logologo
Nicola Ann Art
  • Home
  • About
  • Commercial Photography
    • Architectural
    • Dental
    • Commissioned
  • Art
    • Abstract Art
    • Original Art Prints
    • Digital Art
    • Fine Art Photography
  • Photo-Journal
  • Contact
Previous Post
Next Post
Sep 23
in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road 4 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Challenge, Exploring, Highest Pub in Africa, Jimny, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Sani Pass, South Africa, Suzuki Jimny

Sani Pass adventure

A first

 

I’d never driven a vehicle up Sani Pass – experienced it a few times as a passenger and even walked it a couple of years ago in just over 2.5 hours – and couldn’t wait to experience the thrill in my Jimny. Well, it turned in to more than a Sani Pass adventure anyone could have bargained for.

 

Road trip

 

With the day off from work on Friday, we departed mid-morning for Mkomazana Mountain Cottages where we spent two nights enjoying a log fire and freshly baked scones (best scones ever tasted) brought to us first thing on both mornings – the closest accommodation before San Pass, about 3kms on dirt road after the Sani Pass Hotel.

 

Replenish

 

At Himeville Arms we relished a late lunch and took pleasure in stretching our legs after almost a 2.5 hours drive. If only we’d driven 500m past Himeville Arms where we discovered a quaint café with outdoor seating – it appeared new and fresh and worth a visit, which we did the following day for lunch. Definitely worth it and even offered traditional home-style cooking such as bobotie.

 

Rustic yet comfortable

 

Upon dumping our luggage and the other vehicle at the self-catering Stone House (3 bedroom that sleeps 6), I drove us (three adults in a Jimny) 10kms of rough off-road to the border post and then another 8kms up the winding Sani Pass, up the ladders at the top of the pass, the last km rises 900m. Watch out for your ears popping and the slow taxis chugging up with a full load of passengers.

 

How dare you

 

Descending traffic is to give way to ascending traffic and a man in a fat Range Rover parked to the side at the last ladder, the steepest section to wait for us to pass. Mr Rover’s mouth widened from laughter and could not take his bulging eyes, his mouth opened wide from laughing uncontrollably, off us. Now, Mr Rover, was this due to…

 

  • A woman driver grinning while whizzing up the pass
  • A woman driver grinning while driving a Jimny whizzing up the pass
  • A whizzing Jimny with 3 adults
  • A private joke

 

Expectations

 

I must admit I expected more of a challenge, and to get stuck at least once. While enjoying drinks at the Highest Pub In Africa (2874m) the mist rolled in, hiding the blue sky and accompanied with a sudden drop in temperature. Our queue to leave, and unbeknown to us, the real adventure to begin.

 

You’re arrested

 

At Lesotho’s border post I returned with the three passports for an exit stamp. It took longer than the previous visit and a bit of commotion in their native Sesotho, a language I did not understand, caused me to wonder. Eventually one looked up, flapping two passports in the air and asked where the owners were. In the car, I told him. “Bring here.”

 

Pay up

 

To cut a long story short and bypass the extreme surprise, to say the least – the passports were expired. The owners arrested. Pay up or spend the night in a holding cell until in a position to produce valid passports… No further comment required on this subject!

 

Always a moral

 

By now I’m sure you’ve worked out the moral of this story…

 

Check you have valid passports before landing in a foreign country, and don’t expect the first border point, of your own country, to check dates and not let you through in the first place.

 

To tar or not to tar

 

Get yourself up Sani Pass before they tar the road and the thrill is even less.

 

Tranquility reigns

 

Don’t miss out on a perfect setting for a picnic at Kenmo Lake. The best time to visit the lake is in autumn when the leaves have changed to red and orange with a golden carpet sprayed among the green grass.

BeanOnSaniPass1 BeanOnSaniPass2 BeanOnSaniPass3 BeanOnSaniPass4 BeanOnSaniPass5 BeanOnSaniPass6 BeanOnSaniPass8 BeanOnSaniPass9 BeanOnSaniPass10 BeanOnSaniPass11 BeanOnSaniPass12 BeanOnSaniPass13 BeanOnSaniPass14 BeanOnSaniPass15 BeanOnSaniPass16 BeanOnSaniPass17 BeanOnSaniPass18 BeanOnSaniPass19 BeanOnSaniPass20 BeanOnSaniPass21 BeanOnSaniPass22 BeanOnSaniPass23 BeanOnSaniPass25 BeanOnSaniPass26 BeanOnSaniPass27 BeanOnSaniPass29 BeanOnSaniPass30 BeanOnSaniPass31 BeanOnSaniPass32 BeanOnSaniPass33 BeanOnSaniPass34 BeanOnSaniPass35 BeanOnSaniPass37

