| Duration: | 13 Day(s) - 12 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Cultural / Botanical Tours |
LESOTHO CULTURAL / BOTANICAL TOUR
12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS
Day 1: Arrival in Durban & Transfer to Underberg
All meals at own cost
Pick up at Durban International Airport and transfer to Underberg.
Overnight: KarMichael Guest Lodge (B&B basis)
Day 2: Cobham Nature Reserve Flower Walk
Breakfast.
After breakfast at 08h00, depart for Cobham Nature Reserve in the Drakensberg Mountains. Enjoy a full guided flower walk with a packed lunch en route. Full-day circular hike.
Overnight: KarMichael Guest Lodge
Day 3: Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park & Sani Pass Adventure
Breakfast.
Depart at 09h00 and travel to the World Heritage Site of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Enjoy regular stops along the route to view various flowers, following the Mkomazana River up the scenic Sani Valley to the South African Border Post (border formalities).
Continue up Sani Pass, built by David Alexander between 1948 and 1954, viewing Hodgson’s Peaks and the Giants Cup. Climb to an altitude of 2,874 m, zigzagging beneath towering cliffs and buttresses, past waterfalls, and through unique flora and birdlife. Packed lunch en route.
After completing border formalities at the Lesotho border, visit a local village to learn more about Basotho culture.
Arrive at Sani Mountain Lodge and visit the “Highest Pub in Africa” (2,874 m).
African meals from the à la carte menu.
Overnight: Sani Mountain Lodge
Day 4: Mokhotlong & High Passes Exploration
Breakfast.
After breakfast at Sani Mountain Lodge, depart at 08h00. Proceed on a town tour of Mokhotlong and interact with local people. View botany around the Letseng Diamond Mine area, Tlaeeng Pass (3,275 m), and Mahlasela Pass (3,220 m).
Overnight: Oxbow Lodge
Day 5: Scenic Drive to Katse Dam
Breakfast.
After breakfast, depart at 08h30. Continue viewing flowers along a very scenic route with a packed lunch en route toward Katse Dam. The high point at Katse Dam Lodge is 2,100 m.
Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge
Day 6: Katse Botanical Garden Conservation Tour
Breakfast.
After breakfast, depart at 08h30 for a full-day visit to the Katse Botanical Garden (KBG).
Introduction to KBG
The Katse Botanical Garden was established in 1996 under the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) to protect endangered flora affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The 17-hectare garden serves as a sanctuary for rescued plants from areas inundated by dam construction.
The garden focuses exclusively on the indigenous flora of Lesotho’s high-altitude grasslands, prioritizing rare and threatened species. Plants are propagated from seeds and cuttings and replanted in the garden, wilderness areas, and outreach gardens.
A major conservation success is the propagation of the Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla), endemic to Lesotho and classified as rare and endangered.
The garden also promotes environmental education, community outreach, biodiversity conservation, and horticultural research.
Objectives of KBG include:
Acting as a sanctuary for rescued plants
Conserving endangered species through propagation
Monitoring rare plant communities in the wild
Developing community outreach programs
Promoting tourism and collaboration with botanical institutions
Establishing partnerships with relevant conservation bodies
Notable species include:
Aloe broomii
Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe)
Dierama pulcherrimum
Further discussions on conservation challenges and additional activities can take place during the visit.
Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge
Day 7: Linakaneng Pass & Matebeng Valley
Breakfast.
Depart at 08h30 toward Mashai. Observe Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful summer butterflies. Ascend Linakaneng Pass (3,030 m) and descend into the valley. Refreshment stop at a local shebeen (pub).
Packed lunch en route before continuing to the lodge. Enjoy sunset views while relaxing. Botanical viewing in the Matebeng River Basin.
Overnight: Sehlabathebe Lodge (if open)
Day 8: Sehlabathebe National Park Exploration
Breakfast.
Depart at 08h30 in 4x4 vehicles for Sehlabathebe National Park. Visit the Tsoelikanyane Waterfall, the largest in the park.
This park hosts approximately 23% of the plant species found in the Maloti-Drakensberg region. Established on 8 May 1969, it is Lesotho’s first national park and part of the Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site.
The park features grasslands, rock formations, waterfalls, rock art, arches, and unique Afro-Alpine biodiversity. It is home to endemic and endangered species, including:
Maloti Minnow (Pseudobarbus quathlambae)
Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
The park contains 65 identified rock art sites and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2008.
Overnight: Sehlabathebe Lodge (if open)
Day 9: Somalenk Mountain & San Rock Art
Breakfast.
Depart for an adventurous mountain drive. View additional Bushman paintings and flora along the route.
Ascend Somalenk Mountain (2,940 m). Picnic lunch at the summit.
Descend and traverse along Matebeng Pass to the Sehonghong Valley Basin. Continue through Linakaneng Valley and ascend Menoaneng Pass (3,030 m) in preparation for the next day's exploration.
Overnight: St James Mission (self-catering)
Day 10: Menoaneng Pass Botanical Exploration
Breakfast.
Depart at 08h30 for Menoaneng Pass (3,030 m). Packed lunch provided.
Spend the day viewing botany and exploring different areas of the pass, with optional revisits to Linakaneng Valley if desired.
Overnight: St James Lodge (self-catering)
Day 11: Black Mountain Pass & Thabana Ntlenyana
Breakfast.
Depart at 08h30 with a packed lunch for Black Mountain Pass (3,394 m). Botanical exploration in the area.
Nearby is Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest point in Southern Africa.
Spend the afternoon exploring footpaths and viewing alpine flora.
Overnight: Sani Mountain Lodge
Day 12: Ramatseliso’s Pass & Return to Underberg
Breakfast.
Depart at 07h30, viewing numerous proteas along the route. Descend Ramatseliso’s Pass and return toward Underberg.
Overnight: KarMichael Guest Lodge
Day 13: Departure for Durban
Breakfast.
After breakfast, depart for Durban International Airport.
Included:
All accommodations and meals as indicated
Airport transfers (2)
Transport in a 4x4 vehicle
Driver/Guide fees
Mineral water
Sleeping bags (guests may bring their own)
Excluded:
Personal expenses and insurance
Beverages and alcohol
Tips for the guide
General Information – Lesotho Overland Tours
Soft bags only (no large suitcases)
Travel requires flexibility and an open mind
Accommodation and facilities are basic and rustic in remote areas
Lunches are mostly packed or picnic style
Toilet facilities are limited along routes
Itineraries may change due to weather or road conditions
Some lodges use generators (electricity off at 22:00) and gas geysers
Valid passports are essential.
Please advise your nationality, as Lesotho has visa restrictions for certain countries.
This is true, unspoiled Africa – at its best!
END OF TOUR
