Discover the Serene Beauty of Sani River Basin
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of the Sani River Basin, a must-visit nature preserve in Lesotho.
The Sani River Basin in Lesotho is a breathtaking nature preserve that showcases the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems of the region. It offers tourists a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience the tranquility of the outdoors.
A brief summary to Sani river basin
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Local tips
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited within the preserve.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots to navigate the varied terrain comfortably.
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
- Engage with local guides to gain insights into the area's ecology and culture.
- Respect the natural environment by staying on designated trails.
Getting There
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Car
From Sani Pass, head south towards the border post. Continue driving along the Sani Pass road for about 10 kilometers. You will pass by several breathtaking views and hairpin bends. Keep an eye out for road signs indicating the direction to Lesotho. Once you reach the border post at the summit, you will need to present your passport and may incur a small fee for crossing into Lesotho. After crossing, continue onto the gravel road. The Sani River Basin is approximately 3 kilometers from the border post. Look for signs or a local guide to help navigate the final stretch.
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Public Transportation
If you’re using public transportation, start by taking a minibus taxi from Himeville to the Sani Pass area. The taxi will drop you off at the base of the pass. From there, you can hire a local guide, as public transport options are limited. The guide will provide transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, which is necessary for the rough terrain. The fee for the guide and transport to the Sani River Basin typically ranges from R500 to R1500, depending on the group size and negotiation.
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Hiking
For the adventurous, you can hike from the Sani Pass area to the Sani River Basin. Start at the Sani Pass viewpoint and follow the trail that leads south towards the river. The hike is about 5 kilometers and can take roughly 2 hours. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry sufficient water, and check the weather conditions before setting off. This option is free but requires good physical fitness and preparation.
Discover more about Sani river basin
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sani Stone Lodge
1.4 km
Experience the beauty and adventure of Sani Pass from Sani Stone Lodge, where comfort meets the stunning landscapes of South Africa.
Sani Pass Border Control (Lesotho)
1.6 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture at Sani Pass Border Control, your gateway to the majestic mountains of Lesotho.
Masoba-Soba Lodge
1.8 km
Discover the warmth of Lesotho at Masoba-Soba Lodge, where comfort meets stunning natural beauty in Mokhotlong.
Mkomazana Mountain Cottages
13.2 km
Experience the serene beauty of the Drakensberg at Mkomazana Mountain Cottages, your ideal self-catering getaway for nature and adventure.
Premier Resort Sani Pass
16.8 km
Discover tranquility and adventure at Premier Resort Sani Pass, a stunning hotel nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal's breathtaking landscapes.
Sani Lodge Backpackers
18.0 km
Experience the stunning natural beauty and adventure of the Southern Drakensberg at Sani Lodge Backpackers, your perfect getaway in KwaZulu-Natal.
Lake Naverone Self Catering Cottages
19.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Naverone Self Catering Cottages, your ideal escape in the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains of South Africa.
Eland Valley Resort
19.3 km
Experience tranquility and adventure at Eland Valley Resort, where breathtaking nature meets comfortable accommodations in the heart of the Drakensberg.
Sani Valley Nature Lodges
19.5 km
Discover Sani Valley Nature Lodges - your serene sanctuary in the Drakensberg, offering stunning views, comfort, and adventure in nature's embrace.
Castleburn Resort
19.6 km
Discover tranquility and luxury at Castleburn Resort, nestled in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Bergwinds
19.9 km
Discover tranquility and breathtaking views at Bergwinds, your self-catering oasis in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Winterhoek Hut (Giants Cup Trail)
20.4 km
Experience the serenity of Winterhoek Hut, a charming camping cabin nestled in the Mkhomazi Wilderness, along the breathtaking Giants Cup Trail.
Pillar Cave
20.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history at Pillar Cave, a geological wonder in the heart of South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains.
Eagles' Rock
24.3 km
Discover the tranquility and adventure of Eagles' Rock, a self-catering mountain retreat in the stunning Drakensberg region of South Africa.
