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Dirk Rauschenbach

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zurück Rundreise Südafrika  Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho  sanisaunter.de

Die Fahrt beginnt in  Underberg ca 1500 m  durch die 10 km breite Schlucht und geht bis auf 2873 m.

Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho
	Länge: 33 Kilometer Profil und Höhen:  Start: 1.560 Meter – Gipfel: 2.873 Meter Reisezeit: Etwa 2.5 Stunden inklusive Stopps
Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho	Sanipass Fahrt nach Lesotho

Die Tagesfahrt  auf den Sanipass ,eine der spektakulärsten Passstraßen in Südafrika. In achtzig  Serpentinen schlängelt sie sich durch die Berge um schließlich auf einer Höhe von 2.873 m.ü.M. Man fährt erst zur Grenzstation Süfarikas 6:00 - 16:00 geöffnet , bekommt den Ausreisestempel und fährt dann hoch zum Paß  Der schönste Teil der Strecke, die eigentliche Passstraße, liegt schon jenseits der Grenze von Südafrika: Anfangs war der Weg nur ein einfacher Reitpfad, bis Anfang 1999 waren hier ausschließlich allradgetriebene Fahrzeuge zugelassen, und auch heute ist insbesondere nach heftigen Regenfällen im Sommer sowie bei Eis und Schnee im Winter der Einsatz von 4x4-Fahrzeugen Pflicht.   

The Sani Pass is a stunning and scenic mountain pass located in the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, near the border with Lesotho. It is one of the most famous and dramatic mountain passes in Southern Africa, offering breathtaking views and a thrilling driving experience.

Key Features of Sani Pass:

1. Location and Route:

   • The Sani Pass connects the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa with Lesotho, climbing up to the mountainous terrain of the Drakensberg.
   • The pass begins at the town of Underberg in South Africa and winds its way up to Sani Top, a popular stop for tourists, located in Lesotho.
   • The pass is a 4x4 vehicle-only route due to its steep, rough terrain, and the road is gravel, often requiring special vehicles capable of handling the harsh conditions.

2. Elevation:

   • The Sani Pass reaches an impressive height of 2,874 meters (9,429 feet) above sea level at the summit. This makes it one of the highest roads in Africa that is open to vehicles.

3. Scenic Beauty:

   • The pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the Drakensberg range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
   • The winding road takes you through rugged terrain, including waterfalls, cliffs, and cascading rivers. The landscape changes dramatically as you ascend, with lush greenery at the lower elevations and rocky, barren landscapes closer to the summit.
   • The views from the top of the pass provide an unforgettable panorama of the mountain ranges on both the South African and Lesotho sides.

4. Driving Experience:

   • The road is extremely steep with hairpin turns, and can be quite challenging, especially in bad weather conditions (e.g., snow, fog, rain, or ice).
   • It’s essential to drive a 4x4 vehicle for the journey up Sani Pass because of the rough, rocky road surface, deep ruts, and loose gravel.
   • The journey is a popular adventure activity for thrill-seekers and off-road enthusiasts, and it offers an exhilarating challenge for those willing to tackle its tough terrain.

5. Sani Top Chalet:

   • At the summit of the pass, you'll find the Sani Top Chalet, a mountain lodge located in Lesotho, which is often used as a resting point for travelers.
   • The chalet offers food, drinks, and accommodation and has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a hot meal and drinks while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding area.
   • The Sani Top Chalet is also known for its high-altitude pub, which claims to be the highest pub in Africa.

6. Border Crossing:

   • Sani Pass is a border crossing between South Africa and Lesotho. Travelers must go through immigration and customs checks at the South African border post at the base of the pass, and then again at the Lesotho border post near the summit.
   • A valid passport is required to cross into Lesotho, and travelers may need to pay a small fee for crossing the pass.

7. Weather and Seasons:

   • The weather in the area can be unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. The pass is often snow-covered in winter, and during the summer months, the region can experience heavy rains and mist.
   • The best time to drive the Sani Pass is typically in the spring or early autumn, when the weather is milder and the road conditions are more manageable.

8. Wildlife and Flora:

   • The area around Sani Pass is home to diverse flora and fauna. You may spot wildlife like wild mountain goats, antelopes, and various species of birds along the route.
   • The region also has a wealth of unique plant species, with alpine vegetation and rich green landscapes at lower altitudes.

9. Nearby Attractions:

   • If you’re in the area, consider exploring other nearby attractions like the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic scenery, hiking trails, and ancient San rock art.
   • Hiking in the Drakensberg is a popular activity, offering trails that range from easy walks to challenging summit hikes.

10. Safety and Preparation:

• Due to the challenging nature of the Sani Pass, it's important to be well-prepared if you plan to drive it. Ensure that your 4x4 vehicle is in good condition, especially its brakes, tires, and gear system.
• Travel with adequate water, snacks, and warm clothing as the weather can change unexpectedly.
• If you are not comfortable driving the pass yourself, there are several tour operators who offer guided trips with experienced drivers.

Fun Fact:

• The Sani Pass is also a popular photography destination, thanks to its dramatic landscapes, and the contrast between the green valley at the base and the rocky heights at the summit.

Summary:

The Sani Pass offers an unforgettable adventure for those willing to navigate its steep, rugged path. Whether you’re looking for a challenging drive, spectacular mountain views, or simply a chance to cross into Lesotho, the Sani Pass is an iconic route that showcases the raw beauty of Southern Africa's Drakensberg Mountains.

24.02.25 Copyright   Dirk  Rauschenbach Koelnerstrasse 293 51702 Bergneustadt  Datenschutzerklaerung   02261 9788972  Mail ccooly( at) web.de