How to Plan Your Sani Pass Day Tour from Durban

If you’re visiting Durban and looking for a unique experience, a day tour to Sani Pass should definitely be on your list. Sani Pass, which lies between the Southern Drakensburg Mountains and the landlocked country of Lesotho, offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to visit a Basotho village to interact with the local community. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to plan your Sani Pass day tour from Durban.

Experience

Your day tour starts early at 6:00 AM when your professional driver will collect you from your hotel in a comfortable and well-maintained vehicle. After passing the historical city of Pietermaritzburg, your tour will turn towards the Southern Drakensberg Mountain Range. For the next hour, you will pass through mountains and valleys dotted with small rural villages steeped in traditions.

At approximately 9:00 AM, you will arrive at the tiny mountain town of Underberg, which lies at the base of the Sani Pass. Here you will transfer to a comfortable 4-wheel-drive vehicle for an exciting adventure that will take you up one of the most spectacular and scenic mountain passes in Africa.

Highlights

The Sani Pass day tour offers several highlights that make it a must-do for anyone interested in experiencing local culture and breathtaking views. Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

Visit the highest pub in Africa

One of the highlights of the tour is definitely a visit to the highest pub in Africa, situated at the top of the pass at 2874 meters above sea level. Here you can enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Visit a Basotho village to interact with the local community

Another highlight of the Sani Pass day tour is the opportunity to visit a Basotho village and interact with the local community. You will have a chance to learn about their traditional way of life and see how they make their living.

Return via the steep hair-pin bends of the Sani Pass

The tour culminates with a thrilling drive back down the Sani Pass, with its steep hairpin bends and heart-stopping drops.

Full Description

Beginning early at 6:00 AM from the coastal city of Durban, your professional driver will collect you from your hotel in a comfortable and well-maintained vehicle before you head out of the city towards the mountains. After passing the historical city of Pietermaritsburg your tour will turn towards the Southern Drakensberg Mountain Range. For the next hour, you will pass through mountains and valleys which are dotted with small rural villages steeped in traditions.

At approximately 9:00 AM you will arrive at the tiny mountain town of Underberg which lies at the base of the Sani Pass. Here you will transfer to a comfortable 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Without a doubt, the Sani Pass is one of the most spectacular and scenic mountain passes in Africa. It lies between the Southern Drakensburg Mountains and the landlocked country of Lesotho and is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’. A steep and winding pass that climbs to an altitude of 2874 m above sea level at its summit, the Sani Pass is a challenging and exciting drive.

As you climb, you will see the stunning scenery of the Southern Drakensberg, including waterfalls, rare birds and the last remaining herds of indigenous eland in South Africa. You will also have an opportunity to stop and take in the breathtaking views at several vantage points along the way.

Once you reach the top of the pass, you will visit the highest pub in Africa before crossing the border into Lesotho. Here you will have an opportunity to visit a Basotho village and learn about their traditional way of life. You will also have a chance to sample traditional food and drink.

The tour culminates with a thrilling drive back down the Sani Pass, with its steep hairpin bends and heart-stopping drops. You will arrive back in Durban at around 9:00 PM, tired but exhilarated from an unforgettable experience.

How to Book

To book your Sani Pass day tour from Durban, visit this link and choose the date that works best for you. The tour is offered by a third-party company, so make sure to check their cancellation policy before booking to avoid any issues.

Conclusion

A day tour to Sani Pass is a great way to experience the natural beauty and local culture of the Durban area. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can plan your tour with ease and have a memorable adventure that you will never forget.

Everything You Need to Know About Durban, South Africa

If you’re planning a visit to the coastal city of Durban, South Africa, you may have some questions about what to expect, where to go, and what to see. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Durban, from its climate to its attractions.

1. What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Durban?

The Climate and Weather in Durban

Durban is a city that enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers that last from October to April, and mild, dry winters from June to August.

However, the best time to visit Durban is during the cooler months from May to September. During this time, the climate is pleasant, and the air is crisp and clear, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, beach-going, and exploring the city’s many attractions.

Events and Festivals in Durban

If you’re interested in festivals and events, Durban has plenty to offer year-round. One of the most famous festivals is the Durban July, a horse racing event that takes place in early July each year. Other notable events include:

– The annual Durban International Film Festival, which takes place in July
– The Essence Festival, a music and cultural festival held in Durban each October
– The Durban Jazz Festival, held in August or September

2. What Are the Top Attractions in Durban?

The Beaches of Durban

Durban is famous for its long, sandy beaches that stretch for miles along the coastline. Some of the best beaches in Durban include:

– The Golden Mile, a 6km stretch of beaches lined with hotels and entertainment venues
– Umhlanga Rocks, a popular beach for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing
– South Beach, which is popular with families and has a children’s play area

The Durban Botanic Gardens

If you’re a nature lover, be sure to visit the Durban Botanic Gardens, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Africa. The gardens contain a vast collection of indigenous and exotic plants, as well as an orchid house, a cycad collection, and a herbarium.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium

The Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class sports venue that offers visitors a range of activities, including a SkyCar ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city, a bungee swing, and a visitors’ centre. The stadium also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year.

3. What Are the Best Day Trips from Durban?

The Valley of a Thousand Hills

The Valley of a Thousand Hills is a scenic area located just outside Durban that is home to traditional Zulu villages, nature reserves, and cultural experiences. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about Zulu culture, explore the rural villages, or go hiking in one of the region’s many nature reserves.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

If you’re interested in wildlife, a day trip to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is a must. This game reserve is the oldest in Africa and is home to the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos) as well as many other species of wildlife. Visitors can take guided game drives or self-drive through the reserve.

4. What Is the Food Like in Durban?

Durban’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian and Zulu cultures, resulting in a unique blend of flavours and spices. Some of the most popular dishes include:

– Bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry
– Durban curry, which is known for being spicier than other curries in South Africa
– Biryani, a fragrant rice dish with meat or vegetables and spices
– Gatsby, a long sandwich filled with meat, chips, and other toppings

There are also many seafood restaurants in Durban, thanks to its coastal location.

5. Is Durban Safe for Tourists?

As with any major city, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe when visiting Durban. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in isolated areas, and don’t leave valuables in your car or on display in public.

However, overall Durban is a safe destination for tourists, with a low incidence of serious crime. As long as you take reasonable precautions, you should be able to enjoy your visit without any problems.

Conclusion

Durban is a vibrant and diverse city with much to offer visitors. From its warm, sunny weather and long stretches of beaches to its unique cuisine and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Durban. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a longer stay, be sure to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer.