6 Nights 7 Days - Cultural / Botanical Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Underberg & Scenic Transfer

All Meals – Own Cost

Transfer from Durban Airport. Arrival in Underberg/Himeville late afternoon.

Overnight at KarMichael Guest Lodge.

Day 2: Sani Pass Botanical Exploration & Lesotho Entry

Breakfast Included

After breakfast at 08h30, depart from the guest lodge and enjoy botanical viewing while ascending the Sani Pass. Packed lunches are provided by the guest lodge.

Upon entering Lesotho, we park the 4x4 vehicle at the Lesotho Border Post (2,874m) and take a short walk towards Hodgsons Peaks (Giants Cup) (3,257m), viewing alpine botany along the way.

Overnight at Sani Mountain Lodge.

Day 3: Black Mountain Pass & Thabana Ntlenyana Excursion

Breakfast Included

Depart from Sani Mountain Lodge after breakfast at 08h30. Ascend the famous Black Mountain Pass (3,394m), viewing botanical species along the way. A packed lunch is provided by Sani Mountain Lodge.

Upon reaching the summit, proceed on a short walk with botanical viewing towards the highest point in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482m).

Overnight at Sani Mountain Lodge.

Day 4: Descent of Sani Pass & Journey to Ramatseliso’s Pass

Breakfast Included

Depart from Sani Stone Lodge after breakfast at 08h30 and descend the Sani Pass back into South Africa. A packed lunch is provided by Sani Stone Lodge.

Travel towards East Griqualand and ascend Ramatseliso’s Pass, enjoying botanical viewing while ascending.

Overnight at Sehlabathebe National Park (if open).

Day 5: Sehlabathebe National Park Wilderness Exploration

Breakfast Included

After breakfast at 08h30, depart in 4x4 vehicles for a further 10 kilometres into Sehlabathebe National Park.

Visit the Tsoelikanyane Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the park. This area hosts approximately 23% of the plant species found in the entire Maloti-Drakensberg region.

Sehlabathebe National Park is located in the Maloti Mountains in the Qacha’s Nek District of Lesotho and forms part of the larger Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. The park was established on 8 May 1969 and is known for its rich biodiversity and important cultural heritage.

The landscape is dominated by various grassland types and plays a vital ecological role, including providing freshwater to both Lesotho and South Africa.

Lesotho’s first and second-largest national park is remote, rugged and exceptionally beautiful. The name Sehlabathebe means “Shield of the Plateau,” reflecting its rolling grasslands, wildflowers and peaceful isolation.

Situated in the southeastern corner of Lesotho at an average elevation of 2,400 metres above sea level, access can be challenging due to its remote location.

The park offers secluded natural beauty, including mountain vistas, rock pools, waterfalls, rock dwellings, massive overhangs, rock art, arches and a unique ecosystem of plants, birds and wildlife.

It provides significant habitat for Afro-Alpine and Sub-Alpine plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Much of the park is designated wilderness and remains uninhabited, preserving its natural character.

The park is home to several endangered species, including the Maloti Minnow (Pseudobarbus quathlambae), a critically endangered fish found only within the park, as well as the Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) and the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus).

There are also 65 recorded rock art sites within the park, reflecting earlier habitation and cultural history.

The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on 8 October 2008 under the Mixed (Cultural and Natural) category. It forms part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area (Peace Park) and is currently managed by the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture.

Overnight in Sehlabathebe.

Day 6: Alpine Walks & Return to Underberg

Breakfast Included

After breakfast at 08h30, enjoy short walks along the footpaths leading from Sehlabathebe Lodge for botanical viewing.

Lunch at Sehlabathebe Restaurant.

After lunch, depart for Underberg/Himeville, arriving late afternoon.

Overnight at Underberg/Himeville Lodge.

Day 7: Departure & Transfer to Durban Airport

Breakfast Included

Depart after breakfast at 09h00 for transfer to Durban Airport.

Included:

All accommodation as indicated
Airport transfers
Three meals per day
Transport in a 4x4 vehicle with a guide
Two bottles of water per day

Excluded:

Personal expenses and insurance
Beverages and alcohol
Entry fees
Curios

End of Tour

The cost is based on a minimum of two people at a per-person rate.

Valid passports are essential.

Please advise your nationality, as Lesotho has visa restrictions for certain countries.

This is true, unspoilt Africa – at its best!