Share this:
3880
8
About the Author: Nicola

  • Unique Dhow Sailing Experience Mozambique

    After settling in at Anvil Bay, we experienced a first Read more

    in 4x4, Adventure, Beach, Off-Road, Sailing, Travel 0 comments
    12
  • Voyage Unveiled: Sailing Dream from Gibraltar to Israel

    A maritime odyssey from Summer 2017 to Summer 2023 Read more

    in Adventure, Sailing 0 comments
    4
  • Sailing Today: Peace in Greece

    FIRST SAIL OF THE SEASON

    NEW FOREST, Read more

    in Adventure, Cycling, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    11
  • Late bluebell bloomers in hampstead heath

    I captured the bluebells too early this season. Read more

    in London, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    6
  • To The Sea… Broadstairs, Kent

    Read more
    in Beach, Black & White, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    9
  • Electric Cycling in lockdown

    'What’s different to do in Lockdown? Other than Read more

    in Cities, Cycling, London, The United Kingdom, Uncategorized 0 comments
    10
  • Snowy Hampstead Heath

    Sun, snow, blue sky and running free in Hampstead Read more

    in London, Nature 0 comments
    7
  • London’s “Riviera”

    Mind the hissing swans at Tower Beach...

    Autumnal leaves on my doorstep, something I’ve come to Read more

    in London, Nature 0 comments
    11
  • ‘Adriatic alternatives’ ARTICLE PUBLISHED BY SAILING TODAY MAGAZINE

    Read more

    in Nature, Sailing, Travel 0 comments
    29
  • Sailing from venice to croatia on Bella Rose, our oyster 545 yacht

    Once Bella Rose, our Oyster 545 yacht, Read more

    in Adventure, Nature, Sailing, Sunset 0 comments
    16
  • LOST IN ITALY… VENICE, DOLOMITES & Lake Garda

    Sadly, with the world in crisis, this year’s Read more

    in Adventure, Cities, Nature, Travel 0 comments
    30
  • Poppit Sands Beach, Cardigan bay and Brecon Beacons wales

    While waiting for international borders to open, to be Read more

    in Beach, Hiking, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    17
  • Brightlingsea, Essex Sunshine Coast

    Read more
    in Beach, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    11
  • London easing out of lockdown…

    It still felt as though the city was abandoned; a Read more

    in London, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    16
  • ‘THE REST IS ISTRIA’ ARTICLE PUBLISHED BY SAILING TODAY MAGAZINE

    Read more

    in Sailing, Travel 0 comments
    31
  • Out of lockdown straight to Leigh-on-Sea

    The moment the lockdown guidelines eased, we emerged Read more

    in Beach, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    19
  • ‘greece is the word’ article PUBLISHED BY SAILING TODAY MAGAZINE

    Read more

    in Sailing, Travel 0 comments
    12
  • blue bells blooming early Hampstead Heath

    The blue bells blooming early this year, due to the Read more

    in London, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments
    15
  • Coronavirus cuts short the Venice Carnival

    25 JANUARY 2020

    Early breakfast; early getaway. And direct to Maputo Read more

    in 4x4, Adventure, Beach, Nature, Off-Road, Travel 0 comments
    17
  • Mozambique’s Tofo Beach to its capital Maputo

    Early breakfast. Early departure. We drove from Tofo Read more

    in 4x4, Cities, Travel 0 comments
    18
  • Tofo Beach, Mozambique

    On the road again… After breakfast, we left Naara Eco Read more

    in 4x4, Adventure, Beach, Off-Road, Travel 0 comments
    14
  • Motswari, South Africa to Naara Eco Lodge & Spa, Mozambique

    Leaving Motswari Private Game Reserve, Timbavati, Read more

    in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road, South Africa 0 comments
    14
  • Five-star Safari & Adventure At Motswari Geiger’s Camp

    FROM ESWATINI BACK TO SOUTH Read more

    in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road, Safari, South Africa, Sunrise, Sunset, Travel 0 comments
    15
  • Southern Africa Adventure Memel-Zamani, South Africa to Bulembu, Eswatini

