Highest Pub in Africa

As promised here is the story of Sani Pass, the road between the border of Kwa Zulu Natal and Lesotho in South Africa. This was one of our "Bucket List" visits and we wanted to do it for two reasons. I had never seen or experienced real snow and the more important one, visit and have a drink in the highest pub in Africa, Sani Top Chalet.

We were living in Durban at the time so the trip to the Sani Pass Hotel was only a two hour drive where we stayed overnight to take a guided tour the next morning to the top. Sani Pass was still a dirt road back then and notoriously dangerous that required above average driving skills and a solid 4x4 vehicle. We got together early the next morning ready for the adventure.

It's a dangerous, 9 kilometre dirt road starting just above sea level and going up to the Sani Top Chalet at 2874m above sea level. The first few kilometres up to the border post was dry and fine. No Problem.

About two kilometres after that the "Fun" started as the road quickly changed from dry to wet and extremely slippery. At one point there was a queue of 4x4 vehicles on a very steep hill waiting their turn to go up just in case a vehicle slipped back and hit another vehicle in the process. At this point our guide stopped and fitted our vehicle with snow chains on the wheels.

The road is terrifying with sheer cliffs on the edge and car wrecks at the bottom from previous failed attempts. Our nerves were shot halfway up with the Land Rover constantly slipping and going sideways. On some stretches we got out and walked to allow the driver to get the vehicle up and even walking on the iced road was damn dangerous.

Things just got worse as we slowly went up and about a kilometre from the top the Land Rover started spinning, briefly stopped and then slowly started sliding back finally coming to a stop about a meter from the edge. I had enough, grabbed my wife's hand and got out and we walked the last stretch to the top with extreme difficulty. And believe me we were not the only group walking. Once you get over the nerves and terror the views up there is actually priceless.

Some snowball throwing ensued and I got one against the head. Bloody painful. Straight to the Highest Pub in Africa to indulge in some Gluwein to calm the nerves and warm us up followed by an out of this world pub lunch.

The trip down seemed to be much easier and less nerve recking. Not sure if the amount of Gluwein we consumed during the afternoon had something to do with that. All said and done a once in a lifetime memorable experience and highly recommended if you ever visit South Africa. The view from the deck, snowman and all.

The rest of the pics.