Katse Via Mohale Tour

Lesotho Highlands Dam Tour – 3 Days

Day 1: Maseru – Mafika Lisiu Pass – Butha-Buthe – Katse Dam

Depart at 08h00 from Maseru after breakfast and travel along the twisting tar road to the summit of Mafika Lisiu Pass, at 3,090 meters, one of the highest roads accessible by normal two-wheel-drive vehicles in Southern Africa. This region forms part of the basalt “Roof of Africa,” known for winter snow, frozen waterfalls, crisp clear air, crystal streams, and excellent trout fishing.

Descending into the Hololo Valley (River of the Blue Crane), we pass spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside en route to Butha-Buthe. This small town was named after King Moshoeshoe I’s old mountain stronghold, Butha-Buthe, meaning “the Gatherer.”

On the way to Hlotse, richly colored rock formations can be seen on all sides, creating the effect of a vast assembly of unusual, petrified figures. Passing several mission stations and rock shelters, the main road leads to the Leribe Farmers Training Centre and onward to the town of Hlotse, the administrative center of the Leribe District. The town originated in 1876 when a mission outpost was established there.

We visit a local craft center before proceeding to Bokong Nature Reserve for lunch.

Continuing along the Nelson Mandela Road, we cross the Malibamatso River (River of Dark Pools), where the impressive Katse Dam was constructed between 1991 and 1997. Our guide will assist with the security checkpoint procedures. Katse Dam is one of the largest dams in Africa and supplies water to the Witwatersrand region (including Gauteng and Soweto) for domestic, agricultural, and mining use, while also supporting irrigation in Lesotho’s lowlands.

Arrival at Katse Dam for check-in, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge

Day 2: Katse Dam – Thaba-Tseka – Mohale Dam

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Katse Dam. We then depart for Mohale Dam via Thaba-Tseka, traveling along a scenic route through mountain passes including Makhoabong and Cheche Pass.

Our guide will assist with the security checkpoint upon entering the dam area. Mohale Dam was constructed between 1998 and 2003 as a joint venture between Germany, Italy, and South Africa as part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Lunch will be served at Mohale Dam. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the spectacular dam surroundings.

Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight at Mohale Dam Lodge

Day 3: Mohale Dam – Blue Mountain Pass – Thaba Bosiu – Maseru

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, enjoy a scenic drive and dam exploration. We ascend Blue Mountain Pass to 2,620 meters, named after the 2,900-meter-high Thaba Putswa (Blue Mountain), which dominates the northern range.

Travel continues via Blue Mountain Pass, God Help Me Pass, and Bushman’s Pass—three mountain passes averaging approximately 2,100 meters in elevation. We then descend Bushman’s Pass into the commercial farming areas toward Mazenod.

Lunch will be enjoyed at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village, followed by a tour of the Chief Moshoeshoe Cultural Village.

After lunch, transfer to Maseru Airport, where the tour concludes.

Highlights of the Tour:

Rock paintings

Pony trekking

Qiloane Waterfalls

Rural village experience

Mohale Information Centre

Mohale Dam

Scenic mountain passes

Bird watching

Nature reserve visit

Katse Dam Information Centre

Included in the Tour:

Transport

Professional tour guide

Accommodation

Breakfasts

Entrance fees

Excluded from the Tour:

Items of personal use

Alcoholic beverages

Lunches and dinners

Minimum of 2 people required