Sani Pass Ice Climb

Submitted by:
Kate Quin

Where is your MicroAdventure located?
Kwa-Zulu Natal, Underberg

How long is the MicroAdventure in total, out and back?
11km

Give the people a description of your MicroAdventure.
The day trip entails driving up Sani Pass outside Underberg and going through the Lesotho border post, so passports are necessary. The border opens at 6am and closes at 6pm. Parking is available at the Sani Top Backpackers lodge, which is also home to the legendary highest pub in Africa (and best cup of hot milo in my opinion).

Once parked, walk straight out along the plateau in front of the pub, with the actual Sani Pass on your right. The walk is approximately 4km and very beautiful, with breathtaking and expansive mountain views.

This was my first time ice climbing, although I have done some rock climbing. I went with very knowledgeable people, who had all ice climbed before. I would suggest going with a reputable guiding company if you can't tag along with more experienced people.

Peak High Mountaineering offers guided ice climbing courses and also offer insight into the condition of the ice and hire out the necessary gear. Unfortunately, we have had a warm winter, so I don't know how long the Sani Pass Ice will still be climbable for, but I would really recommend the ice experience for mountain enthusiasts.

It was a long-standing dream of mine to ice climb and I am so thankful for the experience and to just be in the mountains :)

How do you get to the start? Please share some directions.
Park at Sani Top and walk approx 4km across the plateau until you reach the frozen falls.

How much did it cost (per person)?
Free!

Best time to go?
Day time, mid-winter

A quick note about safety. Can you do it solo? Do you need a crew?
To ice climb you need the proper equipment which can be hired or borrowed if you keen enough... Best to tag along with knowledgeable people too, else could get a bit hairy.

What sport is this adventure most related to?
Climbing

Do you need any special permissions / permits?
Nope

How difficult is the MicroAdventure?
Solid 6 / 10