Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg
4.5
Full view
Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg
By Sani Pass Tours
Check a whole new country off your life goals list on this day trip from Underberg to the highland kingdom of Lesotho. Leave 4-wheel driving to your guide as you wind up the Sani Pass, a rugged dirt road and historic trading route with spectacular mountain views. Reach elevations as high as 9,429 feet (2,874 meters), stop at one of Africa’s highest pubs, and learn about Basotho culture in Skeering village.
from per adult
$51.96
from per adult
$51.96
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-60, max of 100 per group
Duration: 6–7 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Traverse the Sani Pass into Lesotho and visit a traditional village
- Stop at the Sani Mountain Lodge, considered Africa’s highest pub
- Discover daily life in a tiny mountain kingdom, surrounded by South Africa
- Sleep in longer, with hassle-free transfers from central Underberg hotels
- All taxes, fees, handling charges and Insurance
- Pickup within a 5m radius of the Sani Pass Tours Office
- Guided 4x4 trip up the Sani Pass
- Lesotho Tourism Levy
- Fuel surcharge
- Landing and facility fees
- Entry/Admission - Sani Pass
What's not included- Personal purchases
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Pick up at hotels outside of 5km radius of Underberg Town will be subject to a surcharge of R210 per person (minimum of 2 people)
- Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
- We collect from all hotels in the Underberg Area and on route to the Sani Pass (Himeville) , but charges do apply should the Hotel be more than 5km outside of the town.
- 12 Sani Rd, Underberg, 3257, South Africa Sani Pass Tours Offices are based at 22 Trout Walk Centre , Sani Road , Underberg
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 53489P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Dress code: warm clothing in winter. Light weight clothing in Summer
- Recommended items to bring: camera, light jacket in case of sudden change in weather
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Be advised, this tour will travel at a high altitude
- Minimum age is 4 years
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- How much is Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg?
- Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg price starts from $52.86. Discover and book Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg on Tripadvisor
- What is the Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg cancellation policy?
- Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg?
- Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg is hosted by Sani Pass Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Sani Pass Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 6h. Discover and book Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 53489P1
Itinerary
- You'll start at12 Sani RdOr, you can also get picked upSee departure details
- 1Sani PassStop: 6 hours - Admission includedTraverse the Sani Pass and stop along the way at different view sites. Stopping at the South African and Lesotho Border posts , so valid Passports are essential. Enjoy lunch at the highest pub in Africa and visit a local Basotho Village - Skeering.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
daltongafney
00Adventure up the Sani Pass
We had tried the Sani pass the year before and it was a tricky drive even with a decent vehicle and I found that th…
David B
00What a view'
Had been on our list for some time and were very excited about the trip. Our driver Frank was great - really helpfu…
Storyteller754583
00Most fun day of whole holiday
The Sani Pass is not to be taken lightly, and certainly not if you have back or joint problems. We were picked up b…
Martyn S
00Sani Pass and Mokhotlong
WIlson, our driver and tour guide from Sani Pass Tours, was excellent! Very attentive, informative and considerate …
loular09
00We survived the drive!
Went on the extended trip taking in Mokhotlong. Was a fantastic day. Our driver Wilson was great fun, stopping regu…
teresam997
00Amazing!!
Our driver, Frank Mtshali, was an excellent tour guide and driver! He navigated the hairpin turns and the washed o…
ig92
00Up Sani Pass
An absolute must for people that loves the outdoors. The view is beautiful and the hospitality of the tour guide Ne…
WFBELGIUM
00Fun & unique
Climbed up Sani Pass with a MTB (don't even try it with a road bike). Accompanied by Roger, guide of Sani Pass. We …
PhilisiweZ1
00Best Time
The drive up the mountain was wonderful our driver/tour guide ( Wilson) "We survived the Drive" was informative and…
CheliseA1
00Spectacular Day!
The day by getting picked up by Freddie, who was the best— he told us about the local culture, vegetation (sugar ca…
karins873
00Visit up on Sani Pass
What a great experience with an excellent driver. We really enjoyed it and would recommend this to anyone.
Rivonia O
00Dangerous FUN
What a wonderful experience it was to go up the Sani Pass. It sure was scary for me but i loved it. Facilities at t…
jonesylovestotravel
00INTERESTING TRIP
Our driver was excellent and the road was particularly bad - he deserved a medal. The trip to a village felt a lit…
Portrai T
00Great Trip, absolutely recommendable!
Loved our guide, Wilson. He drove us up the pass very gently - seemed to have a lot of experience and we felt safe …
johang706
00Amazing drive thru amazing nature👍👍👍 with a Top driver. Thanks Martin Nyawose!
