Sani Pass - Natura Naturans - Everything feels connected here

Much has been written about Sani Pass. There is however so much more than just the pass, the surrounding countryside is enchanting! The journey starts in Bethlehem and we stop for an early breakfast overlooking the magnitude that is Skerkfontein Dam

This lookout point is a popular one. We meet a large group of scuba divers on their way to the coast and a Dutch couple travelling from Cape Town to Kruger Park in our ultimate adventure vehicle, a Bobocamper! We head down the R74 and Oliviershoek Pass, grateful that the road has been repaired to its former glory, allowing travellers to enjoy the glorious view once more

Sticking to the R103 as much as possible, we eventually make our way from Howick along the R617. The saying 'its not about the destination, its about the journey' is so apt! This route with its winding roads, endless pine forests, river crossings, rural villages and hamlets is delighful. Driving through Boston with its intriquing signs "Boston T Party" venue and accomodation, conjures thoughts of Alice wondering through here, hunting for that white rabbit, horse or milking cow. Approaching Underberg with its oak tree lined roads, nestled beneath the Hlogomo mountain, one can't help fall a little in love

The quaint Himeville with rolling hills, green pastures, farm fields, jersey cows, large, full dams and a little stone chapel, take me back to the lake district in the UK which I visited earlier in the year

Our accomodation of choice is the Sani Pass Lodge and Packpackers. Its close location to the pass and lovely quiet surroundings is ideal as well as having its own restaurant, very convenient

An icy saturday morning greets us. Warmly wrapped up, we head out after a hearty breakfast at the Giants Cup restaurant, where we find out you don't need to drive up the pass, cycling and walking up and down are 'in'!

Excitement grows with each kilometer. We cannot find the right words to describe what we are seeing at every turn! "Wow" and "look at that" certainly doesn't do justice to this incredible drive

If there was ever a place where the phrase 'Natura Naturans' has any meaning, then this is it. Twin Rivers Drift

Frozen waterfalls? Here in the last rugged, barren, twists and turns before summiting the pass, where no winter sun penetrates these chiffs, we find a magical frozen waterfall

The last hairpin trail up to the Lesotho border is by far the most technical of the route. As we summit, the snow glistens in the midday sun. We reverse park at the Sani Lodge, home of the highest pub in Africa, to prevent the howling wind ripping the car doors off as we open them

Walking was a little difficult in the wind. I wondered who was going riding?

And now to do the pass in reverse!

We stop for a picnic, celebratory (55th birthday) lunch under the magnificent amphitheatre of the twin rivers and I scramble over the rocks to photograph Berkheya Purpurea (purple flowers) and Euryops Tysonii (yellow flowers) and a little later spot one of the last flowering Protea, something the gardener in me is forever searching for

Another tick on the bucket list, Sani is everything and more. One only hopes the planned tarring of this natural wonder, never happens in our lifetime.

The gorgeous countryside is calling to be revisited and explored!

#backpackers