Lesotho Overland Excursion Tour

Lesotho Overland – 2 Nights / 3 Days

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

Departure from Maseru Airport for 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, since 1964, the site of the National University of Lesotho. 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 area boasts the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, which thunders from a height of 204 m and is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa. The journey takes us through the rugged mountains of Lesotho with experienced guides via Roma, passing through 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” is used as a remedy for asthma and flu, and the “Chi-Chi Bush” (Old Wood Bush) for stomach problems. Basalt stones with hardened volcanic bubbles can be seen along the roadside. We descend the pass to a viewpoint at 1,860 m overlooking the valley below.

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.

Panoramic views of valleys and farmland stretch below. The grasslands are dotted with yellow Euryops flowers, white Arum lilies, bright red-and-yellow Red-Hot Pokers, and many other wildflowers. Basotho ponies will be available for those who wish to pony trek to the falls along the rugged terrain.

Lunch at Semonkong Lodge. After lunch, we proceed to view the Maletsunyane Falls — also called the Place of Smoke. This can be reached on foot or by pony trek (approximately 1.5 hours each way, about 3 hours round trip with scenic stops). Activities are at one's own cost.

Semonkong Lodge – 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 lies a country with the highest lowest point in the world. Hidden in the magnificent Maluti Mountains is Semonkong Lodge, built on the banks of the Maletsunyane River using local stone and thatch. It offers a balance between rustic charm and comfort, with electricity, hot showers, fireplaces, and not a 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.

Overnight at 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 shrubs used for traditional medicine can be seen, along with 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 has maintained the charm 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.

Visit the Morija Museum.

Established in 1956, Morija Museum & Archives collects valuable archival material and museum collections. The museum also works on arts and culture projects, as well as heritage and community-based tourism initiatives. At its heart are valuable archival and museum collections that have been growing since the 19th century.

These collections form the basis for research, publishing, exhibitions, and educational programmes for schools and visitors. The museum was originally built upon the Dieterlen family’s ethnographic and historical collections, together with palaeontological and geological collections from the Ellenbergers.

These two collections formed the main pillars of today’s museum holdings, which have continued to expand. In 2005, a collection of modern material culture, including hundreds of beaded items, was donated by Chris Van Nispen.

Depart for Maseru Airport for a mid-afternoon flight.

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.