Sani Pass and Lesotho

Sani Pass, Lesotho – 2008. Sani Pass is a frontier area between the South African border post at the bottom of the pass and Lesotho immigration post at the top of the pass. It is the only border post between Kwazulu-Natal and Lesotho. A 4X4 is a must even in good weather because the road bends though almost 1,000 meters climb over eight kilometres. The upper part of the road is very rough and consists of a series of very tight and steep hairpin turns. Snowstorms here are not unusual in the winter and can close the road completely, often for several days. The views of the Southern Drakenberg Mountains are spectacular.

The main road to Himeville and Sani Pass

Mountain Reedbuck

Entering the lower portion of Sani Pass before arriving at the South African border post.

The “road” after leaving the South African boarder post.

The road is visible in the center right as it winds its way up and over the mountain.

Not yet half way there, but the view is spectacular.

Southern Drakenberg Mountains

A local taxi heading for Lesotho.

Southern Drakenberg Mountains

Wild Flowers

You can’t see it, but the road tracks through the center of this photo.

The upper portion of Sani Pass

It was cold enough at this altitude that this stream was completely frozen.

The upper portion of Sani Pass

The upper portion of Sani Pass

Sani Pass, Lesotho

There is a small Basotho Village at the Lesotho end of the pass.

There is a small Basotho Village at the Lesotho end of the pass.

Basotho child, very young but smart enough to get paid before the picture is taken.

Basotho child, Lesotho