Sani Pass

Hi from Gauteng You guys in CPT must remember that although far KZN, Gauteng en Mpumalanga offers a lot for all skill types. Myself and 4 friends did the Sani Pass and Lesotho over the weekend. We are all above 50 with one 60 year old and we mostly do weekend breakfast runs and sometimes some offroad. We consider ourselves "roadies" but with dirtroad aspirations. Between us were 3 x 1150GS's, 1 x 1200GS Adv and 1 x Dakar Just a short review. The trip started on Friday at 06h00 east of Pta and the route went via Standerton, Warden, unto N3 over van Reenen past Mooirivier to Nottingham Road. Appr. 600km's From Nottingham Road we took the 60km dirt road to Himewill, close to Underberg. From Himewill we took the 25km dirtroad leading to the Sani Pass borderpost. The construction of the new road is underway, a very good dirt road up to the borderpost. We went through the borderpost at 16h00 for the real experience up the 8km mountain pass to the Sani Pass Lodge. Sani Borderpost - SASani Borderpost - SA We had to be at the Lesotho borderpost on top of Sani Pass before 17h00 closing time. One of the tour operators told us at the SA borderpost that they had to recover 6 bikers from the pass the previous weekend. With that warning in mind we knew we were in for some fun. The first 5.5 km went well and then the fun started. Two of the friends both came down 3 times with only two of us in support. The third fallThe third fall After the third fall we decided to leave the 2 bikes in the mountain (about 1km from the top) and do the recovery on Saturday morning. We arrived at the borderpost around 17h30 and luckily they let us through. After a good night's rest at Sani Pass Lodge and a good breakfast we walked down and without any further mishaps managed to drove to the top. View from the topView from the top and another .....and another ..... The initial plan was to go down the mountain but after a 30 second deliberation we decided to take the route through Lesotho via the Mokhotlong and Moteng passes to the Caledonspoort borderpost close to Fouriesburg and Clarens. As we left Sani TopAs we left Sani Top In 4 hours we did the 40/50 km dirt road stretch from Sani Pass Lodge to the tar road (pothole road) unto Ox Bow Lodge (60 odd km's) close to Afri Ski resort. Letseng diamond mineLetseng diamond mine Afri ski resort - +- 10k's from Ox Bow LodgeAfri ski resort - +- 10k's from Ox Bow Lodge Ox Bow Lodge in the distanceOx Bow Lodge in the distance We arrived at Ox Bow Lodge at 13h00 and spend the afternoon together with the management team of the G4 Challange (old Camel Trophy) watching the two rugby semi-finals. G4 Challange - CompetitorsG4 Challange - Competitors Real competitorsReal competitors They were busy with national trials for the selection of the top two competitors that will represent SA later this year. We left Ox Bow at 08h30 over the Moteng Pass (what a view!!) and arrived in Fouriesburg around 10h30. After petrol and drinks we left for Pta via Bethlehem, Reitz and Frankfort. From Frankfort we took a 80km dirt road to Oranjeville where we had lunch. From there we took the way home via Deneysville and Vereniging to Pta. We arrived back home at 17H30. I hope this will wet some appetites!! Regards Amadeus

Comments

Charles Oertel's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/04/14
Hi Amadeus Nice report. Don't attach images the way you have, just put your cursor in the text box where you want the image, and then click the little green icon at the bottom left of the text box. Full instructions are [http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/how-do-i-add-pictures-my-articles here]. Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

Committee: Webmaster / Ride Captain

Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
Incredible stuff! Thanks so much for sharing with us :)
Warren Ellwood's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/06/18
There is a nasty rumor going around that they are going to tar this pass.

"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, and does it improve on the silence?"

Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
Take that back you HEATHEN! kidding Warren :) - but seriously?
Offline
Joined: 2008/05/04
Amadeus Geldenhuys Warren went looking at the progress and what it will do for Lesotho tourism (unfortunately!!) the opportunities for adventurers conquering Sani will run out shortly
n/a
Henk's picture
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/13
I'm afraid Warren is correct Alan. Read articles below. http://vertical-endeavour.com/joomla/drakensberg/passes/sani-pass-upgrad... http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=180&art_id=vn2008072511... I suppose there are some pro's and cons for doing this. Maybe the club can plan a trip to Sani Pass and surrounds before this happens;) “Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

“Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

Warren Ellwood's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/06/18
Also some interesting info here http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=23193.0 I've never driven the Sani Pass but have read and heard many stories about it and it's on my "things to do before you die" list. Looks like I'll need to move it up the list.

"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, and does it improve on the silence?"

JohandeJager's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/10/03
SIGH....I hope I can have a go at this pass before the "tarring" happens. Just wondering, how many members would be interrested in such a ride organised by the club where we can look at camping as well as a backup vehicle being part of the trip? Johan de Jager "It's all about the ride, nothing else"

Johan de Jager "It's all about the ride, nothing else"

Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
I'd be interested - it looks INCREDIBLE - price dependant of course - I'm not CEO yet. :P
Henk's picture
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/13
+1 Sounds like a good idea. Like Alan said, price dependant. Me too are not a CEO yet:(. Can a 650 go that far :? ? “Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

“Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
A scooter can go that far if you can :)
Henk's picture
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/13
Sorry Amadeus for highjacking your report:) . You got a bunch of us excited to do the Sani Pass now. “Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

“Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

Offline
Joined: 2008/05/04
Amadeus Geldenhuys I was hoping for this reaction. This was truly an humbling experience which had us exited as well as all the foreigners we ran into (Canadians, Germans and Americans) - Honey Badger the technology is killing me. I'm trying to incorporate the photos but with little success.
n/a
Charles Oertel's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/04/14
Strange. What is the problem exactly? # are you in 'edit' mode on your post? # do you see, below the text area where you are typing your post, the green '+' on a tiny image? # when you click this do you get a pop-up window that has an 'upload' button on it? # can you find the pictures on your harddrive using the 'browse' button? # does the submit button work? Give me more info and I can help you. Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

Committee: Webmaster / Ride Captain

Offline
Joined: 2008/05/04
Amadeus Geldenhuys I'm in EDIT mode and followed steps 1 - 7 When I click on INSERT (Screen 7) it takes me to a blank screen saying Properties : Change how image is displayed with a START Over button. Do I have to remove the original attached images first?
n/a
Daniel Nelson's picture
Offline
Joined: 2008/02/08
I'd love to go, its on my list and not ticked yet.
n/a
Charles Oertel's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/04/14
Ok, Amadeus I think I see where you're pinned. I logged in as you and inserted one of the images. You have already uploaded 4 images - so I clicked on one of them in the image window, and the next screen is screen 7 in the instructions. It is more bare because the details are hidden in the 'advanced options' line. '''All you need to do is click the insert button'''. Perhaps you can't see the button because you need to scroll down in your window. Don't click 'start over', click '''insert'''. Hope this helps. You don't need to remove the attachments, but once your pictures are up it is a good idea in order to keep your post good and clean and fresh. Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

Committee: Webmaster / Ride Captain

Offline
Joined: 2007/06/25
Amadeus, 'n lekker report and the photos are wonderful. We did the Sani about 3 years ago, but on quads.At R500-00 ea it was the cheaper option, considering the light rain at the time (therefore no Photo's)it was the right choice, certainly cheaper than dropping the bike and my wife. You need to come to C T so we can go for a ride or two. Ignore opinions, heed facts. Feet on the pegs, always.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

