Lesotho Overland Excursion Tour

Lesotho Overland – 2 Nights / 3 Days

Day 1: All Meals – Own Cost (Depending on Flight Arrival)

Departure from Maseru Airport with a visit to Thaba Bosiu. We then proceed along winding roads toward the 2,900 m-high Thaba Putswa (Blue Mountain), which dominates the northern range.

On the tar road, we drive past mountains of white sandstone to Roma. The town is the principal centre of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and has been the site of the National University of Lesotho since 1964.

Roma was founded in 1862 when King Moshoeshoe granted land to Bishop Allard and Father Gérard. From here, we continue to Semonkong, known as “The Place of Smoke.”

The region boasts the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, plunging 204 metres — one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa. The journey takes us through rugged mountains, bush landscapes, small forests, and farmland dotted with picturesque villages.

Along the road, dense bushes and shrubs are used by locals for medicinal purposes, for example, the “Wild Aloes Bush” for asthma and flu, and the “Chi-Chi Bush” (Old Wood Bush) for stomach ailments. Basalt stones with hardened volcanic bubbles can be seen along the roadside.

We descend the pass to a viewpoint at 1,860 m overlooking a dramatic valley. The journey continues high over the Thaba Putswa Range via Makheka’s Pass and across the basalt highlands to Semonkong.

A scenic stop is made at 2,260 m before reaching the summit of Makheka’s Pass at 2,860 m, offering panoramic views over farmland and valleys.

The surrounding grasslands are dotted with yellow Euryops flowers, white Arum lilies, and the bright red-and-yellow colours of Red-Hot Pokers, along with many other wildflowers. Basotho ponies will be available for those wishing to trek to the falls along the rugged terrain.

Lunch at Semonkong Lodge. After lunch, we proceed to view the Maletsunyane Falls — reachable either on foot or by pony trek (approximately 1.5 hours each way, 3 hours round trip with scenic stops). Activities are at one's own cost.

Semonkong Lodge – The Place of Smoke

The mighty Maletsunyane Falls creates a mist resembling smoke as the water plunges 204 metres into a dramatic gorge — giving Semonkong its name.

Landlocked by South Africa, Lesotho has the highest altitude of any country in the world. Hidden in the Maluti Mountains lies Semonkong Lodge, built on the banks of the Maletsunyane River using local stone and thatch. It offers a balance of rustic charm and comfort, including electricity, hot showers, fireplaces, and no telephone in sight.

The fully licensed Duck and Donkey Tavern and Restaurant provides a popular meeting place for locals and guests. The restaurant serves affordable, well-known meals and also caters to vegetarians.

Experience the wild beauty of Lesotho at Semonkong Lodge.

Overnight: Semonkong Lodge

Day 2: Breakfast Included

After breakfast at the lodge, travel via Moitsupeli, turning left toward Koro-Koro. The route passes through bush landscapes, small forests, farmland, and picturesque villages.

Along the road, dense vegetation used for traditional medicine can be seen, as well as rural settlements and scenic mountain views. Basalt stones with hardened bubbles line parts of the roadside. Packed lunch provided.

Entering a very rural part of Lesotho allows interaction with the local population. Our destination hosts a popular pony trekking centre situated in secluded woodland surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Malealea Lodge

Day 3: All Meals – Own Cost (Depending on Flight Departure)

Depart Malealea Lodge after breakfast for Maseru Airport. En route, visit Morija, named after the biblical Mount Moriah.

Morija retains the atmosphere that first attracted missionaries. It is one of the few forested villages in Lesotho, with tree-lined roads, some over a century old. Hidden among the trees are the historic “mother church,” schools, printing works, hospital, museum, and other institutions established by missionaries.

We visit the Morija Museum, founded in 1956, which preserves valuable archival material and museum collections. The museum also works on arts and culture projects, as well as heritage and community-based tourism initiatives.

Its collections support research, publishing, exhibitions, and educational programmes for schools and visitors. The museum was originally based on the Dieterlen family’s ethnographic and historical collections, together with palaeontological and geological collections from the Ellenbergers.

These formed the foundation of today’s growing collections. In 2005, a collection of modern material culture, including hundreds of beaded items, was donated by Chris Van Nispen.

Depart for Maseru Airport.

End of the 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, unspoiled Africa — at its best!