Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
17 June, 2015
Himeville, Sani Pass, Himeville
Today dawned bright & clear & cold - perfect conditions for our trip up Sani Pass. It's not too long before we hit the dirt and off we went. Only 4x4 vehicles are permitted to ascend - the SA police at the border post see to that. What a great experience, it was so cold our eyes were streaming so they were quick, efficient and polite. There are ablution blocks on both sides - absolutely spotless.
On we went, higher and higher with some very serious hairpin bends. Fortunately, not being a weekend meant there are not too many cars passing as some parts are very narrow. It takes about an hour & half to ascend and I was thrilled to get to the top. 0 degrees + a biting wind and snow on the ground made for a freezing stop so hot chocolate at the Sani Top Chalets was most welcome. We then drove further into Lesotho (about 8kms) along the most amazing concrete & tar road. R reckons the gradient was about 20%. One of the reasons R wanted to do the pass is that it's going to be tarred soon to provide access for the supply trucks that are building the dam in Lesotho!!!! After doing it today my mind boggles.
The top of the pass is 3062 meters high ... Our descent was 'eyeclosing' in parts for me. R drove superbly and I knew I was in good hands but preferred not to see some of the hairpin bends.
We had a restorative cuppa at Sani Pass Hotel - of special interest because Stan, Rays brother used it manage it in the late 60's.
The forecast is for -2 tonight so dinner then back in front of the fire.
- comments
Trevor Brilliant trip...done it during winter as well. Remember those hairpin bend well...a glorious ride!