Sani Pass Hotel

Birding, Botany and Wildlife
Bordering on the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and at the base of the Sani Pass, our Hotel
is ideally situated to discover the unique flora and birds of this region. The area is home to the Wattled Crane, a moist grassland species of which just over 200 breeding pairs remain. Spot the attractive Bush Blackcap and the Gurney's Sugarbird which feeds from the Protea flowers. A thriving flock of rare Bald Ibises nests on the property. Three bird species are endemic to this area: the Drakensberg Pipit, the Orangebreasted Rockjumper, and a relic population of the once widespread Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier.

From spring through to autumn, you will enjoy a passing array of wild flowers. The Drakensberg boasts over 2 000 species of plants. The grasslands are richly sprinkled with a variety of Grass Orchids, Lilies, Irises and Compositae that bloom variously between spring and autumn. The Pass will take you through colonies of various Protea species, including the furry-leafed Protea Roupelliae and Protea Caffra which grow to up to three metres in height. Much loved are the splendid blooms of the Kniphofia or Red Hot Poker and Wild Irises which you will find scattered along stream banks. In the Sub-Alpine belt, Fynbos grows in protected river valleys. Ontop of the Berg the harsh climate is survived only by a unique collection of alpine plants making up a heath exclusively of Heather and Helichrysums.

The grounds of the Hotel and surrounding parkland are home to the renowned Eland, Mountain Reedbuck, Lesser Reedbuck and Duiker. The valleys and cliffs support troops of Baboon and colonies of Rock Rabbit. Snakes are also common- look out for the Berg Adder which is specific to this area.

Rock Art
The San Bushmen were the original inhabitants of Southern Africa for many thousands of years. They were the creators of Africa's deep cultural past. Their only surviving monument to this achievement is their rock art, which is to be found in great variety in the Drakensberg.
They existed as nomadic hunter-gatherers. Their Shamanistic (medicine man) approach enabled them to survive in this harsh environment. They lived close to nature, were generous and hospitable, and killed only for their own survival.
With the arrival of both the Zulu and the European settlers, these small, innocent people were driven deep into the Drakensberg. As a result of disputes and cultural differences, they were partially exterminated and absorbed by the surrounding tribes.
Bushman or San Rock Art can be found in the sandstone shelters of the Southern Drakensberg (of which there are over 200 sites) and represent some of the finest in the world.
The Ikanti paintings, which are situated on a scenic walk not far from the Hotel, have been identified by the Natal Museum and Conservation Services as being of great cultural importance. They can be visited with an accredited guide. The nearby Cobham Nature Reserve has some of the best sites south of the Didima Valley and it is possible to hire a guide to visit a selection of them.
These Bushman Paintings are part of our national heritage – help us to preserve them.
Do not deface or chip pieces off the rock formations. In fact please do not even touch them. Under no circumstance should fires be lit in or near these natural shelters as smoke and soot can do irreversible damage to the paintings.

Quad Biking
Family fun and adventure begins here at the Sani Pass Hotel. Adventure trails across the 9-hole golf course, riding along the hills, and a couple of mild to very deep river crossings. This is an experience not to be missed. Bring your camera for those unforgettable adrenalin moments and breathtaking beautiful scenery. No experience is required as we give tuition and training prior to every tour. Learn within 5 minutes to ride our full- and semi-automatic quads with electric start and reverse gear. We supply all the riding gear, such as helmets and gloves. Children can ride with their parents or go on their own if they are older than 12 years.