Lesotho Overland Tour

Lesotho Overland Tour: 9 Nights / 10 Days

Day 1: All Meals-Own Cost!

Pick up from Durban Airport or Hotel and be transferred to KarMichael Lodge, in Himeville.

Overnight: KarMichael Guest Lodge.

Day 2: Breakfast - Heritage Site Tour.

Departure at 08h30 from KarMichael Lodge in Himeville, and travel to the World Heritage Site. Ascending the legendary Sani Pass with its hairpin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the Sani Valley and Drakensberg Escarpment situated within the UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of our World Heritage Sites.
Proteas along the road, proceed to view of 12 Apostles.

These geological structures are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our Guide is taking care of the border formalities. At the summit at 2.874m, we stopped for refreshment at the Sani Top Chalet, the Highest Pub in Africa. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3.280m, following the Senqu River. Nearby the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana with 3.482m, meaning “the little mountain which is a little nice”.

Picnic lunch on route. Our guide will explain about the Letseng Diamond Mine while passing, It is the highest mine in the world (3.250m). Our journey takes us on a tar road onto the summit of the highest road in Africa, the Tlaeeng Pass (3.255m).The Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns with 3.240m, passing the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Oxbow within a Ski Resort.

All mountains are covered in snow in winter, we will have refreshments at Oxbow Lodge, which we depend on time, then proceed on the twisting tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass, with 2.840m one of the highest roads attained by normal two-wheel-drive vehicles in Southern Africa. This is the basalt roof of Southern Africa, a world of winter snows, frozen waterfalls, crisp clear air, and crystal streams with fat trout.

Descending into the Holola Valley (River of the Blue Crane), pass spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside to Butha-Buthe. This little town was named after King Moshoeshoe’s old mountain stronghold, Butha-Buthe, the Gatherer. Dinner at Lodge.

Overnight: Oxbow Lodge.

Day 3: Breakfast - Liphofung Caves.

After breakfast we will continue our journey and visit Liphofung caves to view San Rock Art Paintings, on our way to Hlotse strange, richly colored rock shapes may be seen on all sides, creating the effect of a vast assembly of weird, petrified figures. Pass a few missions and several rock shelters; the main road passes the Leribe Farmers Training Center to the town of Hlotse.

It is the administrative center of the Leribe district and originated in 1876 when a Mission outpost was established here. Picnic lunch on route. Continue on the Nelson Mandela Road, crossing the Malibamatso River (River of Dark Pools) where the great Katse Dam was constructed from 1991 to 1997.

Our Guide is taking care of the security checkpoint. The Katse Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and supplies water to Witwatersrand (Gauteng, Soweto), Farming, and Mining in South Africa, and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. A guided tour into the dam wall. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: at Katse Dam Lodge or B/B.

Day 4: Breakfast-Katse Dam Tour.

After a good breakfast guided tour of the Katse Dam, we depart for Mohale Dam and climb steeply to the summit of the Tshetshe Pass, 2.560m, the road crosses the Senqunyane River, also known as the Little Orange River, is one of the principal upper tributaries of the Orange River. Travel via Thaba Tseka, a very scenic route, mountain passes, Makhoabong, and Cheche Pass, Our guide will take care of the security checkpoint entering the dam area.

The Mohale Dam was constructed from 1998 – 2003 in a joint venture between Germany, Italy, and South Africa. Lunch at Mohale Dam. Afternoon at leisure and exploring the spectacular dam area. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: at Mohale Dam Lodge.

Day 5: Breakfast - Mohale Dam Tour.

Depart the Mohale Dam, after breakfast and if the boat is operational, do the cruise on the Mohale dam-own cost!

Travel via Blue Mountain, God Help Me, and Bushman Passes, these 3x passes average 2100 meters. Descend the Bushmans pass into commercialized farming areas towards Mazenod. Lunch at Botleng Guest House and afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Botleng Guest House.

Day 6: Breakfast - Ha Kome Caves Tour.

