A Journey to Premier Resort Sani Pass: A Scenic Drive and Hike

From Umhlanga to the Southern Drakensberg

My adventure began with a scenic drive from Umhlanga to Premier Resort Sani Pass, a journey that offered a stark contrast to the landscapes I've explored in Cape Town. My driver, "Hemmy," a third-generation South African-Indian, was not only warm and friendly, but also a great conversationalist. He shared some interesting facts with me about South African-Indians—there are approximately 1-1.5 million South African-Indians living in and around Durban, including the Umhlanga area.

Hemmy, like many others in the tourism industry, had faced some challenges due to the aftermath of COVID-19, which has kept tourism levels lower than pre-pandemic times. Although he's not employed full-time as a driver, he's always happy to be called in for trips like this one, especially since it's a wonderful opportunity to get to know passengers. I was fortunate enough to have such a lovely and warm person drive me, and he made the long 3-3.5 hour trip a true pleasure.

If you ever find yourself in Durban and need a nice gentleman to drive you around, give Hemmy a call or send him a message on WhatsApp at +27814538694. Hemmy's warm personality and deep knowledge of the area will make your journey both comfortable and insightful.

The Scenery: A Glimpse into Life in South Africa's Villages

The landscape was nothing short of breathtaking. As we drove through the area, I got a glimpse into life in real South African villages. These were places where life is simple, with only the necessities—small schools, shacks selling food, and cattle and other animals casually roaming the roads. There were also a few smaller hot-spots scattered between Umhlanga and Premier Resort Sani Pass, with some shops, gasoline stations, and other conveniences.

But what caught me by surprise—and had me laughing out loud—was the sudden appearance of a KFC in the last hot-spot before Sani Pass. I definitely wasn't expecting to see a fast-food chain in the middle of nowhere! Hemmy had a good laugh as well when he understood what had me so amused. It was just one of those unexpected moments that added a bit of humor to the journey.

The whole experience was humbling, and it reminded me of the diversity and beauty of South Africa's culture and landscape.

Arriving at Premier Resort Sani Pass: A Hiker's Paradise

As I arrived at Premier Resort Sani Pass, I was absolutely blown away by the stunning beauty of the scenery that greeted me. The resort's prime location in the Southern Drakensberg provided some of the most spectacular views I've ever seen, and I couldn't resist the urge to slip into my hiking gear and grab my camera.

I set out on a six-hour hike through the nearby area, excited to explore and capture the essence of the landscape. Although the area is home to a wide variety of mammals and reptiles, I decided to stick to the trail, mainly because of the high grass and the possibility of encountering snakes like the Puff Adder and Berg Adder. Without high boots or snake gaiters, I figured it was safest to stay on track!

The truth is, if you were to get bitten by some of these snakes, help would be far too distant, and there's a real risk that it could be fatal. The nearest hospital that might have anti-venom could be hours away, and as Renier mentioned on our birding trip in the West Coast National Park, South Africa is currently experiencing a shortage of snake anti-venoms. But that's a whole other story—let's just say it added to the sense of caution on the trail.

While I didn't come across any of the elusive mammals or reptiles on this hike, I was able to spot and photograph several birds along the way. The birds were active and provided a perfect opportunity to practice my photography, adding another layer of joy to my hike. These bird photos, along with a few more from my adventure, will be featured in a slideshow at the end of the post, so stay tuned for a closer look at the beautiful avian life of the area!

The Bartenders: A Welcoming Trio

After my hike, I was completely dehydrated and out of snacks, but it was such a pleasure to be welcomed back by this fantastic trio of bartenders at the resort. To the left is Mluleki, in the middle is Siyabonga, and to the right is Simphiwe. These three gentlemen took excellent care of me and made sure I was well looked after after my long hike. I'm grateful for their hospitality and kindness—thank you, guys!

Next Stop: Lesotho!

Tomorrow, I'll be heading into my 49th country—Lesotho! I'll find myself at 2,874 meters above sea level, experiencing the breathtaking mountainous landscape and visiting a living Basotho Village, where the resilient Basotho people call home. It's going to be an incredible adventure, and I can't wait to share it with you. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post!