Sani Lodge Backpackers Hostel Drakensberg Mountains |
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| Country |
| South Africa |
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| Province/State |
| KWAZULU NATAL |
| City |
| Drakensberg |
| Physical Address |
| 10 km on Sani Pass Road, Sani Pass, Drakensberg, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. |
| Postal Address |
| P.O.Box 485, Underberg, 3257, Drakensberg, South Africa. |
| Telephone Number |
Backpack Africa call centre telephone no:
+27 (0)11 880 5108 |
| Fax Number |
Backpack Africa call centre fax no:
+27 (0)11 880 5655 |
| Cell Number |
Backpack Africa after hours no:
+27 (0)82 490 1229
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Welcome to Sani Lodge Backpackers Hostel in the Drakensberg mountains!
 Wanting to travel South Africa or tour Lesotho?
SANI LODGE provides accommodation deep in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, bordering directly on the World Heritage listed uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
Situated at the foot of the famous Sani Pass, the gateway to the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, Sani Lodge is a peaceful country haven, with a laid-back atmosphere, offering great value for money. Join Russell and Simone Suchet, the owners, for a slice of our renowned chocolate cake and have a chat to Russell about his book, “A Backpacker`s guide to Lesotho”. Relax at “one of the best Backpackers away from the big towns in SA” ( SA HANDBOOK), breathe in pure mountain air and enjoy our verandah with a view!
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Drakensberg Adventures: -
Sani lodge is the base for Drakensberg Adventures, offering excellent , action packed tours with knowledgeable guides, and all inclusive packages, for a full mountain experience.
Sani Lodge is at the start of the famous Giant‘s Cup Trail. It’s an ideal base to enjoy Bushmen Rock Art, horse riding, swimming in mountain rivers and waterfalls, hiking and Basotho and Zulu cultural tours.
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Lodging: -
 Our accommodation is cosy, clean and comfortable. Choose between:
• Dormitories with 4 beds,
• Double Rooms with double or twin bed/s,
• Luxury thatch rondavels Twin / double bedded,
• Camping on a smooth lawn near a stream.
Watch the sunset over the mountains from our new deluxe outdoor shower!
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Facilities: -
 You will find that SANI LODGE caters for all your needs: -
– from good food to an aromatherapy massage!
- Fully equipped, self catering Kitchen,
– Lounge with cosy fireplace
– Ablutions with hot showers
– Braai (BBQ) for those clear starry nights
– Public phone
– Internet & laundry service.
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Food leave your shopping bags behind: -
– All meals (homecooked)are served in our Giants Cup Restaurant,
– Picnic lunches are available,
– Vegetarians well catered for,
– Our famous chocolate cake is baked daily,
– Our homemade ice-cream made from fresh farm cream is a must,
- Local farmhouse cheese for sale,
- Why not try our local speciality, Trout. We stock a whole variety of delicious fresh and smoked trout products.
- Crafts, for novel handcrafts from Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
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Sani Pass and Lesotho: -
 The Sani Pass is the only vehicle route over the Drakensberg escarpment and into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. It is a spectacular 4x4 track twisting and snaking its way through the rocky cliffs to the top of the world.
Before the 1950's, it was a trail for pack animals to carry goods through to the isolated town of Mokhotlong in Eastern Lesotho. Now, the road carries 4x4 vehicles, though the odd donkey and horse can still be seen plodding slowly up the steep route. Crossing the border at the top of the pass, one enters not only another country (passports required), but another world.
The Basotho have a unique African mountain culture, reminiscent of Tibet! People live in traditional rondavels(huts), herd goats and sheep in the high mountains and grow crops by ox-ploughing and hand-hoeing in a lifestyle fascinating for the visitor. Come and experience the wonders of the mountains. Visit Lesotho under your own steam, or on one of our tours. The South African border post opens at 8am and closes at 4pm.
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4 x 4 Tours
 Enjoy a guide tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Sani Lodge runs 4x4 tours in their own landrover. Tour price includes contribution to villagers.
For Tour Prices and Details see our Tour Section.
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More About Lesotho: -
 For those who do a tour and want to know more, or for those wanting to travel deeper into Lesotho for a longer period, “A Backpacker's Guide to Lesotho” is an invaluable little book.
Written by Russell in 1993, the book has been regularly updated and offers background information on the country as well as specific travel information on where to go, what to see, how to get there and where to stay.