After a hearty breakfast, depart for Ha Kome Caves situated near Teya-Teyaneng. At Ha Kome there is a remarkable village where cave dwellings have been carved out under towering rocks. The families still living there today are descendants of the original people who “built” the caves in the 19th century and the site is now a National Heritage Site.

The people living there now still live much as their forefathers did almost two centuries ago and those who have occupied the caves over the years have left a rich cultural history. Gruesomely, this area was once home to cannibals and past generations of Basotho fled to the caves to hide from them. Parking at the top of the hill allows you to walk for about 20 minutes to reach the Ha Kome Visitors Centre where we will be given a guided tour of the caves and told something about the history and culture of the people.

Proceed to Thaba Bosiu, lunch on arrival. After lunch, a guide will take us on tour and explain the history of the 1st Chief Moshoehoe and how he was able to conquer the Zulu King Shakas warriors. Well then be taken to a demonstration village and from a distance see the famous mountain--Thaba Bosiu.

Overnight: Botleng Guest House.

Day 7: Breakfast - Nkesi’s Pass Climb.

After breakfast, we travel on the tar road to Roma and we climb steadily to the top of the Nkesi’s Pass (2.010m), from where a superb view of the 3.096m, Thaba Putswa Range can be seen. Just before Roma. The road loses altitude and we drive through spectacular white sandstone rocks and valleys. Nearby is the Thaba Telle mountain (2.530m), which is climbed by mountaineers, and is told it is not an easy one. The city of Roma is the principal center of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and since 1964 the site of The National University of Lesotho. Roma was founded in 1862 when King Moshoeshoe granted the site to Bishop Allard and Father Gerard.

The mighty Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single drops, Falls in Africa- 204 m, creating a haze of smoke as the water plummets with savage splendor 186m down into a spectacular gorge. This is how Semonkong, The Place of Smoke, got its name. Landlocked by South Africa lies a country with the highest lowest point in the world & hiding away in the magnificent Maluti Mountains, you will discover the gem that is Semonkong Lodge, built on the banks of the Maletsunyane

River uses only local stone & thatch, which offers just the right balance between civilization and rustic elegance; electricity, hot showers, roaring fireplaces, and not a telephone insight. The fully licensed Duck and Donkey Tavern and Restaurant, provide a popular meeting place for both locals and guests.

Lunch at Semongkong. From the verandah, guests have the opportunity to view the “Bald Ibis” (Nat. Bird of Lesotho) and their breeding site in the afternoon. Maybe horse riding! Semongkong means the place of smoke.
Options after lunch are either a pony trek or a hike to view the Maletsunyane waterfall cost!

Overnight: Semonkong Lodge.

Day 8: Breakfast - Baboon Pass.

After breakfast at the lodge, we double back to the route, Baboon Pass. A scenic drive through a bushy landscape, small forests, and farmland dotted with picturesque villages. Along the road dense bushes and shrubs are used by the locals for medical purposes, e.g. the “Wild Als Bush” is a remedy for Asthma and Flu or the “Chi/Chi Bush” (Old Wood Bush) for stomach problems. At the roadside basalt stone with hardened bubbles. Our destination houses a popular Pony Trekking Center and is situated in secluded woodland surrounded by beautiful countryside. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Malealea Lodge.

Day 9: Breakfast - Waterfall Tour - Echo Caves.

Full-Day –– Botsoela--Waterfall and Echo Caves--Rock Art Tour!

Departure after breakfast at 08H30 and arrival back for lunch at +--13H30.Please don’t forget to order your lunch at the Kitchen, before departure!

Panoramic views to the Gates to Paradise Valley with farmlands, and grassland around is dotted with the yellow flowers of Euryops, the white Arum Lilies, the bright red and yellow colors of the Red--Hot Pokers, and plenty of other wildflowers. The hike or pony trek takes us to Botsoela Waterfall is a walk down that takes 10 minutes and returns 15 15-minute walk back up the single track. If we are lucky a small group of boys will be playing and dancing with their homemade musical instrument, which echoes off the Botsoela Falls cliff face. There’s basically only one section you might need help with!

