Skip to main content
Sani Pass Hike
Sani Pass Hike
Sani Pass Hike
Sani Pass Hike
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
Sani Pass

Sani Pass Hike

Author: SA Hikes

Multi Day Hikes, In the Mountains, Moderate Hikes, Day Hikes, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Maloti-Drabensberg Park

Total hike distance: 20 km
Elevation gain: 924 metres

About Sani Pass Hike

A difficult 8 hour hike (16 km's) The hike up the pass begins in the car park 5.5 km past Sani Mountain Escape. It is a long and steep gravel road. Passports are necessary at the top. By law only 4x4 vehicles may drive this road.

Extend your hike to two days and stay overnight at Sani Mountain Escape with the highest pub in Africa!

Sani Pass
Sani Pass
View gallery
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
View gallery
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
View gallery
Sani Pass
Sani Pass
View gallery

Hike Directions

The hike statrts from South Africa's border station in the valley up to the Lesotho border. This is the only connecting road from South Africa to Lesotho's eastern border.

Your hike follows a gravel road from the border station with parking in South Africa. The last meters are steeper, it is after all the third steepest pass in the world.

About the area

Sani Pass is between the Cobham Rervere dominated by Hodgson's Peaks and Vergelegen.

Address & Contact details

The starting point is at the SA border post car park about 5.5 km after the Sani Pass Hotel.

All enquiries can be made telephonically, or by e-mail to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Reservations Office:

  • Telephone: +27 (0) 33 845 1000
  • General Information: + 27 (0) 33 845 1002
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Track Map

GPS Track Details
Track length: 7.93 km
Total ascent: 924 m
Total descent: 10 m
Difficulty Level: 4/5 - Hard

Location Map

Featured Accommodation

Sani Valley Lodge

Sani Valley Lodge

Located within the dramatic Drakensberg mountain range, bordering a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sani Valley Lodge offers a unique blend of luxury, na…
Read more
Dieu Donne

Dieu Donne

Nestled amidst the picturesque Southern Drakensberg Mountains, Dieu Donne offers a charming and self-catering retreat off the Sani Pass Road in Under…
Read more
Premier Resort Sani Pass

Premier Resort Sani Pass

Nestled in the picturesque Mkhomazana Valley at the foot of the renowned Sani Pass, Premier Resort Sani Pass offers a warm welcome and unforgettable…
Read more
Sani Lodge and Backpackers

Sani Lodge and Backpackers

Nestled amidst the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains, Sani Lodge and Backpackers offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Situated on 30 hectare…
Read more
Mkomazana Mountain Cottages

Mkomazana Mountain Cottages

Located within the trans-frontier peace park at the foot of the Sani Pass, Mkomazana Mountain Cottages offers a tranquil and unforgettable experience…
Read more
Misty Ridge Luxury Accommodation

Misty Ridge Luxury Accommodation

Nestled amidst the picturesque Southern Drakensberg Mountains, Misty Ridge Luxury Accommodation offers a tranquil and luxurious getaway. Situated on…
Read more
Lake House @ Misty Ridge

Lake House @ Misty Ridge

Tucked away in the picturesque valley, Lake House @ Misty Ridge offers a charming self-catering cottage ideal for couples or friends seeking a tranqu…
Read more