1 Day 4×4 Excursion to the Top of Sani Pass
Including Lunch at the “Highest Pub in Africa” and Return via the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Featuring Nelson Mandela’s Capture Site and the Howick Falls
This unforgettable one-day adventure begins from Pietermaritzburg or Durban (or any other KZN town by prior arrangement). The exact collection point will be confirmed before departure.
We generally depart at 8:00 am from Pietermaritzburg (or 7:30 am from Durban). From Pietermaritzburg, we follow the scenic “old” road via Hilton and along the Midlands Meander route, visiting the historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site – a moving tribute to one of South Africa’s greatest icons.
Breakfast of your choice will be enjoyed at the charming Rawdons Hotel, after which we continue via Nottingham Road and Lower Lotheni, pausing for coffee at the Sani Pass Hotel before beginning our ascent of the legendary Sani Pass.
This world-famous mountain pass, one of only a few road links between South Africa and Lesotho, offers jaw-dropping scenery and dramatic views over the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. From the Sani Pass Hotel, we climb 1,300 metres in just a few kilometres along a rugged track that was once a route for donkeys and traders. The pass remains accessible only by 4×4 vehicle, adding to the thrill of the journey.
At the summit, we enjoy lunch and a refreshing drink at The Highest Pub in Africa, situated at an altitude of 2,874 metres above sea level. Take time to soak in the panoramic mountain views, snap unforgettable photos, or simply breathe in the crisp Lesotho air.
After lunch, we descend the same spectacular route, stopping for photographic opportunities or to simply appreciate the sweeping vistas of the Drakensberg range.
Our return journey takes us through the peaceful farming towns of Himeville, Underberg, and Howick, with a final stop at the magnificent 365-foot-high Howick Falls before heading back to Pietermaritzburg or Durban.
Important Notes:
- These tours are weather-dependent. Sani Pass may be impassable during periods of snow (usually August through September) or after heavy summer rains.
- Passports and international travel documents are required, as the tour crosses the border into Lesotho.
- Don’t forget your camera, warm clothing, and sense of adventure, this is a journey you’ll never forget!