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
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 partner tour company which operates a variety of tours ideally suited to the backpacker's sense of adventure, itinerary and budget. Check out the special all inclusive packages on offer.
SELF GUIDED EXPLORATION
As we border directly onto the Drakensberg National Park there are almost limitless hiking trails leaving from your doorstep. Make the most of this unspoilt piece of nature which has many mountain river swimming spots, untouched indigenous forests and lovely waterfalls. 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.
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.
SCENIC SANI CYCLE
Mount up and enjoy a bike ride like no other. On your descent, you will be surrounded by the Drakensberg Park with spectacular scenery and many opportunities to stop and breathe in the beauty of nature. Includes pick up, bike hire, a guide, and refreshments. The ride ends at our on-site restaurant, the Giants Cup Cafe, which offers a variety of welcome hot drinks including organic coffee and teas with our fresh farm milk, cold drinks, signature cakes and wholesome meals.
PHUZABOOZA BAR
You are on holiday so why not pamper yourself by trying out our refreshing cocktails, draft beer or Fair Trade wines produced in South Africa during your stay at Sani Lodge? Our Fair Trade policy of waste management ensures that the glass bottles and aluminium cans are recycled and the straws used are either stainless steel or paper. Plastic straws are not used.
GAMES BARN
Try your hand at table tennis, beer pong or darts in our rustic barn, an historic building that was the storage facility for Mokhotlong Mountain Transport back in the late 50s.
TRAIL RUNNING & 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.
Does this look like fun? Get in touch.
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.
PAINT ON CLAY WORKSHOP
A daily workshop based in the Craft shop building, available between 10 am and 4 pm and designed for family fun, groups and art therapy for all. Select pieces of ceramic pottery that have been handmade by Simone on her potters wheel, choose your colours of underglaze and settle down to enjoy the space and time that has been carved out for you to tap into your creative inner. Many people are unaware that they have a creative side or they are filled with self doubt. Art therapy is not about self-judgement. It fulfils an essential need for creative expression to mitigate against the mental and physical energy-sapping demands of this crazy fast paced world. Enjoy sitting indoors or in the garden. The restaurant offers food and drink to satiate your thirst or hunger whilst you paint. Your painted pieces will be glaze fired afterwards, make lovely gifts for that special person in your life. It is advisable for groups to book ahead with Simone.
GIANTS 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.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Experience Fair Trade in Tourism in action. Our ground-breaking approach to grass-roots tourism means that our tour prices directly benefit a wide segment of the local community, preserving cultural dignity and ensuring fair remuneration for services rendered. “Sani Lodge is the Silver Award Winner of African Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Reduction 2018. Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa has made a major contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction over many years. By involving Basotho stakeholders, they have created opportunities for communities to proudly showcase their unique cultural practices, engaging with guests in an authentic manner, thereby earning their respect. They are the future of tourism in Africa". ~ Judges
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.