    While exploring off-road through the Free State we Read more

    in 4x4, Adventure, Off-Road, South Africa 0 comments
    16
  • Another Daring Off-road Adventure through Southern Africa

    BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL, Read more

    in Adventure, Cities, Sailing, Travel 0 comments
    13
  • PART 4: ALBANIA TO MONTENEGRO | BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER of 2019

    BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL, Read more

    in Adventure, Sailing, Sunset, Travel 0 comments
    12
  • PART 3: The Greek Islands to Albania | BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER of 2019

    BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL, Read more
    in Off-Road, Sailing, Travel 3 comments
    16

  • PART 2: SICILY TO THE GREEK ISLANDS|BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER 2019

    Bella Rose, Oyster 545, Up For Sail, Read more
    in Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized 5 comments
    16

  • PART 1: MALTA TO SICILY | BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER 2019

    Read more

    in Sailing 0 comments
    16
  • Tower Bridge opens up for the new “Pocket Superyacht” Oyster 565

    A thrilling experience to behold, from the top of Read more

    in Uncategorized 0 comments
    17
  • Purification Ritual Durban Beach

    My eyes and ears were attracted by the glee two Read more

    in Beach, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, People, Swimming 0 comments
    14
  • London’s Free-for-All Brick Canvas at Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel


    Overhearing a couple animatedly talking about the Read more

    in Art, London, Street Photography 0 comments
    19
  • The Nelson Mandela Memorial
    A week before the first anniversary of Mandela's death, 6 December 2013, I Read more
    in Art, Nature 1 comments
    13
  • The Midlands Meander
    The Midlands Meander brought happiness to us all while browsing at Blueberry Read more
    in Art, Nature 0 comments
    8

4 Comments:

  1. Mr P.Nut
    September 25, 2014
    Reply

    Oh My Goodness I thought I was the biggest PN on planet

    • Nicola
      September 25, 2014
      Reply

      Oh trust me, you are, Mr. P.Nut! These two almost came close to your level; almost, I say!

  2. desert safari dubai
    August 24, 2015
    Reply

    Having read this I believed it was very informative.
    I appreciate you finding the time and energy
    to put this informative article together. I once again find
    myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments.

    • Nicola
      August 24, 2015
      Reply

      Thank you for your comment, and I appreciate you taking the time out to read the post. Regards, Nicola @BeanOn


Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recent Posts
  • Voyage Unveiled: Sailing Dream from Gibraltar to Israel
  • Sailing Today: Peace in Greece
  • greek odyssey: LEFKAS, GREECE
  • Electric Mountain Biking is a New Addiction
  • Late bluebell bloomers in hampstead heath
Recent Comments
  • Percival on PART 2: SICILY TO THE GREEK ISLANDS|BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER 2019
  • Alexander on PART 3: The Greek Islands to Albania | BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER of 2019
  • Nicola on PART 2: SICILY TO THE GREEK ISLANDS|BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER 2019
  • Nicola on PART 3: The Greek Islands to Albania | BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER of 2019
  • Alexander on PART 3: The Greek Islands to Albania | BELLA ROSE, OYSTER 545, UP FOR SAIL | SUMMER of 2019
Archives
  • September 2023
  • March 2022
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
Categories
  • 4×4
  • Adventure
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Back2Blighty
  • Beach
  • Black & White
  • Cities
  • Custom furniture
  • Cycling
  • Dubai
  • Durban
  • Exhibition
  • Fashion
  • Hiking
  • KwaZulu-Natal
  • Lifestyle Portrait
  • London
  • Nature
  • Not-for-profit
  • Off-Road
  • on the Rock camera club
  • on the Rocks camera club
  • People
  • Photo shoot
  • Promotions
  • Rugby
  • Safari
  • Sailing
  • South Africa
  • Street Photography
  • Sugarcane
  • Sunrise
  • Sunset
  • Swimming
  • The United Kingdom
  • Travel
  • Umdloti beach
  • Uncategorized
  • Wildlife
Archives
  • September 2023
  • March 2022
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
Recent Posts
  • Voyage Unveiled: Sailing Dream from Gibraltar to Israel
  • Sailing Today: Peace in Greece
  • greek odyssey: LEFKAS, GREECE
  • Electric Mountain Biking is a New Addiction
  • Late bluebell bloomers in hampstead heath
Copyright © 2013 - 2023 Nicola Ann Art. All Rights Reserved.