Sani Pass, Underberg, Drakensberg Mountains

The Underberg is part of the southern range of the Drakensberg Mountains and passes through mostly flatish fields where cattle and a few maize farms are found on the KwaZulu Natal side.

During a quick 3 night excursion to the Sani Pass region, the days were hot and the evening cool. Sani Pass is covered in snow during the winter and peaking at 2 873 metres above sea level, the pass is also referred to as the Roof of Africa.

The many small waterfalls and beautiful clear streams provide a lovely place to cool off in during summer while hiking and the ideal place to spend a day swimming and having a picnic.

The Pass lies on the border of Lesotho and is a great adventure centre which includes hikes, climbing, 4x4 trails, horse riding, off-road motorcycle tours and mountain biking trails.

In winter, some of the area is used as ski slopes. Sani Pass is a popular mountain biking destination which plays host to the annual Sani Pass Transfrontier Mountain Bike Epic in December, providing two routes – 42km and 26km in length.

Local accommodation comes in many forms from backpacking, camping and luxury chalets and hotels to suite your requirements. These establishments offer tours of all kinds and some hiking and horse riding excursions are up to 5 days in length.

The road through Sani Pass is an extremely difficult one due to the lose gravel and should not be attempted if you are not an experienced driver with a 4x4 vehicle. As it is a border to Lesotho, a passport is required at the top if you are crossing.

This is a birding paradise due to the vegetation being so varied: from wetlands, mountain crags and grasslands. One of the rare sightings is the Egyptian Vulture. The Eastern Redfooted Kestrel is a common migrant from November to March.

For tours to this region including the coastal regions of KwaZulu Natal, please contact me. The tours concentrate on birding and horse riding.