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Sani Pass & The Cobham Section of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
skznbs 6.2
IBA-SA064
Categories: accommodation; roadside attraction; camping; trails
The entire Sani Pass comprises five birding habitats. From the bottom to the top as follows:
- Lower wetlands and grasslands (Dieu Donne Dam)
- Foothills (Nkomozana Lodge)
- Central Pass (S.A.Border control post/Polela)
- Upper switchbacks
- Lesotho Plateau
All five of these zones offer an exciting suite of bird species or spectacular fauna and flora and always spectacular scenery.
Specials to look out for Bush Blackcap, Barratt's Warbler, Drakensberg Siskin, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Gurney's Sugarbird, Fairy Flycatcher, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Cape Vulture , Bearded Vulture, Mountain & African Rock-Pipits, Layard's Tit-Babbler and Grey Tit.
Directions
Travel from Howick and Kokstad on the R617. Turn north at Underberg to Himeville. The Sani road lies 2km beyond this picturesque village.
Additional Info
Although two wheel drives are permitted up to the lower S.A.P.S border control post, some skill and caution is required especially if the road is wet. Four wheel-drive only is permitted to the top of the Sani Pass , which varies in condition from month to month. A road tax is payable at the upper Lesotho border control post. The pass is open at 8am daily. Please check on the closing times of both border posts. The pass can be closed due to heavy snow falls. Vehicles can be safely left within the confines of the S.A.P.S border post. Toilet facilities are only available at service stations in Himeville, at S.A.P.S border post and at Sani Top Chalet. There are restaurants in Himeville and Underberg and at Sani Top Chalet.
Guided trail hikes can be arranged trough Stuart McLean. A map of Lesotho is available at the Sani Top Chalet and at the Sani Tours office in the clock tower centre in Underberg. These maps can also be found at the new Underberg mall.
Habitats:
- Lower wetlands and grasslands (Dieu Donne Dam)
- Foothills (Nkomozana Lodge)
- Central Pass (S.A.Border control post/Polela)
- Upper switchbacks
- Lesotho Plateau
Contact
- Button Birding Tours: +27 (0)39 833 1029
- Sani Pass Tours: +27 (0)33 701 064
- Major Adventures: +27 (0)33 701 1628
- Thabo Tours: +27 (0)33 701 2888
- Steven Piper Tours: +27(0)33 701 1741
- Stuart McLean: +27 (0)33 702 0203