Prior to being called the Sani Pass, the route was used by the San people and later the Bantu to cross the mountain range.[1] In 1922, the Basutoland government constructed a 2-metre track to connect Mokhotlong with civilisation but was only accessible by pack animals.[1] From 1949, David Alexander, from Natal, set up a transport business using jeeps to move supplies and people between Himeville and Mokhotlong and return.[1] From 1956, tourists started adventure drives up the pass.[1] In 1958, the pass was further improved but was still dangerous and accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles.[1] When Alexander's business ended, the Mokhotlong Mountain Transport Company continued the route.[1] In 1966, The Star newspaper sponsored the first Roof of Africa Rally climb over the pass, organised by the Sports Car Club.[1]