Sani Pass Hotel Campground — Drakensberg Escarpment Base Camp

This is where overlanders stage before tackling Sani Pass proper. The campground sits on the grounds of the Sani Pass Hotel in Himeville, with flat, grassed sites, ablution blocks with hot showers, fire pits, and a pub on-site that does real meals and cold beer. It’s a social spot — you’ll share it with other 4×4 crews, Lesotho-bound hikers, and the odd motorcycle tourer. Nothing fancy, but after the corrugated gravel approach from Underberg, it feels like a five-star setup. Busy during South African school holidays and long weekends.

The hotel is signed off the R617 near Himeville — paved access all the way to the gate. Cell signal is partial but workable. The pass itself requires a 4WD vehicle with a valid South African and Lesotho border crossing permit; get paperwork sorted the evening before at the camp if possible. Season: year-round, though the upper switchbacks can be iced over June–July.

Base camp before the big climb.