EAT, EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE
Only the best make the list.
WHAT TO DO
Activities, Tours & Hikes.
WHAT TO SEE
Local Culture, Waterfalls, Stunning Views.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Keep it close to nature.
TOURS & HIKES
Sani Lodge is situated at the foot of the legendary Sani Pass. This places us a mere 16 km from the South African border with Lesotho. We offer 10 different action packed tours including pony trekking, hiking (slackpacking), and cultural exploration in Lesotho. Drakensberg Adventures is our Fair Trade Tourism certified partner tour company which operates a variety of tours ideally suited to the discerning guest, seeking adventure experiences that are conducted in a responsible, sustainable and respectful manner leaving no footprint on the environment. Check out the special all inclusive packages on offer.
SELF GUIDED EXPLORATION
As we border directly onto the Drakensberg National Park, this vast wilderness offers limitless hiking trails that begin from your doorstep. Make the most of this unspoilt piece of nature bestowing mountain river swimming spots, untouched indigenous forests, lovely waterfalls and deep pools. The water is pure so fill up your bottle and drink in its natural goodness. Why not climb the Stromness mountain behind the lodge (+- 30 minute climb from the cold beer) and gain a different perspective. Truly immerse yourself in this special, untouched part of our beautiful country to experience the space and freedom.
HORSE RIDING
If you are looking for a real pony trekking adventure, have a look at our pony trekking tours in Lesotho. These are offered by our partner tour company, Drakensberg Adventures.
PRIVATE WOOD-FIRED HOT TUBS WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS
We offer private Hot Tubs at Honeyguide and Aloe cottages; Kingfisher and Woodpecker rondavels. The fresh mountain water filled Hot Tubs are individually located with the most magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. All of your worries will melt away as you revel in this extraordinarily relaxing, therapeutic experience.
PHUZABOOZA BAR
You are on holiday so why not pamper yourself by trying out our refreshing cocktails, craft beer or locally produced Fair Trade wines during your stay. Our Fair Trade policy of waste management ensures that glass bottles and aluminium cans are recycled, whilst the straws used are either stainless steel or paper.
PAINT ON CLAY
Designed for family fun, groups and art therapy for all, paint on clay is available between 9 am and 8 pm, based in the craft shop building. Select your favourite ceramic item (handmade by Simone on her pottery wheel), choose your underglaze colours, and settle down to enjoy the space and time that has been carved out for you to tap into your inner creativity. Many people are unaware that they have a creative side or are filled with self doubt. Art therapy is not about self-judgement. It fulfils an essential need for creative expression to mitigate against the energy-sapping mental and physical demands of this crazy, fast-paced world. Enjoy the tranquil setting of our indigenous garden or the cool interior of our craft shop, and make use of our onsite restaurant to satiate your thirst or hunger whilst you paint. Your painted pieces will be glaze fired afterwards, making lovely memoirs or gifts for that special person in your life. It is advisable for groups to book ahead with Simone. Check out www.simbergclay.com with the link below.
HAND-MILKING OF JERSEY COWS
Meet our girls and watch the twice-daily milking process at 7.30 am or 3 pm.
GIANTS CUP CRAFTS
From on-site hand made ceramics by simbergclay (www.simbergclay.com) and original acrylic paintings, to locally produced gifts such as hand painted candles, blankets, chocolates, soaps, basket ware, coffee beans, teas, books, hand made wooden necklaces, mohair socks, dairy produce and jams made on-site, maps, indigenous plants and snacks, this is worth a visit to get a taste of local culture.
TRAIL RUNNING AND CYCLING EVENTS
The mountain terrain is ideal for keen bikers to explore, offering gentle gradients with spectacular scenery, to the challenge of the famous Sani Pass into Lesotho, an ascent of 900 metres between the South African and Lesotho border posts. So, if it's the rush of adrenaline you're after or just a relaxing ride, bring your own bikes and set off from Sani Lodge for an unforgettable experience. As our land neighbours directly on to the World Heritage Site uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, you can simply walk out the door of Sani Lodge and go for a run around our 2.5 km nature trail or run in the World Heritage Site. Sani Lodge is the ideal base for running or walking events such as the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg and Sani Stagger.
BUSHMAN PAINTINGS
The Drakensberg Mountains, besides their natural beauty, are home to one of the largest art galleries in the world. There are hundreds of painted rock overhangs or shelters, with literally thousands of individual paintings in them. This amazing treasure trove of art was left behind by the Bushmen who inhabited the Drakensberg for at least 10 000 years. Sadly, they are no longer with us, but their paintings are, and they provide not only much beauty and fascination, but also a glimpse of the inner workings of their compassionate and caring society. A fascinating day of discovery as you hike up to sandstone cliffs and literally walk back in time, with your knowledgeable guide narrating the intricacies of Bushmen life, culture and ingenious skills conveyed via artistic impressions of animals, people and mythology. The caves are inherently spiritual, adorned with lifelike shapes telling a story woven around the interaction of man in harmony with his natural surrounds.
Does this look like fun? Get in touch.
"Beautiful location, at the foot of the mountains. It has all the amenities you need for cooking, having fun (games room), swimming pool, and walking to Sani Pass. The restaurant offers incredible meals and the staff is very warm and welcoming. I highly recommend spending several days in this beautiful setting."
"Sani Lodge is one of the most welcoming places we visited in Kwazulu Natal".
"The hiking trail on the property was great with amazing views at the top."
GIANT'S CUP CAFE
Our on-site cafe offers a variety of affordable home made food, placing an emphasis on local produce from ethical sources. We produce all our own dairy products from our small herd of Jersey cows which include; butter, cream cheese, halloumi, feta, Gouda, yoghurt. We offer comprehensive breakfast options, a daytime menu and a three course set menu dinner each night. Advance booking essential for the night of your arrival.
CONFERENCE VENUE
The new Conference room is almost ready. It is set in an historic building that once housed materials to be transported up the bridle-path linking South Africa with Lesotho. Attractive sandstone blocks that comprised the original external wall base have been left in place and a large log fireplace installed. Up to 30 delegates may be catered for with regards to accommodation and meals at affordable prices. Enquiries and Advance bookings to be made directly with the Lodge office via email or cellphone.
LOCAL AUTHOR
Simone is the author of the non-fiction book entitled, 'Swiss Fondue in Africa - Growing up in a Country at War.' Her book is available from the shop at the Giant's Cup Cafe.
What is Fair Trade Tourism?
Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures promote Responsible Tourism via:
- Good Business practice governed by 197 criteria related to the principles of FTT – Fair Wages, Democracy, Respect, Reliability, Transparency and Sustainability.Â
- Local social and economic benefits.
- Cultural Heritage.
- Environmental impact – water, energy, refuse management.
- Biodiversity ecosystems and landscapes.
Awards recognising Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures Responsible Tourism Practices include:
- African Responsible Tourism Silver Award for Poverty Reduction in Rural Communities in KwaZulu Natal, Lesotho and Bushmen in the Transfrontier Kgalagadi National Park.
- Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation recommendation for ‘Best Practice in support of rural communities’.
- World Responsible Tourism long-listed for ‘Best for engaging people and culture’.
- South Africa Tourism selected in 2023 and again in 2025, as one of five tourism entities in the country, for Responsible Tourism Practices.
GET IN TOUCH
Whichever method you choose, we will respond to you as quickly and informatively as possible.
Give Us a Call
Call our reception on +27 83 987 3071. Someone will be available between 7am and 7pm everyday. South African time is GMT+2
Send Us an Email
Send us an email or complete the contact form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Drop By and Talk
We'd love to share our detailed knowledge of the local area with you.
