Sani Pass Day Tour from Underberg: 4x4 to Africa's Highest Pub

The highest pub in Africa sits at 2,874 metres on the Lesotho border.

This full-day 4x4 tour from Underberg climbs Sani Pass into Lesotho with a mountain guide, crossing into a different country and stopping at the continent's highest pub for lunch. After descending, you visit a living Basotho village in Skeering where the guide explains local culture and traditional practices. The tour returns to Underberg between 4pm and 4:30pm. Pickup is included within 5km of Underberg town, and a valid passport is essential. The route travels at high altitude and is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sani Pass and Lesotho Village Tour

• Travel from Underberg to Sani Pass
• Stop at South African border post
• Stop at Lesotho border post
• Enjoy lunch at highest pub in Africa
• Visit Basotho Village in Skeering
• Experience traditional beer and bread
• Descend Sani Pass back to Underberg

The experience

The day starts with a 4x4 pickup near Underberg and heads straight toward the Sani Pass, a winding mountain road that climbs to 2,874 metres above sea level. You'll stop at viewpoints along the way and pass through both the South African and Lesotho border posts. This is why your passport matters. The landscape shifts as you climb, and the guide points out details about the terrain and the people who live here.

Lunch happens at the highest pub in Africa, a real bar sitting on the pass itself where you can eat and rest before the second half of the day. After eating, the tour continues down into Skeering, a living Basotho village where your guide introduces you to local life and culture. Traditional beer and homemade bread are offered if you want to try them. This is not a museum or a performance. It's a working village, and the guide explains what you're seeing as you walk through.

The return journey winds back down the Sani Pass, and depending on wildlife spotted along the way, you'll arrive back in Underberg between 4pm and 4:30pm. The whole day runs 6 to 7 hours. Bring a camera, warm clothing (the altitude means it's cold even in summer), and a light jacket in case the weather shifts. The road is rough and the altitude is real, so this tour isn't for everyone. It's built for travelers who want the climb itself, not just the view from the bottom.

What’s included

• Guided 4x4 trip up the Sani Pass with a mountain guide.
• pickup within 5km of Underberg town.
• Lesotho Tourism Levy.
• lunch at the highest pub in Africa.
• visit to a living Basotho village in Skeering.
• all taxes, fees, handling charges and insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sani Pass Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a guide leading the group, so you're not driving yourself. The guide handles the mountain road and explains what you're seeing. It suits travelers who want the altitude and the cultural stop but prefer to sit back and let someone else navigate the pass, and who have the time for a full day and a valid passport in hand.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What's the Sani Pass actually like to drive on?

Sani Pass is a mountain road that climbs to 2,874 metres, winding through steep terrain with switchbacks and rough sections. You travel in a 4x4 vehicle with a guide, stopping at viewpoints along the way. The altitude means the air gets thinner as you climb, and the road requires a sturdy vehicle and an experienced driver.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes, a current valid passport is essential. The tour crosses the border between South Africa and Lesotho at the Sani Pass, and you'll pass through border posts on both sides. Without a passport, you cannot complete the tour.

What happens at the Basotho village in Skeering?

In Skeering, your mountain guide takes you through a living Basotho village and explains the local culture and way of life. Traditional beer and homemade bread are offered if you want to taste them. It's a real community, not a staged attraction, so you're seeing how people actually live in this part of Lesotho.

Is this tour suitable for someone with back problems?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries because the 4x4 vehicle travels on rough mountain roads and the altitude is high. If you have back concerns, check with the operator before booking.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring a camera, your valid passport, and warm clothing. The altitude means it's cold even in summer. A light jacket is recommended in case the weather changes suddenly. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking on mountain terrain.

When do we get back to Underberg?

The tour returns to Underberg between 4pm and 4:30pm, depending on wildlife spotted along the way. Pickup is included within a 5km radius of Underberg town, so you'll be dropped back near where you started.