Description

Departure: Trout Walk Centre in central Underberg 

Time: Meet at 9h00 Tour departs at 09h30 from  

Collections: From accommodation in and around Underberg at 09h00

This is an inspiring and awesome journey to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho at the top of the Drakensberg Mountains, sometimes referred to as ‘Kingdom of the Sky’. Underberg is a beautiful village at the foot of the Drakenberg Range, just over 200km [2h30 driving time] from Durban in South Africa.

Leaving the picturesque town of Underberg, you drive along hilly, green landscape to the foot of the mighty Drakensberg Mountains.  From here you drive for 2h30 hours, up the Sani Pass which starts at 1544m and rises 1332 vertical meters to summit at 2876m. The zig-zagging gravel mountain pass with steep slopes, was constructed around 1950, and it never fails to thrill.  The road is a steep gravel road with gradients up to 1:3, which can be difficult to drive in bad weather and may be covered with snow and ice in winter. By South African law only 4x4 vehicles are allowed on the road. As you curve through hairpin bends up to the summit you will have extraordinary views down into the valleys. You are in for a fun and heart-racing trip!    

Stopping at breath taking view sites along the Sani Pass and the two border posts i.e. The South African Border Control and Lesotho Border Control. [Need a valid passport]. Once at the Top of the Sani Pass - enjoy lunch [for own account] at the Highest Pub in Africa - The Sani Mountain Lodge. The price of lunch varies from R65 - R145 per person depending on your preference from the menu.

Your adventure is only beginning.  After lunch you visit a Basotho village and interact with the local, fiercely independent, friendly inhabitants who live a harsh existence in this rugged land.  There will be ample opportunity to take photographs of the iconic Lesotho conical straw hat and maybe get a beautiful and decorative woven bowl made by the women there.  Your experienced mountain guide will fascinate you with stories of Lesotho and its incredible people - the hardy mountainous Basotho folk. 

The Basotho Pony is an integral part of life for the local population and can be traced back from that of the Cape horse, which formed the foundation stock. ... The first horses appeared in Lesotho around 1825, captured from the Zulu and later from the Boers. Traditional beer and homemade bread offered on request.  

Yo wind down the Sani Pass after this cultural experience and arrive back in Underberg between 16h00- 16h30 depending on the wildlife spotted along the way. 

Additional Information:

What to Wear:

Very warm clothing in winter . We suggest you layer for winter.

Light weight clothing in Summer, with jacket as the weather can change fast.

A valid passport must be produced to enter Lesotho

Please note that some passports do require visas to enter Lesotho. No visa required for South African passport holders.

Please check with the Lesotho Embassy for clarity.

Highlights

• Wildlife spotting
• Amazing journey up the Sani Pass
• Highest pub in Africa
• Sani Pass Summit 
• Basotho village
• Traditional beer and homemade bread (on request)  

Itinerary

Meet: 9h00 : Our office in the  Trout Walk Centre, Sani Pass Tours offices : Shop no 22, Trout Walk Centre, Sani Road,Underberg  

Departure: 09h30 

 Alternatively: 9h00 Free pick up from your B&B or Hotel in the Underberg area.  

The Drive from Durban central to Underberg via the N3 and the R617 is 208km and takes 2h30.

Drive in a 4X4 with an experienced driver 2.5 hours 

Stop at look out points to enjoy the views

Reach the summit, climbing a grand 2874 metres above sea level!

Lunch at the Highest Pub in Africa [for own account]

Visit a Basotho Village

Return to Trout Walk Centre in Underberg: 16h00 to 16h30 depending on game sighting on return journey.

VIP:

Must have valid passport to enter Lesotho

Some Passports may need a visa. Please check with the Lesotho Authorities. South African passport holders do not need a visa.

South African Rand (ZAR) is accepted in Lesotho, however you may receive change in the local Lesotho currency, Maloti (M). You will not be able to use Maloti once you are back in South Africa so try to use your Maloti while you are in Lesotho. No other international currencies are readily accepted.  

Fitness:

No fitness required.
High altitude. 

Important information

Please note that some passports do require visas to enter Lesotho.
Please check with the Lesotho Embassy for clarity:
http://evisalesotho.com/visa-exemptions/
Pick up only available in the Underberg and surroundings 

Operated by: Sani Pass Tours