South Africa Guide
KwaZulu-Natal
Sani Pass
Sani Pass is the only place in the KwaZulu-Natal Ukhahlamba Drakensberg range where you can actually drive up the mountains, using the only road from KwaZulu-Natal into Lesotho, connecting to the tiny highland outpost of Mokhotlong. It's the pass itself, zigzagging into the clouds, that draws increasing numbers into the High Berg.
For all its isolation, Sani Pass is fairly straightforward to get to. Sani Pass Carriers, based in Underberg ( 
033 701 1017, 
spc@y.co.za), operates a Pietermaritzburg– Underberg bus service (Mon– Fri 2 daily, Sat 1 daily; R125 one-way, R230 return) timed to connect with intercity buses. It also runs a service between Underberg and Kokstad (Mon & Thurs). Hostels in the Sani Pass area will pick you up from Baz Bus stops in Pietermaritzburg for an additional fee.
If you intend to drive up to Sani Pass, it's preferable to use a 4WD vehicle, and you'll need your passport. The South African and Lesotho border posts are both open daily from 8am to 4pm. As for organized trips, Thaba Tours in Underberg ( 033 701 2888, 
www.thabatours.co.za ) does a daily jaunt into Lesotho, taking you by 4WD to the highest point on the Sani– Mokhotlong Road to visit shepherds and learn about their lifestyle; it also organizes horse-riding trails and walking trips to see rock art. It's also possible to do Sani Pass as a worthwhile, though very long, day-trip from Durban, with Strelitzia Tours.