Lesotho Overland Excursion Tour

Lesotho Overland Tour: 3 Nights / 4 Days

Day 1: All Meals-Own Cost!

Departure at 06h00 from Durban and be transferred up 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 Drakensberg Escarpment situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of our world's Heritage Sites.

OR add night!

Viewing the National Flower of South Africa-Proteas along the road, proceed to view of 12 Apostles. These geological structures are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our Guide is taking care of the border formalities. At the summit at 2.874m, we stop for refreshment at the Sani Top Chalet, the Highest Pub in Africa. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained.

Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3.280m, following the Senqu River. Nearby the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana with 3.482m, meaning “the little mountain which is a little nice”. Picnic lunch on route. Our guide will explain about the Letseng Diamond Mine while passing, It is the highest mine in the world (3.250m). Our journey takes us on a tar road onto the summit of the highest road in Africa, the Tlaeeng Pass (3.255m).The Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns with 3.240m, 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, which we depend on time, then proceed on the twisting tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass, with 2.840m one of the highest roads attained 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 Holola 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, the Gatherer. Dinner at Lodge.

Overnight: Oxbow Lodge.

Day 2: All Meals-Own Cost!

After breakfast we will continue our journey to Katse Dam, on our way to Hlotse strange, richly colored 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 Center to the town of Hlotse. It is the administrative center of the Leribe district and originated in 1876 when a Mission outpost was established here. Picnic lunch on 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 is taking care of the security checkpoint. The Katse Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and supplies water to Witwatersrand (Gauteng, Soweto), Farming, and Mining in South Africa, and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. A guided tour into the dam wall. 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 the summertime. 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 shabeen (pub) at Taung village. We pass an old Trading Store, today the Molumong Guesthouse and the St. James Mission. Rocky mountains and hills with patches of maize fields where Basothos work on their land with loving care. Cairns within the mountains for the shepherds to protect their sheep and cattle from wild animals.

Steep gorges and valleys, dotted with little Basotho huts. Picnic lunch on route. Ascend the Black Mountain Pass up to 3.280m, and follow the dirt road to our next destination. Awesome view of the Hodgson’s Peaks and the Giants Cup.Dinner at 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, buttresses, past waterfalls, and unique flora and bird life. Following the Mkomazi River back to Underberg. Arrival time back to Underberg is approximately 11h30. Then transfer to Durban.Arrival Durban +- 17H30

END OF THE TOUR!

The cost is for a minimum of 2 people, at a per-person rate!

Valid Passports Essential

Please advise your Nationality, as Lesotho has visa restrictions on certain countries.

This is True, unspoiled Africa –at its Best!

Included:

All accommodations and Meals Indicated
Airport transfers x 2
Transport in 4x4 vehicle
Mineral Water

Excluded:

Personal Expenses & Insurance
Beverages & Alcohol
Tips to 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 mind.

Accommodations, 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 on route or very seldom.

We reserve the right to alter any routes or itineraries should circumstances, like weather, road conditions, unforeseen obstacles, etc. so demand.

Some accommodations use generators for the supply of electricity, which switches off at 22:00, and gas geysers for the hot water supply.

Please note Katse Dam Lodge has 8x doubles, 6x singles + flats that can accommodate 12 people, two shared bathrooms e.g. rooms 1 & 2 share bathrooms, etc.

Please bring soft bags only for this trip.