Sani Pass (1 Viewer)

[Lorne]

Hi to SA. I am hopeing to do the Sani Pass day trip round about 19th/20th November, As everyone says you have to do that trip if you are in the area.
I sent an e-mail to Rob Guy, but presume he has retired, also to Button Birding but they are bookd for other stuff, also to Pied Piper Expeditions but no answer except a phone no. We have also made Accomodation enquires, & tried to find a 4X4 to rent for a day. It looks like the only way I can get that car is from Pietermaritzburg Airport, & I am not sure I can get from there to Sani Pass and back in a day.
So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Lorne
ukwildorchids.

 

[lewis20126]

Lorne

Robin Guy was tragically murdered during a robbery several years ago. Some years before that I think he sold his business on.

alan

 

[AndrewK]

Indeed, Robin Guy was murdered, and the business was passed on to prof Steven Piper, who has since also passed away... Not sure what has happened since.

I know of Thaba Tours (http://www.thabatours.co.za/) that goes up the pass, although it is not specifically a birding tour. Generally if they know you are interested in birds they will stop for them though.

Others on the BF may know of other bird specific tours up the pass?

Andrew

 

[Sal]

Lorne, hi.

There is accommodation near the base of Sani pass. Could you not stay the night? Are you intending driving your 4x4 up yourself? You wouldn't want to go on a day trip with a tour company? Just trying to get a picture of what is possible.

If this is any help, see below:

Sani Pass Tours Established in 1955, MMT t/a Sani Pass Tours is the original tour operator on the pass. Guaranteed daily departures, group and private tours. Specialised guides, birding, flora/fauna, geology on request. Underberg Village Mall, tel: +27 (0) 72 259 5489 Or: +27 (0) 33 7011 064

I phoned and spoke to them. They provide a vehicle and guide. Approx R450/person/day. You meet at 09.00 and go up at 0930. Lunch is an extra R25 - R50 at the top, or you can bring your own but then you cant have it inside and the weather may be a problem . . . . they get back to base at around 16.00 - 16.30.

These times mean that it would be possible, if you started early, to drive up to Sani pass from PMB and get back in the same day.

 

[Lorne]

Hi there and thanks for that info, I am really sorry to here that about Robin Guy, all I have here is the write up that he did in 2001 for Roberts’ Multimedia & the links were from the end of his write-up.
While I work on our trip, sites & bird lists etc. my wife Sheila is doing the accommodation set up. And she has found us a place to stay in Himeville for a few days so I will see what I can arrange with Sani Pass & Thaba Tours. My only other problem is the weather, I would guess that it is possible that the pass could be fogged, clouded or rained on in mid November so I would be a bit worried about booking a day trip this far in advance. So any ideas about the weather situation in mid November would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sal]

Weather - variable and unpredictable. The rains have reluctantly started, so there will be rainy days and cloudy days and a mixture of both, interspersed with hot sunny days. Sometimes afternoon thunderstorms.

Here is another company you might like to investigate:

Birding up Sani Pass (Sani Pass)

Categories: Birding
Price group: On Request (see other things to do in this price group)
Available in the following region(s): Drakensberg

Address: Sani Pass, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal
Telephone: +27 (0)82 742-6981 or +27 (0)33 702-1761
Opening hours: By booking only.
Birding up Sani Pass
Sentinel Rock Thrush

This is an all day trip up the Sani Pass in a 4x4, looking for Drakensberg Rockjumper, Sentinel Rockthrush, Drakensberg Siskin, Bush Blackcap and Mountain Pipit. Join Stuart McLean on a birding trip up the majestic Sani Pass, the only road to Lesotho from KwaZulu-Natal or visit the mistbelt grasslands and forests.

 

[AndrewK]

Agree with Sal on the weather, anything is possible in November! November is not peak holiday season, so I would guess that you could probably book a lot closer to the time, especially if you are staying in Himeville already.

Andrew

 

[Steve Babbs]

You could also consider staying at the pub at the top of the pass, the highest pub in Africa I'm told. I too was very sad to here of Rob's death we had a fantastic day with him but it was a hectic day and I would love to stay one night in Lesotho.

 

[Sal]

You must have your passport with you BTW.

 

[Lorne]

Well yes, of course I do know that the weather down in SA can be extreme, we did a trip there last year and in the Drakensburg escarpment our first day was at Magoebaskloof in thick fog & drizzle. Long Tom Pass was totally under cloud and when we arrived at Mkhuze after 2.5 months of drought, it rained so badly we had to leave! so that is why I have some concern about the weather in Sani Pass.

ukwildorchids

 

[Dave Kennedy]

Well yes, of course I do know that the weather down in SA can be extreme, we did a trip there last year and in the Drakensburg escarpment our first day was at Magoebaskloof in thick fog & drizzle. Long Tom Pass was totally under cloud and when we arrived at Mkhuze after 2.5 months of drought, it rained so badly we had to leave! so that is why I have some concern about the weather in Sani Pass.

ukwildorchids

November is fully within the rainy season, and mountains, as I am sure you know, can generate their own weather. Because much of South Africa's rainfall is convective, i.e. heat builds up thunderstorms, which may, or may not, occur on any given day, it is almost impossible to give a long-range rain forecast for a short period such as your visit. Best thing is to equip yourself for all weather contingencies, and stop worrying. Che sera sera, as far as the weather is concerned. After all, once you are here, if the weather looks really rubbish up the Pass, go to plan B and bird somewhere else. Always have a plan B. Annoying as it might seem at the time, birding is generally excellent in South Africa, and your day will never be a total loss.
When I visit Scotland, it would never occur to me to try and pin down a rainless period - it just doesn't work like that. So I buy a pair of cheap gumboots and a plastic raincoat, and get on with it.

I am sure you will have a splendid trip. One of the good things about November is it is out of holiday season so rates are better, and all the migrants are here in full plumage, giving you maximum opportunity for that special sighting.

Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Wilkinsonsworld]

Hi there,
I used to run a Bed & Breakfast in Himeville (Sani Manor) and we booked tours up Sani Pass with all the major tour companies. We found that you could do a booking early in the morning on the day you wanted to go up, or the evening before, so don't book too far in advance. Generally the mist clears between 10h00 and 15h00 so unless you strike a rainy day, you should be able to see clearly. In summer there are thunderstorms in the afternoons, but they clear up quickly. I hope that helps. I dealt a lot with Thaba Tours - very good guides at the time. Good luck. Jane

 

[Lorne]

Thank you all for the helpful suggestions, we have now managed to book the Sani Pass trip with Stuart Mclean.
Regards

 

[Sal]

Enjoy the trip Lorne!