The current edition was updated in September 1999. If this isn't enough, then come to Sani Lodge and ask the author himself for the latest information.
A trip through Lesotho should be an incredibly rewarding experience, start it with us and we'll help you get the most out of it.
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Hiking / Trekking - Keen on Walking
 Situated on the boundary of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Sani Lodge is perfectly situated for exploring this wilderness area on foot.
Choose between day hikes, longer overnight trails or walk the famous Giant’s Cup Trail.
All hikes start from our doorstep.
No shuttle needed!
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Day Hikes
 Experience peace, tranquility, wildlife, wild flowers and very very few other human beings if any!! Hikes vary in length from 1 to 8 hours. They include superb views of the peaks of the area, especially Hodgson's Peaks at 3256m, as well as beautiful mountain streams, pools to swim in, waterfalls, indigenous forest and challenging ascents. Take in breathtaking views from the top of Ndlovini (2200m), stand at the base of the Balancing Rocks and catch sight of mountain and southern reedbuck,eland,oribi,duiker,grey rhebok,baboon,rock hyraxes,bearded vultures.
KZN Wildlife permits are available from the lodge, and we provide maps and route descriptions to our guests, so the hikes are self-guided. If you want to know more about the natural history of the area, our "In the Footsteps of the Bushmen" guided hike will give you a good feel for what the Berg is all about.
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Overnight hiking
 We are experienced hikers ourselves, and have lived here for 10 years.
We know the Southern Drakensberg, and can thus advise you well on what hike is suitable for the time available and the level of hiking experience you have.
We also can do all the Parks paper work at the lodge.
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Giant‘s Cup Trail
 For those wanting short days (about 12km per day) and overnight huts, the 5 day Giant‘s Cup Trail starts close to the lodge. This trail is ideal for the less experienced hiker as it is clearly marked and doesn't ever get that deep into the mountains. It provides great views, and is a very enjoyable trail.
The serious hiking can be done in the mornings, and with your backpack in the hut, each hut has options for interesting afternoon side trips. The trail ends at Bushman‘s Nek, and we can help you arrange transport back from there. Sani Lodge is the ideal place to spend the night before the trail – set off with one of our fine breakfasts to power you along!!
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Camping – Caves – Wilderness Experience
 For those wanting to get deeper into the mountains and have a real wilderness experience, trails start from the lodge and go deep into the park, offering the possibility to climb to the summit of the main Drakensberg escarpment.
Paths are not marked and there are no signs, so it is imperative that those doing such hikes are good map-readers. Camping is permitted anywhere within the wilderness area, and a number of overnight caves offer another option (both cost R16pppn).
Fires are not allowed - camping stoves must be carried (we have one for hire). Hikes can vary from 1 night to 2 weeks, depending on you.
The most popular option is the Polela Trail, a 3 or 4 day hike taking in some beautiful valleys, little berg summits and an ascent of Hodgson's Peaks (3256m) which will be the highlight.
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Hiking in Lesotho
 One can literally hike anywhere in Lesotho, and we have hiked a fair amount there. Maps are essential, and can only be purchased in Maseru.
However, for those wishing to do 3-4 day hikes from Sani Top to Mokhotlong via Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point south of Kilimanjaro at 3485m, or from Sani Top to Sehlabathebe National Park, we can hire out the required maps.
For more information on hiking in Lesotho, contact us.
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A la Carte Restaurant,Bar,Braai/Barbeque,Laundry,Darts,Games Room,Baggage collection and storage,Pay phone,Cleaning Service,Pick up and Drop off from your hostel,Curio Shop
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ACTIVITIES |
| On-site Activities |
| Abseiling,Bird - Watching,Budget Tours and Safaris,Canoeing,Caving,Climbing,Day Tours,Game Drives,Game Safaris,Game Walks,Hiking,Horse Riding,Kloofing,Micro-lighting,Para-gliding,Para-sailing,Sight-seeing,Snooker / Pool Table |
| Off-site Activities |
| Abseiling,Beach Activties,Bird - Watching,Budget Tours and Safaris,Canoeing,Caving,Clay Pigeon Shooting,Climbing,Day Tours,Game Drives,Game Safaris,Game Walks,Golf,Hiking,Horse Riding,Kloofing,Parachuting / Sky Diving,Para-gliding,Sight-seeing,Snooker / Pool Table |
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All prices quoted on this page are in the native currency of South Africa
To see these prices quoted in your currency, please select a currency from the list and wait for the amount to display! |
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Tours on offer from this vendor
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All prices quoted on this page are in the native currency of South Africa
To see these prices quoted in your currency, please select a currency label from the list! |
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ADDITIONAL INFO |
Bushman Rock Art
 The Drakensberg Mountains, besides their natural beauty, are home to one of the largest art galleries in the world. There are hundreds of painted rock overhangs or shelters, with literally thousands of individual paintings in them. This amazing treasure trove of art was left behind by the Bushmen who inhabited the Drakensberg for at least 10 000 years. Sadly, they are no longer with us, but their paintings are, and they provide not only much beauty and fascination, but also a glimpse of the inner workings of their compassionate and caring society.