Amazing drive thru amazing nature👍👍👍 with a Top driver. Thanks Martin Nyawose! Drakensbergen rules
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
85 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
12
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
3
elize_jhb
Johannesburg, South Africa6 contributions
Sep 2021
I really enjoyed every moment of the Sani Pass Day Tour! Our guide and driver, Martin, was excellent at navigating the tough route up the pass and he was very informative. We stopped plenty of times to admire the spectacular views. The Covid test and crossing of the border was a seamless process. Our lunch at the Highest Pub in Africa was of course also a big highlight. I will definitely recommend doing this tour in order to just sit back and enjoy the scenery, instead of doing a self-drive. Thanks for a great day out Martin! Tip: Take a warm jacket with, as the wind at the top was extremely strong!!
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celina N
12 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I loved our day trip up the Sani Pass and into Lesotho. Our guide Wilson was very professional, he would stop the car regularly to enable us to take photos of the breath-taking views, he knew a lot about flowers/nature, and most of all he is an excellent driver!
When we arrived in Lesotho, he took us to a village and we sat down to learn about the country and its relationships with South Africa, which was very interesting.
We highly recommend this day trip if you are in the Southern Drakensberg region.
Thanks a lot, Wilson!
When we arrived in Lesotho, he took us to a village and we sat down to learn about the country and its relationships with South Africa, which was very interesting.
We highly recommend this day trip if you are in the Southern Drakensberg region.
Thanks a lot, Wilson!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lana J
Thank you so much and Wilson says thank you !! So glad you enjoyed your day with him :-)
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmbLee
Hong Kong, China207 contributions
The tour left on time, and it was in a comfortable vehicle with an experienced driver who also has a great sense of humour! The Covid test and border control went by smoothly and the views were breathtaking. The driver was very knowledgeable and had great insight into both South African and Lesotho history! The visit to the little village was good although I was expecting a bit more excitement from the other travellers and host. We managed to buy a little souvenir and then had lunch at the highest pub in Africa. We enjoyed the experience and it’s great value for money. Definitely recommend!
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohammed A
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The worst day of my life
We booked this tour as a celebration of my birthday during our visit to South Africa.
I asked the company in advance about the visa requirements at the Lesotho border as I am a holder of UAE passport and they assured me that I don’t need a visa.
After 3 hours journey in a bumpy 4x4 trip we arrived at the Lesotho border.
We were denied entry into the country because we apparently needed a visa.
The driver left me and my family (wife and two children aged 11 and 9) in the middle of the road at the border for 2 hours.
This company wants only to make money without a regards to the basic human needs for the tourists.
Shame on you treating us like this just for the money!
Management never apologized and refused to refund our money
We booked this tour as a celebration of my birthday during our visit to South Africa.
I asked the company in advance about the visa requirements at the Lesotho border as I am a holder of UAE passport and they assured me that I don’t need a visa.
After 3 hours journey in a bumpy 4x4 trip we arrived at the Lesotho border.
We were denied entry into the country because we apparently needed a visa.
The driver left me and my family (wife and two children aged 11 and 9) in the middle of the road at the border for 2 hours.
This company wants only to make money without a regards to the basic human needs for the tourists.
Shame on you treating us like this just for the money!
Management never apologized and refused to refund our money
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lana J
Hello Mohamed
Thank you for the honest review - while we would love to take all the blame , we understand that you booked via a third party who told you , that a visa was not required. We did our best on the day to show you the best time possible. We hope the rest of your birthday was better .
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SN84
9 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
It was an unforgettable adventure that left us with beautiful memories. We won't mind doing it again to experience the pass during a different season. The trip boasts views of the majestic mountains, and the view from the top is something that one will remember forever. We even got to play in the snow. We also had a delightful experience where we got to meet members of a village in Lesotho and have some homemade bread.
Our experienced driver Mbongeni was such delight and shared his knowledge about the area's geography and history. We always felt that we were in good and safe hands. Lana was also very helpful with the booking and advice beforehand.
Our experienced driver Mbongeni was such delight and shared his knowledge about the area's geography and history. We always felt that we were in good and safe hands. Lana was also very helpful with the booking and advice beforehand.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johannhb
Empangeni, South Africa6 contributions
Oct 2019
What an awesome experience. Passport control was a breeze and it was an eye-opening experience to see how the people in Lesotho live. The visit to the highest pub in Africa is something never to be forgotten. The guide who took us on the tour was well-informed and a superb driver. This is the kind of stuff memories are made of.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gingerlyn640
Cape Town Central, South Africa157 contributions
Nov 2015
I must say we were extremely disappointed at the weekend with the booking of the above tour. We flew up to Durban, stayed in the area and met as arranged on Saturday morning at the tour office. All looked good, lots of activity, vehicles until we were to depart. They are using Toyota vehicles not sure which model but it could not fit in a driver plus 6 adult passengers. There is no way 3 adults could fit on the small seat at the rear of the vehicle with absolute no leg space. I’m astounded that a company who supposedly specializes in this tour could expect this. South African’s in general are not small or short people.
