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| Duration: | 3 Day(s) - 2 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Lesotho Overland Excursion |
Lesotho Overland Excursion – 2 Nights / 3 Days
Day 1: Sani Pass & The Roof of Africa
All meals at own cost
Departure at 08h30 from our office in Underberg. Travel to the World Heritage Site and ascend the legendary Sani Pass with its dramatic hairpin bends, offering unparalleled views of the Sani Valley and the Drakensberg Escarpment within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of the world’s heritage sites.
Proteas line the road as we proceed to view the 12 Apostles. These geological formations are part of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our guide will take care of the border formalities. At the summit (2,874 m), we stop for refreshments at Sani Top Chalet, home to the “Highest Pub in Africa.”
Thereafter, we proceed to a local village where the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascend Black Mountain Pass (3,280 m), following the Senqu River. Nearby is Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest mountain in Southern Africa, meaning “the little mountain which is nice.” Picnic lunch en route.
While passing the Letseng Diamond Mine, the guide will explain its significance. It is the highest diamond mine in the world (3,250 m). The journey continues on a tar road to the summit of Tlaeeng Pass (3,255 m), the highest road in Africa.
Welcome to the “Roof of Africa.” Slightly lower lies the Pass of Guns (3,240 m). We pass the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Oxbow within a ski resort. In winter, the mountains are covered in snow. After a refreshment stop, continue along the twisting tar road to Moteng Pass (2,840 m), one of the highest roads accessible 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 filled with trout. Descend into the Hololo Valley (River of the Blue Crane), passing spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside to Butha-Buthe. This town was named after King Moshoeshoe’s old mountain stronghold, meaning “the Gatherer.”
Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Oxbow Lodge
Day 2: Katse Dam & Highlands Scenic Drive
Breakfast.
After breakfast, continue the journey to Katse Dam. On the way to Hlotse, strange and richly colored rock formations appear on all sides, creating the effect of a vast assembly of unusual petrified figures. After passing several missions and rock shelters, the main road leads past the Leribe Farmers Training Centre to the town of Hlotse.
Hlotse is the administrative center of the Leribe District and originated in 1876 when a mission outpost was established. Picnic lunch en route.
Continue along Nelson Mandela Road, crossing the Malibamatso River (River of Dark Pools), where the impressive Katse Dam was constructed between 1991 and 1997. Our guide will take care of the security checkpoint.
Katse Dam is one of the largest dams in Africa and supplies water to the Witwatersrand region (including Gauteng and Soweto) for farming and mining in South Africa, while also supporting irrigation in Lesotho’s lowlands.
Enjoy a guided tour inside the dam wall.
Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge
Day 3: Highland Valleys & Return via Sani Pass
Breakfast.
After breakfast at the lodge, depart along the dirt road toward Thaba-Tseka. Watch majestic Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies during summer. Thaba-Tseka, meaning “the mountain with a blaze,” houses a stud farm for breeding Basotho ponies and a tree nursery.
Cross the Koma-Koma Bridge, which floods when the sluice gates of Katse Dam are opened. Refreshment stop at a shebeen (local pub) in Taung Village.
Pass an old trading store, now the Molumong Guesthouse, and St. James Mission. Observe the rocky mountains and hills dotted with maize fields where Basotho farmers work their land. Stone cairns built by shepherds protect livestock from wild animals. Steep gorges and valleys are scattered with traditional Basotho huts. Picnic lunch en route.
Ascend Black Mountain Pass (3,280 m) and follow the dirt road toward the next destination. Enjoy magnificent views of Hodgson’s Peaks and the Giants Cup.
Our guide will take care of the border formalities. Descend Sani Pass beneath towering cliffs and buttresses, past waterfalls and unique flora and birdlife. Follow the Mkomazana River back to Underberg.
Arrival in Underberg is approximately 16h30.
END OF TOUR
The cost is based on a minimum of 2 people, at a per-person rate.
Valid passports are essential.
Please advise your nationality, as Lesotho has visa restrictions for certain countries.
Included:
All accommodations and meals as indicated
Airport transfers (2)
Transport in a 4x4 vehicle
Driver/Guide fees
Mineral water
Excluded:
Personal expenses and insurance
Beverages and alcohol
All entry fees
Tips for the guide
General Information – Lesotho Overland Tours
Every guest on tour is entering a rural and unspoiled African environment. It is therefore necessary to travel with a flexible and tolerant mindset.
Accommodation, bathroom facilities, and meals are in most places basic, simple, and rustic.
Most lunch stops are based on packed lunches or picnic meals.
Toilet facilities along the route are very limited.
We reserve the right to alter routes or itineraries should circumstances such as weather, road conditions, or unforeseen obstacles require it.
Some accommodations use generators for electricity (which switch off at 22:00) and gas geysers for hot water.
Please note: Katse Dam Lodge has 8 double rooms, 6 single rooms, and flats that can accommodate 12 people. Some rooms share bathrooms (e.g., Rooms 1 and 2 share a bathroom).
Please bring soft bags only for this trip.
