Best Views, Day Tour, Drive & Hike
Hodgson's Peaks Tour
A guided tour & hike to the top of the world.
Standard Sani Pass Tour
Standard Sani Pass Tour
A guided tour up the majestic Sani Pass, venturing as far into Lesotho as Black Mountain (3240m).
Great Views
8 Hours
Lunch Included
Passports Essential
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
The Standard Sani Pass Tour offers a complete day tour into Lesotho via the legendary Sani Pass (2,874 m). This iconic 4×4 mountain pass, originally a mule track, climbs steeply through dramatic Drakensberg cliffs with thrilling 180-degree switchback bends. Along the way, hear stories of the pioneering of the route and discover the natural highlights of the Drakensberg, including unique alpine wildflowers, wildlife, and birdlife found on the sheer mountain slopes.
Travelling deeper into Lesotho, we visit a remote shepherd’s village to respectfully engage with the Basotho people and learn about life at high altitude. Guests enjoy a traditional vegetarian lunch, followed by a seasonal visit to a shearing shed to observe hand-shearing of sheep and angora goats.
The tour continues with an ascent of Black Mountain Pass (3,240 m), the second-highest road pass in Lesotho, offering 360-degree panoramic views across the highlands. Meet shepherds dressed in traditional blankets, then take a short walk to view Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest point in Southern Africa, before returning via the Sani Pass.
ITINERARY
Departure from Sani Lodge (9 am)
We meet in near reception ten minutes prior to departure for a quick briefing and introduction to your guide.
Travel up the Sani Pass
Travel up the only road through the Drakensberg cliffs in a 4×4 whilst hearing tales of the pioneering of the route. You will also learn about the natural history of the Drakensberg and see the beautiful wildflowers, wildlife and birds which inhabit the slopes.
Venture into the Lesotho Highlands
We drive further into Lesotho, visiting a household in a small shepherd’s village to get a feel for the unique way of life. Enjoy a traditional lunch with our host, ‘Me Vitelena. We visit the shearing shed to view sheep and angora goat shearing (by hand) in season.
Ascend Black Mountain (3240m)
Ascend Black Mountain (3240m), second highest road pass in Lesotho and picnic with stunning views. We will meet the shepherds who spend the summer months in the highlands tending flocks of sheep and goats and get a sense of the life they lead. We take a short walk to view Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point in southern Africa at 3482m.
Return Journey
We aim to have you back at Sani Lodge & Cottages between 5 and 5:30 pm.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Experience Fair Trade Tourism in action. Every tour includes a direct contribution to the Sani Top Basotho community, ensuring your visit delivers real social and economic benefits. Our grass-roots tourism model supports fair pay, cultural dignity, and meaningful community participation, creating authentic encounters that respect local traditions.
Our commitment to responsible tourism has been internationally recognised. Sani Lodge & Drakensberg Adventuresare Silver Award winners at the African Responsible Tourism Awards (2018) for Poverty Reduction, praised for empowering Basotho communities to share their culture with pride and purpose.
For a truly authentic Sani Pass experience, the vehicle matters. The Land Rover pioneered the Sani Pass in the 1950s and 60s, and we proudly continue this legacy today. There is no better way to experience the Sani Pass than in an iconic Land Rover.
TOUR MAP
Take a look at the routes our tours take.
MOUNTAIN KINGDOM OF LESOTHO
Lesotho, known as the Mountain Kingdom, is a unique country entirely surrounded by South Africa. It has the highest lowest point of any country in the world and is home to Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest peak in Southern Africa. The nation was founded by King Moshoeshoe the Great, who united Sesotho-speaking clans during the turbulent early 19th century from his mountain stronghold at Thaba Bosiu, offering refuge and peace and shaping the Basotho identity that endures today. This legacy is reflected in Lesotho’s national motto, “Khotso, Pula, Nala” (Peace, Rain and Prosperity).
Formerly the British Protectorate of Basutoland, Lesotho gained independence in 1965 and has retained a strong and distinctive identity, with its own currency, government, and traditions. The Basotho people, one of Africa’s great mountain cultures, have adapted to life in dramatic highland landscapes, where a familiar sight is a horseman on a hardy Basotho pony, wrapped in a traditional blanket.
Explore Lesotho on one of our guided tours to experience remote regions and gain an authentic insight into the culture, history, and landscapes of this remarkable country.
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, phone or WhatsApp.. Someone will be available between 7am and 7 pm 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.
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