We had flown up especially for the weekend, trying to give my friend a memorable holiday in South Africa. He went and even said for one passenger in the rear seat it was uncomfortable.
I wish we had rather spent the day hiking in the Berg as Sani Pass Tours it truly was a waste of my time and money, yes our money was refunded but that didn’t compensate for spoiling the weekend.
We had flown up especially for the weekend, trying to give my friend a memorable holiday in South Africa. He went and even said for one passenger in the rear seat it was uncomfortable.
I wish we had rather spent the day hiking in the Berg as Sani Pass Tours it truly was a waste of my time and money, yes our money was refunded but that didn’t compensate for spoiling the weekend.
Written November 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jill c
London, UK39 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
My partner and I recently took a trip to Lesotho via the Sani Pass using Sani Pass Tours as the guides and transport.
We were collected from The Sani Pass Hotel on time but unfortunately much to my annoyance we were told we had share a space designed to two with a fairly big man which meant that one of us had to sit in the middle section which was uncomfortable and with a very restricted view,
The driver was professional and knowledgable.
I was not very impressed by the Lesotho village the top of he pass with fairly aggressive so called dancers shaking tin cans in your face trying to get you to give money.
The Pub was very average. I had the Lesotho stew which was mainly grizzle and fat with a few veg. Ugh!!
The actual event had the potential to be very exciting, but because of the seating arrangement which I can only put down to greed.
There were 2 other vehicles from Sani Pass Tours on the trip and they both contained 6 people including the driver, ours contained 7 people.
Considering that all you get is a seat or part of a seat this company do not give value for money
I can't in all honesty recommend this Company
We were collected from The Sani Pass Hotel on time but unfortunately much to my annoyance we were told we had share a space designed to two with a fairly big man which meant that one of us had to sit in the middle section which was uncomfortable and with a very restricted view,
The driver was professional and knowledgable.
I was not very impressed by the Lesotho village the top of he pass with fairly aggressive so called dancers shaking tin cans in your face trying to get you to give money.
The Pub was very average. I had the Lesotho stew which was mainly grizzle and fat with a few veg. Ugh!!
The actual event had the potential to be very exciting, but because of the seating arrangement which I can only put down to greed.
There were 2 other vehicles from Sani Pass Tours on the trip and they both contained 6 people including the driver, ours contained 7 people.
Considering that all you get is a seat or part of a seat this company do not give value for money
I can't in all honesty recommend this Company
Written March 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VisagieL
Hartenbos, South Africa327 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
Much of one's enjoyment during vacations comes from booking attractions that suit your exact needs. We booked a day-tour with Sani Pass Tours, made sure we browsed their website properly to understand what the tour entailed, and wasn't disappointed. After a few weeks of driving through South Africa we simply wanted to sit back, enjoy some great views, and have a whirlwind intro to Lesotho in the company of a competent driver and guide. It's exactly what we got.
Our guide picked us up at our B&B and drove us to the Sani Pass Tours offices where we did a minute bit of paperwork to assist with the border crossing. Three vehicles left at the same time, but we didn't maintain a convoy which meant there wasn't any rushing involved.
We picked up another couple en route to the bottom of the pass, and the four of us (plus driver) fitted quite comfortably in the well-maintained Land Cruiser. Having discussed vehicle maintenance with the guide, it was clear that Sani Pass Tours spend a lot of money to maintain their vehicles, which are continuously battered on the tours up the mountain.
The scenery took our breath away, all day long - from the bottom of the mountain pass, at regular photo stops on the way up, and of course enjoying the magnificent vista from the top. NOT having to concentrate on driving ourselves, freed us to enjoy the natural spectacle far more than what we would have done otherwise.
Both border crossings were hassle free and fairly fast. In fact, our guide did everything for us (just hand him your passport and he does the rest).
At the Lesotho post on top of Sani Pass there are one or two small places where you can purchase curios from Basotho vendors.
We drove a little bit into Lesotho to visit a traditional village with which Sani Pass Tours has an arrangement. We're allowed to visit some huts and in exchange it is deemed "appropriate" to say thank you by buying some handicrafts or leaving a little donation. However, fresh produce is scarce up there on the windswept and barren mountain plains. If you really want to contribute, we recommend you pre-purchase some fresh fruit and veg to take up with you to present to the villagers. If we'd have known beforehand this is what we would have done.
