I was born and raised in Switzerland. I therefore have seen a lot of mountains in my life. Actually, one of the most beautiful mountain range in the world can be found in Switzerland. Nevertheless, the Southern Drakensberg, and the Sani Pass as part of it, is the most stunning mountain range I have ever witnessed by my own eyes. If you would like to know why, keep on reading!

 

Since my parents took me to the mountains for the first time, I was amazed by how massive and majestic they can be. As a landscape photographer it is an absolute amazing feel to capture them and trying to give others a sense of their scale and beauty. I personally also adore mountains because I love hiking. There is no better way to explore than by foot as you have time to truly experience and take in the scenery. Finding those specific locations to show the beauty of this planet, especially untouched ones, away from of any form of civilization. This is the decisive factor why I love the Southern Drakensberg & Sani Pass so much. There was always the fact about the missing vastness that bothered me about the mountain landscape in Switzerland. The views are amazing, but at least somewhere, there was a sign of civilization. This is not the case if you hike deep into the heart of the Southern Drakensberg. There is nobody and no sign of civilization. Same goes for the Sani Pass. To put it in some context: the route marks the border of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and Mokhotlong, Lesotho. From the start of the road until the end, besides the border pass controls, there is no form of civilization. The vastness is just breathtaking and you will see what I am talking about once you look at the pictures attached. The Southern Drakensberg is just amazingly stunning as it is formed by dozens of shapes, textures and lines that give it a very unique look. There is just so much composition without even needing to look for it. I can most recommend hiking up the Southern Drakensberg at sunrise or sunset. By sunset, the sun gently sets and illuminates the mountains in a very unique light. The interaction between shade and light is just so amazingly beautiful that even I, as a photographer, put my camera away and enjoy this natural spectacle. By sunrise, you may get even better photographs. Besides the absolutely amazing light, you often get mist bouncing around the mountains, giving them a very unique look and feel.

 

I can just recommend to anybody visiting South Africa to hike the Southern Drakensberg and drive up the Sani Pass to Lesotho. Both are home to truly spectacular scenery. If this text wasn’t proof enough, please take a look at the photographs attached. They speak more I could ever express by writing. Enjoy!

 

Love,

Natty