Sani Pass

Sani Pass (coordinates 29°35'18.87"S 29°17'33.86"E) is a route that connects Kwazulu-Natal and Lesotho. It is a notoriously dangerous road, which requires the use of a 4x4 vehicle and above average driving experience. It has occasional remains of vehicles that did not succeed in navigating its steep gradients and poor traction surfaces, and has a catalogue of frightening stories of failed attempts at ascending the path over the Northern Lesotho mountains. While South African immigration at the bottom of pass prohibits vehicles deemed unsuitable for the journey, the Lesotho border agents at the top generally allow vehicles of all types to attempt the descent. The Sani Pass dirt road is to be tarred in 3 phases, with construction work commencing in December 2006. Should the 2nd two phases from the Sani Pass Hotel to the current border Post, and then from the border Post to the top of Sani Pass, go ahead, it will destroy the tourist industry in the area and no longer make the attraction what it is. Tourists from all over the world come here for the thrill of getting up and down the pass. Tarring it will destroy that. Little if any study has been undertaken as to the benefits of tarring the next 2 sections. The Border between the two Countries closes at 4:00 pm every day and the Pass is often closed due to weather conditions. (...) more....