Afterwards we returned to the Sani Mountain Lodge on the top edge of the pass to enjoy some lunch (note: cost of lunch is not included in tour price) and, of course, a drink or two in the highest pub in Africa. One can walk around the area a bit to find that perfect spot for a photo.
We returned down the mountain in a state of bliss and our guide dropped us off at our B&B's front door again where we parted as friends.
This was a day well spent and excellent value for money. Be aware that you will sit for many hours in an off-road vehicle ascending a bumpy and steep mountain pass. This is never going to be super comfortable, and always bouncy, so if you have a bad back or can't sit for very long, realise that this tour is not for you. If you're used to being off the tarmac and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery and qualified guides, this is for you.
Our guide picked us up at our B&B and drove us to the Sani Pass Tours offices where we did a minute bit of paperwork to assist with the border crossing. Three vehicles left at the same time, but we didn't maintain a convoy which meant there wasn't any rushing involved.
We picked up another couple en route to the bottom of the pass, and the four of us (plus driver) fitted quite comfortably in the well-maintained Land Cruiser. Having discussed vehicle maintenance with the guide, it was clear that Sani Pass Tours spend a lot of money to maintain their vehicles, which are continuously battered on the tours up the mountain.
The scenery took our breath away, all day long - from the bottom of the mountain pass, at regular photo stops on the way up, and of course enjoying the magnificent vista from the top. NOT having to concentrate on driving ourselves, freed us to enjoy the natural spectacle far more than what we would have done otherwise.
Both border crossings were hassle free and fairly fast. In fact, our guide did everything for us (just hand him your passport and he does the rest).
At the Lesotho post on top of Sani Pass there are one or two small places where you can purchase curios from Basotho vendors.
We drove a little bit into Lesotho to visit a traditional village with which Sani Pass Tours has an arrangement. We're allowed to visit some huts and in exchange it is deemed "appropriate" to say thank you by buying some handicrafts or leaving a little donation. However, fresh produce is scarce up there on the windswept and barren mountain plains. If you really want to contribute, we recommend you pre-purchase some fresh fruit and veg to take up with you to present to the villagers. If we'd have known beforehand this is what we would have done.
Afterwards we returned to the Sani Mountain Lodge on the top edge of the pass to enjoy some lunch (note: cost of lunch is not included in tour price) and, of course, a drink or two in the highest pub in Africa. One can walk around the area a bit to find that perfect spot for a photo.
We returned down the mountain in a state of bliss and our guide dropped us off at our B&B's front door again where we parted as friends.
This was a day well spent and excellent value for money. Be aware that you will sit for many hours in an off-road vehicle ascending a bumpy and steep mountain pass. This is never going to be super comfortable, and always bouncy, so if you have a bad back or can't sit for very long, realise that this tour is not for you. If you're used to being off the tarmac and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery and qualified guides, this is for you.
Written February 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vagabondginger
Alicante, Spain1,316 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
It takes a good 4x4 vehicle and an even better driver to undergo this dangerous steep old mule track of a road with numerous switchbacks and hairpin turns. The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest in South Africa and this area is a World Heritage Site. Coming to the border of Lesotho at 9,429 ft is the highest pub in Africa and the local beer is Maluti. We visited a Basotho Village of circular huts with thatched roofs. In this high treeless landscape, seeing men on horseback wearing wool blanket shawls, it's the way I envision Mongolia to look. Elena served us hot backed bread from a dutch oven in her hut fueled by burning cow dung. I had Elmar at Gibela Backpackers in Durban arrange my transport to Underberg and then went with Thaba Tours up the Sani Pass so it was a long day starting at 5am and getting back about 6pm but I thought it was definitely worth it.
Written May 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Srivathsan S
7 contributions
Good day. I have motion sickness, will I be able to manage this trip ?
How many hours would we spend traveling in the car ? Also, are there any shops where I can buy Lesotho fridge magnets ?
malebo k
Pretoria, South Africa
Good Day, is COVID -19 vaccination or negative PCR test a requirement for the tour?
Odyssey62273155375
Durban, South Africa
Good evening. We are arrivig on Friday and would like to take the tour. We are 2 adults and a 14 year old child. He does not have a passport but a abridged and unabridged certificate. Would this suffice and what's the cost of the trip.
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Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg provided by Sani Pass Tours
Product Overview: Sani Pass and Lesotho Day Tour from Underberg
| Prices From | $53 |
|---|---|
| Number of Reviews | 85 |
| Number of Photos | 126 |