Offline
Joined: 2008/05/04
Amadeus Geldenhuys Cheesy - Thank you for the invite. If I stay in good health CPT and surroundings is definitely on my tick list. I'm originally from Velddrift (way back) and would love to join you and other members on a weekend trip to where ever you go in the areas around CPT
n/a
Charles Oertel's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/04/14
Amadeus Your name that appears at the top of your comment box is actually your 'signature'. You are supposed to type your comment '''above''' it. Then you won't have your name appearing as the title to all your comments. Don't worry, another long-time member of the club discovered this interesting little fact today also ;-) Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

Committee: Webmaster / Ride Captain

chris dunn's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/06/18
It's been on my list for a long time. So I am in..!! Just let me know.
zebra's picture
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/28
Doing the Sani pass was on my 'To Do' list when I owned a regular Nissan Sani 4x2(though it had a diff-lock). Never got around to it, so am c-a-p-i-t-a-l l-e-t-t-e-r-s KEEN to do in on my Dakar! A few 650's could maybe use the Shosholza Mail train (they takes bikes AND passengers, and it's reasonable) to break the back of the distance, and then ride to Sani Pass from one of it's stops?. Or else break up the distance from CT into many 'bite-size' chunks, to make it manageable. Yup, I'm dead keen! http://www.themanorcottage.co.za

zebra's picture
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/28
With the possibility of doing e.g Sani Pass one day possibly as a train/bike combo, esp. for those on 650's, I am taking the liberty of posting Shosholza Mails e-mail / contact details: Hijack ON: e-mail: Nonkululeko.Maqubela@transnet.net phone: luggage department (motorbike transport) +27 11 773 7499 Hijack OFF http://www.themanorcottage.co.za

Henk's picture
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/13
Why not do an Iron Butt to Sani? I know there was a forum discussion about it earlier in the year. “Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

“Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
Hi Henk, There was / is - I'm still working on the Charity and media involvement angles and it's just moving very slowly - Great idea though - someone able to work up a decent route?
Offline
Joined: 2008/05/04
Honey Badger - Charles Oertel is busy working on my problem (stupidity!?)with the photo uploads. Thank you for your patience and help with this first time user. I did a a route plan on VEZA 1) If you take N1 from CPT to Himeville via Bethlehem the distance is appr 1600km's 2) If you take N2 via EL and Kokstad to Himeville the distance is also appr 1600km's 3) Add the 30 odd km's from Himeville to Sani borderpost (bottom) You can fillup in Himeville and go all the way through Lesotho to Caledonspoort (Fouriesburg) with one tank petrol Amadeus Geldenhuys
n/a
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
Sounds great thanks, I'll add this to the list of proposed routes, but wouldn't particularly suggest it on the time trial side for the Iron Butt as the off-road cannot be done at the speeds required - it would be unsafe and irresponsible from my side to do that. Added on this there is the problem of border control stops regarding time etc. Thanks Again :) Alan
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
In Addendum, I don't want to not have time to stop for photos, or to just enjoy the beauty of it :) This is a memory making trip, not a record maker / breaker - I know I prefer it that way.
Offline
Joined: 2007/06/25
Alan, while you are in the vinicity pop in to the Katse dam and go to the Fouriesburg border post. The road ia/was amazing and the views even better. Ignore opinions, heed facts. Feet on the pegs, always.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
Thanks Cheesy - will make a point of it :)
Stevet's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/11/02
Also make sure that you ride from Fouriesburg to Clarens - a road designed by the motorcycling gods - once you get to Clarens - TURN AROUND and do it in the opposite direction ..... then go back and through Golden Gate. One of my favorite roads ever!!
n/a
Offline
Joined: 2008/03/15
So I take it you boys are planning the route?
Charles Oertel's picture
Offline
Joined: 2007/04/14
Woohoot! I see you have gotten the images to work now Amadeus. Is this the result of switching to Firefox? Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

Committee: Webmaster / Ride Captain

Offline
Joined: 2008/05/04
Charles Yebo - Look and feel the same as IE but more predictable - Thanks for the help Regards Amadeus Geldenhuys
n/a