Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
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Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
We decided to make a trip to see and play in the snow, from Warden/Villiers onward we started seeing snow in patches but between Harrismith and Van Reenens we could still see plenty snow on the road side.
Once we decended Van Reenens Pass where there was no snow on the side of the road from then on. We could see a lot on the berg but once we got to the Natal Midlands, there we found sonw again on the road from Nottingham Road to Himeville.
We were able to stop and take a couple of pictures etc. We then left that hill and made our way to Sani Pass, we got to the bottom (RSA) border at about 16h00. There were very few vehicles there and we were told the pass was closed but we could go as far as we wanted.
This is a view of the 12 apostles for those that know that area.
We started climbing the pass, there was a lot of snow around and it was starting to snow more. We got to about 300m just before the first switch back where there was 3 taxis stuck in the snow. There we just took pictures and played arround a bit. There was a lot of ice around.
The snow was falling on and off, sometimes it was so hard that it almost whited out the whole place that you could only see for a few meters.
We met some other guys and a girl in a Vigo Hilux and they were cooking sausage, bacon and patties on a Cadac cooker in the snow.
As we had only got through the border at 16h00 and it closed at 18h00 we had to get back. So we didn't have a lot of time to spend there that day. Nevertheless we stayed over in Himeville and the next morning we were greeted with this site.
What a glorious morning. So it was off to Sani Pass again. Now being a Saturday, every man and his dog was doing the same thing as us. There were hundreds of vehicles heading up to the pass. We past a unimog on the way to the RSA border.
On the way up the pass we made our way past all the vehicles, most of them either skidding to a stop and eventually abadoning any further atempt at getting any further, or stopped at the side to fit chains to their vehicles. I was surprised at how many had chains.
At the first switch back no body could not go any further, so we parked off the road at the view site.
People were walking up to the Sani Top. So we set off on foot.
Once we decended Van Reenens Pass where there was no snow on the side of the road from then on. We could see a lot on the berg but once we got to the Natal Midlands, there we found sonw again on the road from Nottingham Road to Himeville.
We were able to stop and take a couple of pictures etc. We then left that hill and made our way to Sani Pass, we got to the bottom (RSA) border at about 16h00. There were very few vehicles there and we were told the pass was closed but we could go as far as we wanted.
This is a view of the 12 apostles for those that know that area.
We started climbing the pass, there was a lot of snow around and it was starting to snow more. We got to about 300m just before the first switch back where there was 3 taxis stuck in the snow. There we just took pictures and played arround a bit. There was a lot of ice around.
The snow was falling on and off, sometimes it was so hard that it almost whited out the whole place that you could only see for a few meters.
We met some other guys and a girl in a Vigo Hilux and they were cooking sausage, bacon and patties on a Cadac cooker in the snow.
As we had only got through the border at 16h00 and it closed at 18h00 we had to get back. So we didn't have a lot of time to spend there that day. Nevertheless we stayed over in Himeville and the next morning we were greeted with this site.
What a glorious morning. So it was off to Sani Pass again. Now being a Saturday, every man and his dog was doing the same thing as us. There were hundreds of vehicles heading up to the pass. We past a unimog on the way to the RSA border.
On the way up the pass we made our way past all the vehicles, most of them either skidding to a stop and eventually abadoning any further atempt at getting any further, or stopped at the side to fit chains to their vehicles. I was surprised at how many had chains.
At the first switch back no body could not go any further, so we parked off the road at the view site.
People were walking up to the Sani Top. So we set off on foot.
Just because it says "4WD" doesn't make it an off-road vehicle.
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- LR 4WD Full Lockers
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
So off we went on foot,
This was at the ice waterfall, for those that know the area.
The going was OK, there were many deep snow drifts,
As you can see that drift is almost a meter deep,
We passed the owner of the top chalet and helped him carry supplies to the top. It was actually quite nice walking up that section, I have only ever done it in a vehicle and never on foot. Made a bit of a change.
Some more shots of walking up.
Nearing the top. It was quite a festive occasion, we ended up walking with a tour operator who kept us amused with local news whilst we were walking.
At the top:
The Chalet:
More Snow:
The temprature on top was 3 Degrees, but there was no wind so it didn't feel that cold.
This was at the ice waterfall, for those that know the area.
The going was OK, there were many deep snow drifts,
As you can see that drift is almost a meter deep,
We passed the owner of the top chalet and helped him carry supplies to the top. It was actually quite nice walking up that section, I have only ever done it in a vehicle and never on foot. Made a bit of a change.
Some more shots of walking up.
Nearing the top. It was quite a festive occasion, we ended up walking with a tour operator who kept us amused with local news whilst we were walking.
At the top:
The Chalet:
More Snow:
The temprature on top was 3 Degrees, but there was no wind so it didn't feel that cold.
Just because it says "4WD" doesn't make it an off-road vehicle.
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- LR 4WD Full Lockers
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
Later we walked down and once we reached our vehicle we decided to give the pass another go, this time we managed to get to the frozen waterfall which is on about the 5th switch back.
Due to the ice we were unable to get any further. I believe they (The government) are arranging to have the pass cleared using heavy equipment.
So if you arrange to go this weekend you will probably be able to get up the pass and have yourself a whole lot of fun in Lesotho.
Due to the ice we were unable to get any further. I believe they (The government) are arranging to have the pass cleared using heavy equipment.
So if you arrange to go this weekend you will probably be able to get up the pass and have yourself a whole lot of fun in Lesotho.
Just because it says "4WD" doesn't make it an off-road vehicle.
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
Nice report, Craig! Sani looks very different to when I was there in April a few years ago :)
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
Eric, Even more different than when I was there 4 weeks ago....lovely.
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
Lekker
We played around in the snow between Harrismith and van Reenen after being stuck in Harrismith without electricity on tuesday (Toatl shut down could not even go to work
Lekkeeeeeerrrrrrrr
We played around in the snow between Harrismith and van Reenen after being stuck in Harrismith without electricity on tuesday (Toatl shut down could not even go to work
Lekkeeeeeerrrrrrrr
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
Very nice Tx for all the lovely pics
Now I am going to get a blanket....just chills looking at those pics
Now I am going to get a blanket....just chills looking at those pics
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
But seriously guys, if you want to have a great weekend in the snow, this coming weekend would be it. There are plenty of places to stay in the area. The snow shouldn't be on the pass but it will still be in Lesotho. So if that is something you have always thought of doing but never got your timing right, now is that time.
Just because it says "4WD" doesn't make it an off-road vehicle.
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Re: Sani Pass - July 2011 Snow
Thanks for sharing. Great pics.
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