The ride begins in the soft green country around Underberg before cutting onto the Lower Loteni gravel roads — an excellent warm-up before the seriousness of Sani Pass. The valley riding is calm, scenic and flowing, but it is also the last relaxed section before the climb begins.
The climb
From the South African border post, the pass climbs 1,332 vertical metres in only nine kilometres. The lower slopes are manageable; the upper switchbacks are where the pass earns its reputation. Second gear, steady throttle, eyes through the corner and no sudden braking become the rules.
Motorradical note: The bash plate took rock strikes on the upper section and kept the engine protected. The damage was cosmetic to the plate, not mechanical to the motorcycle.
At 2,876 metres, Sani Top feels like crossing into another world. The air is thinner, the wind is sharper and the view back down the switchbacks makes the effort instantly worthwhile.
Pass warning: Always confirm conditions before riding. Wet gravel, snow or ice can turn this route into a no-go, especially on a loaded adventure bike.