Splashy Fen Cottage
25.7 km
Experience the beauty of the Drakensberg at Splashy Fen Cottage, your perfect self-catering retreat in Underberg, South Africa.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sani Mountain Lodge
1.2 km
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Sani Pass
1.5 km
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Sani Tops Backpackers Campsite
1.6 km
Unwind at Sani Tops Backpackers Campsite, a serene escape in Lesotho's breathtaking highlands, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Bellina's Lesotho village
6.4 km
Discover the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Bellina's Lesotho Village, a unique tourist attraction in the heart of the Basotho community.
Pholela Cave
7.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Pholela Cave, a hiker's paradise in South Africa full of stunning landscapes and serene wilderness.
Gorge Cave
7.9 km
Explore Gorge Cave in South Africa, an exceptional hiking area with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and trails for every adventure seeker.
Yellowwood corner
10.4 km
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and tranquility of Yellowwood Corner, a serene tourist attraction in South Africa's lush landscapes.
Giant's Cup Trailhead
12.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Giant's Cup Trailhead, a premier hiking destination in South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains, perfect for nature lovers.
God's Window
12.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of God's Window in Lesotho, a stunning viewpoint in the Drakensberg Mountains, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Drakensberg
12.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and adventure of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southern Africa.
Drakensberg hiking
12.6 km
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Vergelegen Nature Reserve
15.8 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Vergelegen Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in South Africa's wilderness, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
DNA Drakensberg Team Building and Adventure Tourism
16.7 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of DNA Drakensberg, where adventure meets nature in the stunning landscapes of the Drakensberg mountains.
Cobham Nature Reserve - Bathplug Waterfall
17.1 km
Explore the breathtaking Cobham Nature Reserve and Bathplug Waterfall, a serene escape into South Africa's natural beauty, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Spring Waterfall and Baboon Cave
17.3 km
Explore the serene beauty of Spring Waterfall and Baboon Cave, a hidden gem in South Africa perfect for nature lovers and adventurous explorers.
Essential places to dine
Vine Knot Restaurant
20.7 km
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Duck & Dolittle Restaurant
26.3 km
Discover the heartwarming flavors of local cuisine at Duck & Dolittle Restaurant in Underberg – where every meal tells a story.
Moorcroft Manor
27.1 km
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Hackers Grill
29.8 km
Experience delightful flavors at Hackers Grill in Underberg - where culinary excellence meets warm hospitality amidst stunning landscapes.
The Bush Pot Restaurant
31.0 km
Experience authentic South African cuisine at The Bush Pot Restaurant amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Fam Pizza Restaurant
39.3 km
Discover delicious pizzas at Fam Pizza Restaurant in Mokhotlong - where quality meets flavor in a cozy setting.
Maboitumelo Catering and Boitumelo hall
39.5 km
Discover Maboitumelo Catering and Boitumelo Hall: Where Local Flavors Meet Fast Food Convenience in Mokhotlong.
1010 Diner
39.7 km
Experience family-friendly dining at 1010 Diner in Mokhotlong, where comfort food meets local flavors in a warm atmosphere.
Izimbali Restaurant
40.2 km
Experience authentic South African cuisine at Izimbali Restaurant - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Mediterranean Harbor - Tlokoeng
53.6 km
Experience exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Mediterranean Harbor in Tlokoeng—where flavor meets warm hospitality in an inviting atmosphere.
Lebo African cuisine
58.4 km
Discover the vibrant tastes of Africa at Lebo African Cuisine, where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Restaurant
59.5 km
Experience exquisite dining at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Restaurant amidst breathtaking landscapes in Maloti Drakensberg Park.
Champagne Castle Hotel
59.8 km
Discover serenity at Champagne Castle Hotel amidst breathtaking mountain views and luxurious accommodations in Central Drakensberg.
