Sani Pass
Sani Pass in the Southern Drakensberg is the highest pass in Southern Africa. The turnoff to Sani Pass is about 15 km from Himeville.
It climbs 1000 m as it winds its way up hairpin bend after hairpin bend through the Mkomazana River Valley from just beyond the town of Himeville in KwaZulu-Natal to Mokhotlong in Lesotho. At Sani Top there's what claims to be the highest pub in Africa - it's as good an excuse for a drink as any. If you suffer from vertigo, get someone else to drive your 4x4 and close your eyes until you're at the top.
Giants Cup Trail Run
The Giants Cup Trail near Himeville is a renowned 5-day hiking trail that is accessible by road at a few key points, so runners of the trail run will be able to complete the full distance over two days.
As this is a hiking trail it was thus not designed or maintained with trail running in mind; be prepared to deal with long grass, loose ground and erosion berms in parts. Grading is intermediate to difficult. The best time to attempt this trial run is in the winter months (April - August) when the weather is stable. Start from Himeville.
Black Mountain Pass
If conquering Sani is not enough punishment, there’s a twisty 10 km ride on top of the plateau called Black Mountain. The air is thin up here, so the 5 km Black Mountain Pass - though not nearly as steep as Sani - will whack you hard. Expect to take about 5 hours to reach the top, with less than an hour back down.
You will cross the international border between South Africa and Lesotho, so passports are a must; check visa requirements. The grading is intermediate to difficult and it should take you 6 - 7 hours to do the 80 km return route. Spring can get a bet wet while winter is definitely chilly with chance of snow and ice on the pass.
Lotheni Nature Reserve
The Lotheni Nature Reserve is about 45 km from Himeville and offers great mountain biking to visitors. The 14 km ride is on tarred road and single track with steep downhills and stream crossings.
A gate fee is payable and there is a map available at reception. Grading is moderate. Self catering accommodation is available in chalets or cottages, as well as a camp site and there is a children’s playground and shop with limited supplies. Other activities include hiking, fishing and swimming in natural rock pools.
By Jacques Marais