Lesotho Overland Excursion Tour

Lesotho Overland Tour: 3 Nights / 4 Days

Day 1: All Meals – Own Cost

Departure at 06h00 from Durban and transfer to Underberg. Travel to the World Heritage Site, ascending the legendary Sani Pass with its hairpin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the Sani Valley and the Drakensberg Escarpment, situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of our world heritage sites.

OR add an extra night.

Viewing the national flower of South Africa, proteas, along the road, proceed to view the 12 Apostles. These geological structures are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our guide will take care of the border formalities. At the summit at 2,874 m, we stop for refreshments at the Sani Top Chalet, the highest pub in Africa. Thereafter, we proceed to the village where Basotho culture will be explained.

Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3,280 m, following the Senqu River. Nearby is the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana at 3,482 m, meaning “the little mountain which is quite nice.” Picnic lunch en route. Our guide will explain the Letseng Diamond Mine while passing; it is the highest mine in the world (3,250 m). Our journey takes us on a tar road to the summit of the highest road in Africa, the Tlaeeng Pass (3,255 m) — the Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns at 3,240 m, passing the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Oxbow within a ski resort.

All mountains are covered in snow in winter. We will have refreshments at Oxbow Lodge, depending on time, then proceed on the twisting tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass at 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 with fat trout.

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

Overnight: Oxbow Lodge

Day 2: All Meals – Own Cost

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Katse Dam. On our way to Hlotse, strange, richly coloured rock shapes may be seen on all sides, creating the effect of a vast assembly of weird, petrified figures. Pass a few missions and several rock shelters; the main road passes the Leribe Farmers Training Centre to the town of Hlotse. It is the administrative centre of the Leribe District and originated in 1876 when a mission outpost was established here. Picnic lunch en route.

Continue on the Nelson Mandela Road, crossing the Malibamatso River (River of Dark Pools), where the great Katse Dam was constructed from 1991 to 1997. Our guide will take care of the security checkpoint. The Katse Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and supplies water to the Witwatersrand region (Gauteng, Soweto), supporting farming and mining in South Africa, and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. A guided tour inside the dam wall will be arranged. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge

Day 3: All Meals – Own Cost

After breakfast at the lodge, depart on a dirt road towards Thaba-Tseka. Watch the majestic Cape vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies in 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 is flooded when the sluice gates of Katse Dam are opened.

Refreshment stop at the shebeen (pub) at Taung Village. We pass an old trading store, today the Molumong Guesthouse, and the St. James Mission. The Rocky Mountains and hills are dotted with patches of maize fields where Basotho people work their land with loving care. Cairns within the mountains help shepherds protect their sheep and cattle from wild animals.

Steep gorges and valleys are dotted with little Basotho huts. Picnic lunch en route. Ascend the Black Mountain Pass up to 3,280 m and follow the dirt road to our next destination. Enjoy awesome views of Hodgson’s Peaks and the Giants Cup. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Mokhotlong Hotel

Day 4: All Meals – Own Cost

After breakfast at the lodge, depart on the dirt road towards Underberg. Our guide will take care of the border formalities. Descending the Sani Pass beneath towering cliffs and buttresses, past waterfalls and unique flora and birdlife, we follow the Mkomazi River back to Underberg. Arrival time in Underberg is approximately 11h30. Then transfer to Durban. Arrival in Durban approximately 17h30.

END OF THE 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.

This is true, unspoiled Africa — at its best.

Included:

All accommodation and meals as indicated

Airport transfers x2

Transport in a 4x4 vehicle

Mineral water

Excluded:

Personal expenses and insurance

Beverages and alcohol

Tips for guides

Entry fees

Sleeping bags

General Information – Lesotho Overland Tours

Every guest on tour is entering a rural and unspoiled African terrain. Therefore, it is necessary to travel with a flexible and tolerant mindset.

Accommodation, bathroom facilities, and meals are, in most places, very basic, simple, and rustic.

Most lunch stops are based on packed lunches or picnic meals.

There are no toilet facilities en route, or very few.

We reserve the right to alter any 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 supply.

Please note that Katse Dam Lodge has 8 doubles, 6 singles, plus flats that can accommodate 12 people, with two shared bathrooms (e.g., Rooms 1 & 2 share bathrooms).

Please bring soft bags only for this trip.