The Sani
Pass was originally developed as a bridal path in 1913.
This steep zigzagging pass climbs the face of the Drakensberg
escarpment to an altitude of 2874m. The first vehicle negotiated
the path in 1948 when it was no more wide boulder littered
donkey track. It is now used for the most part by 4x4 vehicles
and has become a highlight for tourists visiting the Southern
Drakensberg.
The Sani
Pass is the only access from KwaZulu Natal to the harsh
environment of the Lesotho Highlands, the domain of the
endangered Bearded Vulture, Basotho shepherds and their
animals. The Route, aptly called the "roof of Africa",
boasts to be the highest road in Africa and third highest
in the world and peaks at a heady height of 3200m above
sea level! Close by, within a couple of kilometres, is
the highest peak in Southern Africa, Thabane Ntlenyana,
3482m high.