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An opportunity to experience something special
 All rock art sites which fall within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park are now no longer open to the casual visitor. They can only be visited by groups accompanied by approved guides. This is to ensure the protection of the art from vandals and ignorant visitors who inadvertantly damage them. We are accredited guides, and can not only guide you to one of a number of unspoilt panels, but also fill you in on all the background to the Bushmen, including the latest thinking on the art. This will greatly add to your understanding and thus your enjoyment of the art.
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In the Footsteps of Bushmen Hike!
 Our "In the Footsteps of the Bushmen" guided day hikes are an excellent way to learn not only about the Bushmen, but also about the flora, fauna and natural history of the Drakensberg. We offer full day hikes (moderate fitness required) to unspoilt panels of rock art, as well as half day hikes to panels closer to the road. We can also put together special Rock Art Packages- all inclusive tours including transport, food, accommodation and guided rock art hikes with different guides for those wishing to see a variety of panels and get different perspectives on the art.
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Getting Here by Car: -
SANI LODGE is in the Southern Drakensberg, 19km from the town of Underberg. We are 141km from Pietermaritzburg, 218km from Durban, 607km from Johannesburg, 130km from Kokstad and 539km from East London.
All but the last 10 km of the way is tarred road, and the final stretch is a good quality dirt road.
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From Durban: -
Up the N3 motorway, take exit number 99, “Howick South/ Underberg”, turn left and follow the R617 for 110km to Underberg.
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From Johannesburg/Pretoria: -
Take the N3 motorway towards Durban.
Option 1: Take the Nottingham Road exit and take the Sani Pass turn off in the village of Nottingham Road. The road is about 30km of tar and then 60 km of scenic if slow dirt road via Loteni to the Sani Pass junction. This route is not recommended in the wet.
Option 2: Continue on to Exit 99 at Howick and follow the R617 to Underberg.
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From the Eastern Cape: -
Take the N2 from East London via Umtata to Kokstad. Turn off the N2 here, through the town of Kokstad and on to the R617 for 111km to Underberg.
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From Lesotho: -
From the town of Mokhotlong in Eastern Lesotho, take the good dirt road to Sani Top and the Basotho border post.
The 8km down the Sani Pass to the South African Border post is the rough section – in dry weather it is possible in a sedan vehicle, but is not recommended.
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Coming Here WITHOUT a Car: -
A shuttle service operates to the lodge from the nearest connecting points of the major bus services as follows:
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From Durban: -
Depart Mon to Sat from Durban with the Cheetah coach to Pietermaritzburg and link up with the shuttle in PMB.
For those with Baz Bus tickets south from Durban, an option is to come to Sani Lodge via Kokstad.
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From Pietermaritzburg: -
Depart Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs at 12pm and 4pm,
Fri at 12.30pm and 4pm,
Sat at 10am with the shuttle.
Cost R90 one way or R160 return.
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From Johannesburg/Pretoria: -
Shuttle connects with Baz Bus in Howick
or other buses in Pietermaritzburg Mon - Sat.
Cost from Howick is R80 one way R140 return.
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From the South, the Eastern Cape via Kokstad (Baz Bus connection): -
Shuttle connects with Baz Bus and other buses in Kokstad at the Wimpy restaurant.
Mon to Sat by arrangement.
Cost R80 one way R140 return (extra if only 1 passenger)
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Minibus Taxis: -
Taxis run from Pietermaritzburg to Underberg daily for only R20 to R30pp.
Taxis from Underberg drop off at Sani Lodge.
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Hitchhiking: -
Hitch Hiking is good between the N3 at Howick and Underberg, and between Kokstad and Underberg.
The dirt road from Nottingham Road carries very little traffic.
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