Mountain Biking the Sani Pass, Underberg, Kwazulu-Natal
The Sani Pass Classic is one of the most popular mountain biking events in the country, taking daring riders up the challenging Sani Pass into Lesotho. However, the route can be ridden all-year round, and is one of the most rewarding rides in the country, as the scenery in this region is exquisite.
Riders can also enjoy the thrill of crossing borders into Lesotho on this ride. Although the climb up to the Lesotho border post is steep and challenging, there is incentive enough to conquer it as there is a pub at the top of the hill.
If conquering the Sani Pass is not enough of a challenge for you, then you can continue on the windy 10-km Black Mountain Pass. This ascent is not as steep as the Sani, but the air is thin and your heart will race. To get an idea of the challenge you face on this ride, the altitude at the start of the ride is 1674m above sea-level, and 3200m above sea-level at the highest point on the ride. It takes riders an average of 5hrs to ascend and 1hr to descend on this ride.
Info: Rated from difficult to extreme. 72km-80km return route. Passports are a necessity for border crossing at Lesotho. The trail is marked with public road signs.
Getting there: From Underberg, take the Himeville turn-off. Drive through Himeville until reaching the Sani Pass gravel road on the left. Sani Lodge is a further 10.5km along this road, on your left-hand side.
| More info on the town of Underberg | More info on the Drakensberg area |
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