In short
- Located at the Sani Pass summit (2,876 meters).
- Cash in South African Rands is widely accepted.
- Access requires a 4x4 vehicle and a valid passport.
In this article
Sitting just past the Lesotho border post, the pub offers a classic reward after navigating the steep gradients of Sani Pass. Visitors stop here for hearty meals, cold drinks, and a chance to look back down the 1:3 gradients they just climbed.
What is the highest pub in Africa?
The highest pub in Africa is located inside Sani Mountain Lodge at the summit of Sani Pass.
It sits at an altitude of 2,876 meters (9,436 feet). The lodge serves as a rest stop for tourists entering the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
What can you eat and drink at the top?
The pub serves warm hearty meals, hot chocolate, and the local Maluti beer.
Most day tours stop here for 1 to 2 hours. You can grab a cold beer or warm up with a hot drink. The deck gets very cold, so the hot chocolate is a popular choice. The menu focuses on standard pub food to refuel you before the descent.
Can I pay in Rands at the pub?
Yes, South African Rands are widely accepted at the pub and the nearby Basotho village.
Bring small denominations of Rands in cash. You will use this cash to buy your drinks, food, and tip your guide. Cash is also useful if you want to buy traditional crafts or woven Mokorotlo hats from the nearby settlement.
Is it cold at the Sani Pass pub?
Yes, temperatures at 2,876 meters are significantly lower than at the base in Underberg.
The outdoor deck offers sweeping views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the hairpin bends of the pass. However, it can be freezing. You need to pack a warm jacket or windbreaker. Winter months between June and August bring a high risk of snow.
How do you reach Sani Mountain Lodge?
You must drive a 4x4 vehicle up the 9-kilometer unpaved pass from South Africa.
South African law strictly mandates a 4x4 to traverse the pass. 2WD vehicles are turned away. Most visitors book a guided 5 to 7-hour round trip from Underberg. You also need a passport with 6 months validity to cross the border.
How long can you stay at the pub?
Day visitors must cross back into South Africa before the border gates close at 6:00 PM.
The border posts are typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. If you are not staying overnight at the lodge, your guide will ensure you leave in time. Do not consume alcohol inside the tour vehicles during the descent.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a passport just to visit the pub?
Yes. The pub is located in Lesotho. You must pass through the South African exit border and the Lesotho entry border, which strictly requires a valid passport.
Is the pub open year-round?
The pub operates all year, but access depends on the road conditions. Heavy snow or ice between June and August can temporarily close the pass.
Can I drive a normal car to the pub?
No. You must have a true 4x4 vehicle. The South African border officials will turn you around if your vehicle does not meet this requirement.