After viewing Botsoela Falls we return to Malealea Lodge for lunch or take a packed lunch and proceed to Echo Caves. The ascending road pass becomes very rugged before the summit. We drive to the viewpoint overlooking the Gates to Paradise Valley from East to West!

We take a leisurely hike or pony trek through rural farmlands and scenic villages along the way! Afterward, we will stop at a village perched overlooking the Makhaleng River Valley. From here we'll descend via a single bridle track/pathway at a +-- 35-degree gradient towards the Makhaleng river basin!

Our guide will lead the way and give explanations along the way, about the area we are about to enter! Please be careful of the footing, as it becomes very treacherous at various points!

The 2 x caves are called--Tohlang sites 1 and 2 and the whole area is called--Lehaha Le Eabuoy Ego Caves--which means, the caves of Echoes!

The San Rock Art painted onto the walls of bare rock are the best descriptions, I’ve not seen preserved in a very long time!

Once reaching these caves our guide will give a descriptive history of the San People and their nomadic history throughout Lesotho. The description of paintings will be described and each illustration will be discussed in detail!

The ascending back to the plateau will be uphill all the way and stops will be made for photographs and a rest stop.

Overnight: Malealea Lodge.

Day 10: Breakfast - Morija Museum.

Depart after breakfast and view of Morija Museum and the King's Palace –strictly no photographs allowed!
Established in 1956, Morija Museum & Archives collects valuable archival material and museum collections. The museum also works on a range of arts & culture projects, plus, heritage and community-based tourism initiatives. At the heart of Morija Museum & Archives (MMA) are its valuable archival and museum collections, which have been growing incrementally since the 19th century.

These collections form the basis for research and publishing, as well as exhibitions and educational programs for schools, visitors, and tourists.

Morija Museum was formally established in 1956 based upon the Dieterlen family's ethnographic and historical collections together with palaeontological and geological collections from the Ellenbergers. These two collections provided the main pillars of the present-day Museum collections which have been growing incrementally over the past 50 years. In 2005, for example, a collection of more modern material culture including hundreds of beaded items was bequeathed to the museum by Chris Van Nispen.

Other MMA(NGOs) initiatives have made a great impact on the arts and culture, the most notable being the Maeder House Art Gallery, the embryonic Morija Arts Centre, the annual Morija Arts & Cultural Festival, and the nationwide School Cultural Competitions. The Museum has helped to develop and encourage a wider range of tourism services and products in the greater Morija area, including the Museum Tea Room, lunch stop home-made pizza baked in the original pizza oven

Arrive at Maseru airport at 14H30 for your flight at 16H30. (Depending on departure flight!).

END OF THE TOUR!

Valid passports are essential!!

The cost is for a minimum of 2 people, at a per-person rate!

Please advise your Nationality, as Lesotho has visa restrictions on certain countries.

This is True, unspoiled Africa –at its Best!

Included:

Accommodation & meals as indicated
Mineral water
2x Airport Transfers
Transport in 4x4 vehicles
Driver/guide fees
All entry fees

Excluded:

Beverages & Alcohol
Activities-own cost!
Personal expenses
Personal Insurance
Tips to Guide

General Information - Lesotho Overland Tours

 Every guest on tour is entering a rural and unspoiled African terrain. Therefore it is necessary to travel with a flexible and tolerant mind.
 Accommodations, bathroom facilities, and meals are in most places very basic, simple, and rustic.
 Most lunch stops are based on packed lunches or picnic meals.
 There are no toilet facilities on route or very seldom.
 We reserve the right to alter any routes or itineraries should circumstances, like weather, road conditions, unforeseen obstacles, etc. demand.
 Some accommodations use generators for the supply of electricity, which switches off at 22:00, and gas geysers for the hot water supply.