Sani Pass
Encyclopedia
Sani Pass is located in the western end of KwaZulu-Natal
province of South Africa
on the road between Underberg
and Mokhotlong
, Lesotho
it is a route that connects Kwazulu-Natal
and Lesotho
. It is a notoriously dangerous road, which requires the use of a 4x4 vehicle. This pass lies between the border controls of both countries and is approximately 9km in length and requires above average driving experience. It has occasional remains of vehicles that did not succeed in navigating its steep gradients and poor traction surfaces, and has a catalogue of frightening stories of failed attempts at ascending the path over the Northern Lesotho mountains. While South African immigration at the bottom of pass prohibits vehicles deemed unsuitable for the journey, the Lesotho border agents at the top generally allow vehicles of all types to attempt the descent. The Sani Pass dirt road is to be upgraded in two phases, with construction work commencing in December 2006. It was originally intended that the part from the Sani Pass Hotel to the Lesotho Border post be done in two phases, but this has subsequently been consolidated into a single 2nd phase. The Border between the two Countries closes at 4:00 pm every day and the Pass is often closed due to weather conditions, especially during winter.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa. Prior to 1994, the territory now known as KwaZulu-Natal was made up of the province of Natal and the homeland of KwaZulu....
province of South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
on the road between Underberg
Underberg
Underberg is a digestif bitter produced in Germany by Underberg AG, made of aromatic herbs from 43 countries. The exact number and identity of the herbs remain a well-guarded secret.-History:...
and Mokhotlong
Mokhotlong
Cradled in the moutains of Southern Africa, Mokhotlong is one of Lesotho’s ten districts, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is the first major town along the road from South Africa across the Sani Pass, near the Maloti Mountains...
, Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
it is a route that connects Kwazulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa. Prior to 1994, the territory now known as KwaZulu-Natal was made up of the province of Natal and the homeland of KwaZulu....
and Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
. It is a notoriously dangerous road, which requires the use of a 4x4 vehicle. This pass lies between the border controls of both countries and is approximately 9km in length and requires above average driving experience. It has occasional remains of vehicles that did not succeed in navigating its steep gradients and poor traction surfaces, and has a catalogue of frightening stories of failed attempts at ascending the path over the Northern Lesotho mountains. While South African immigration at the bottom of pass prohibits vehicles deemed unsuitable for the journey, the Lesotho border agents at the top generally allow vehicles of all types to attempt the descent. The Sani Pass dirt road is to be upgraded in two phases, with construction work commencing in December 2006. It was originally intended that the part from the Sani Pass Hotel to the Lesotho Border post be done in two phases, but this has subsequently been consolidated into a single 2nd phase. The Border between the two Countries closes at 4:00 pm every day and the Pass is often closed due to weather conditions, especially during winter.
External links
- http://www.southafrica.info/africa/sanipass-190706.htm
- http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/conservation_planning/planning/Sani_Pass_Border_Post_Redevelopment/index.html