description
The Sani Pass (2874m) 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, but another world.
Our popular day tour gives an all-round experience of Lesotho via the famous Sani Pass. This 4x4 former mule track cutting through the Drakensberg cliffs with a gradient of 1:5 on the 180 degree switchback bends. Hear tales of the pioneering of the route and see wildflowers, wildlife and birds inhabiting the sheer slopes. Crossing into Lesotho, we visit a household in a small shepherd’s village and respectfully engage with the Basotho people to learn about their remarkable lives at this altitude. We enjoy a traditional lunch, followed by a visit to the shearing shed to view sheep and angora goat shearing (by hand) in season. We then ascend Black Mountain Pass (3240m), second highest road pass in Lesotho with 360-degree panoramic views where it is likely we will meet shepherds dressed traditionally in blankets. These fascinating people spend the summer months in the highlands tending flocks of sheep and goats. Take a walk to a viewpoint where on a clear day, one can see Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point in Southern Africa at 3482m before returning.
What makes Us Different:
Guides: Our experienced guides are all knowledgeable and passionate about the Sani Pass and Lesotho.
Vehicles: We use mainly 9 seater closed in Landrovers. This is the vehicle which pioneered the Sani Pass. The emphasis is on adventures and experiences on not on comfort.
Pricing is numbers dependent, with cheaper prices once the group size on the tour is 3 or more. It makes sense for individuals to join existing tours if possible.
Community Tourism: Experience responsible tourism in action! Your tour price includes a contribution to the Sani Top Basotho community. Our ground-breaking approach to grass-roots tourism means that your tour price directly benefits a wide segment of the local community, preserving cultural dignity and ensuring Fair remuneration for services rendered.
“Sani Lodge is the Silver Award Winner of African Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Reduction 2018. Drakensberg Adventures has made a major contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction over many years. By involving Basotho stakeholders, they have created opportunities for communities to proudly showcase their unique cultural practices, engaging with guests in an authentic manner, thereby earning their respect. They are the future of tourism in Africa".
~ Judges
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, but another world.
Our popular day tour gives an all-round experience of Lesotho via the famous Sani Pass. This 4x4 former mule track cutting through the Drakensberg cliffs with a gradient of 1:5 on the 180 degree switchback bends. Hear tales of the pioneering of the route and see wildflowers, wildlife and birds inhabiting the sheer slopes. Crossing into Lesotho, we visit a household in a small shepherd’s village and respectfully engage with the Basotho people to learn about their remarkable lives at this altitude. We enjoy a traditional lunch, followed by a visit to the shearing shed to view sheep and angora goat shearing (by hand) in season. We then ascend Black Mountain Pass (3240m), second highest road pass in Lesotho with 360-degree panoramic views where it is likely we will meet shepherds dressed traditionally in blankets. These fascinating people spend the summer months in the highlands tending flocks of sheep and goats. Take a walk to a viewpoint where on a clear day, one can see Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point in Southern Africa at 3482m before returning.
What makes Us Different:
Guides: Our experienced guides are all knowledgeable and passionate about the Sani Pass and Lesotho.
Vehicles: We use mainly 9 seater closed in Landrovers. This is the vehicle which pioneered the Sani Pass. The emphasis is on adventures and experiences on not on comfort.
Pricing is numbers dependent, with cheaper prices once the group size on the tour is 3 or more. It makes sense for individuals to join existing tours if possible.
Community Tourism: Experience responsible tourism in action! Your tour price includes a contribution to the Sani Top Basotho community. Our ground-breaking approach to grass-roots tourism means that your tour price directly benefits a wide segment of the local community, preserving cultural dignity and ensuring Fair remuneration for services rendered.
“Sani Lodge is the Silver Award Winner of African Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Reduction 2018. Drakensberg Adventures has made a major contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction over many years. By involving Basotho stakeholders, they have created opportunities for communities to proudly showcase their unique cultural practices, engaging with guests in an authentic manner, thereby earning their respect. They are the future of tourism in Africa".
~ Judges
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Customer reviews
Great, Dean was an excellent and warm guide! Absolutely recommended, thank you very much.
From $82 per person
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