Dragonview lodge
62.7 km
Discover the perfect blend of luxury accommodation and gourmet dining at Dragonview Lodge in Cathkin Park.
Dragon's Restaurant & Pub
63.4 km
Experience authentic South African flavors at Dragon's Restaurant & Pub, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cathkin Park's Drakensberg mountains.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
UnderBerg Shop
18.7 km
Explore the charm of UnderBerg Shop, your local convenience store offering essentials and unique local products in a picturesque South African setting.
Elands Rest Convenience Store
18.7 km
Discover Elands Rest Convenience Store, a charming grocery spot in the Drakensberg, offering local goods amid stunning mountain views.
The Old Hatchery & Waterfall Restaurant
23.5 km
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Heritage Plants Underberg
25.8 km
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The Olde Duck
26.3 km
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Vanilla Rose accents
26.3 km
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Devorah
28.2 km
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Ramblin Rose Mobile Boutique
28.4 km
Explore Ramblin Rose Mobile Boutique in Himeville for handcrafted leather goods that blend quality, style, and a touch of local charm.
Stonehouse Antiques
28.5 km
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The Gift House
28.6 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and local artistry at The Gift House in Underberg, a must-visit destination for every traveler.
Country Bell
30.4 km
Explore Country Bell in Underberg for unique home goods that reflect South African culture and artistry, perfect for souvenirs and decor.
Nestle
30.5 km
Discover the charm of Nestle, a delightful general store in Underberg, offering local goods and a warm atmosphere for every traveler.
Moden Furniture
30.6 km
Explore Moden Furniture in Underberg for unique, quality pieces that reflect South African design and craftsmanship, making your home truly special.
Underberg SUPERSPAR
30.6 km
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Sani Outdoors
30.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Joyce Offsales
30.1 km
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Underberg Inn Pub & Grill
30.7 km
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LL
39.5 km
Discover serenity at Ha Mamolibeli Lounge, a tranquil haven near Sani Pass, perfect for relaxation and breathtaking views.
The Overhang Bar
40.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Overhang Bar, where locals and tourists come together for great drinks and unforgettable moments.
Makhalong Tavern
50.2 km
Discover the heart of Lesotho's culture at Makhalong Tavern, where locals and tourists unite over traditional drinks and lively conversations.
Nip Inn
53.6 km
Experience the charm of Bulwer at Nip Inn, a cozy restaurant and pub offering delicious local cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sphiwo Bar
58.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and local culture at Sphiwo Bar in Nkwazela, a perfect spot for drinks and socializing.
Nchebeng Guest House
67.4 km
Discover comfort and adventure at Nchebeng Guest House, your perfect base in Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho for exploring breathtaking landscapes.
50/50 public bar
67.4 km
Discover the lively 50/50 Public Bar in Thaba-Tseka, a perfect spot for drinks and local culture amidst stunning Lesotho scenery.
Liranteng
67.9 km
Experience the lively spirit of Thaba-Tseka at Liranteng, a vibrant bar perfect for unwinding and mingling with locals.
The Nest Drakensberg Hotel
69.4 km
Discover tranquility and adventure at The Nest Drakensberg Hotel, your gateway to exploring South Africa's breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains.
Cathedral Peak Hotel
70.4 km
Experience luxury and adventure at Cathedral Peak Hotel, your gateway to the breathtaking beauty of the Drakensberg mountains and heritage.
The Nottingham Road Hotel
71.7 km
Experience the rustic charm and warm hospitality of The Nottingham Road Hotel, set against the stunning backdrop of KwaZulu-Natal's natural beauty.
Lythwood Lodge
74.6 km
Experience the tranquility of Lythwood Lodge, a perfect blend of nature and comfort in Lidgetton West, ideal for relaxation and unforgettable moments.
Molele Cafe
84.0 km
Discover the local flavors of Lesotho at Molele Cafe, an inviting restaurant in Qachas Nek’s Cat-Cat Complex, offering a taste of authentic cuisine.
