Hairpin bends
A zigzag road.
Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anagoria — CC BY 3.0 · Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Sani Pass is a mountain road in western KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on the route between Himeville and Mokhotlong in Lesotho, about 103 km south of the main Drakensberg area in a straight line. It crosses the Great Escarpment of southern Africa at its highest, the Drakensberg, which rises above 3,000 metres. The road starts at 1,544 metres and climbs 1,332 metres to 2,876 metres on a steep gravel track with gradients up to 1 in 3. The route was once used by the San and later Bantu peoples to cross the range; in 1922 a 2-metre track open only to pack animals was built, jeeps began carrying people and supplies from 1949, and tourists started making the drive from 1956. The road zigzags up through tight hairpin bends between towering rock walls and deep grassy valleys, with wide views over the slopes and peaks from the top. The pass runs about 9 km between the border posts of the two countries, and snow and ice may cover the upper section in winter. South Africa generally allows only four-wheel-drive vehicles on the road, and many visitors go up on organised 4x4 tours. Driving is hard in bad weather, so take great care, and bring a passport to cross into Lesotho at the top.
A zigzag road.
The Drakensberg.
From the top.
Between Himeville, South Africa, and Mokhotlong, Lesotho
Usually yes, or an organised tour.
Yes, to cross into Lesotho.