Lesotho Overland Tour

Lesotho Overland Tour: 9 Nights / 10 Days

Day 1: All Meals – Own Cost

Pick up from Durban Airport or hotel and transfer to KarMichael Lodge in Himeville.

Overnight: KarMichael Guest Lodge

Day 2: Breakfast – Heritage Site Tour

Departure at 08h30 from KarMichael Lodge in Himeville and travel to the World Heritage Site. Ascend 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.

View the proteas along the road and proceed to see the 12 Apostles. These geological formations 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.

Ascend the Black Mountain Pass up to 3,280 m, following the Senqu River. Nearby lies 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 continues 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.

In winter, the mountains are covered in snow. 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 snow, frozen waterfalls, crisp, clear air, and crystal streams filled with 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, meaning “the Gatherer.” Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Oxbow Lodge

Day 3: Breakfast – Liphofung Caves

After breakfast, we continue our journey to visit the Liphofung Caves to view San rock art paintings. On our way to Hlotse, strange, richly coloured rock formations may be seen on all sides, creating the effect of a vast assembly of petrified figures. We pass several missions and rock shelters; the main road runs past 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 between 1991 and 1997.

Our guide will handle the security checkpoint. Katse Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and supplies water to the Witwatersrand region, supporting farming and mining in South Africa, while irrigating the lowlands of Lesotho. A guided tour inside the dam wall will be arranged. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge or B&B

Day 4: Breakfast – Katse Dam Tour

After breakfast and a guided tour of Katse Dam, we depart for Mohale Dam and climb steeply to the summit of the Tshetshe Pass (2,560 m). The road crosses the Senqunyane River, also known as the Little Orange River, one of the main tributaries of the Orange River.

Travel via Thaba-Tseka along a scenic route of mountain passes, including Makhoabong and Cheche Pass. Our guide will handle the security checkpoint entering the dam area.

Mohale Dam was constructed between 1998 and 2003 in a joint venture between Germany, Italy, and South Africa. Lunch at Mohale Dam. Afternoon at leisure exploring the spectacular surroundings. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Mohale Dam Lodge

Day 5: Breakfast – Mohale Dam Tour

After breakfast, depart Mohale Dam. If the boat is operational, an optional cruise on the dam is available (at your own cost).

Travel via Blue Mountain, God-Help-Me, and Bushman Passes, averaging 2,100 m. Descend the Bushman Pass into commercial farming areas towards Mazenod. Lunch at Botleng Guest House and afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Botleng Guest House

Day 6: Breakfast – Ha Kome Caves Tour

After breakfast, depart for Ha Kome Caves near Teya-Teyaneng. Here lies a remarkable village where cave dwellings have been carved beneath towering rocks. Families living here today are descendants of the original builders, and the site is now a National Heritage Site.

Parking at the top of the hill allows a 20-minute walk to the Ha Kome Visitors Centre, where a guided tour explains the history and culture of the people.

Proceed to Thaba Bosiu for lunch. After lunch, a guide will explain the history of Chief Moshoeshoe I and how he resisted the Zulu King Shaka’s warriors. We then visit a demonstration village and view the famous mountain, Thaba Bosiu, from a distance.

Overnight: Botleng Guest House

Day 7: Breakfast – Nkesi’s Pass Climb

After breakfast, travel via Roma and climb steadily to the top of Nkesi’s Pass (2,010 m), offering views of the Thaba Putswa Range (3,096 m). Nearby stands Thaba Telle Mountain (2,530 m), a challenging climb for mountaineers.

Continue to the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa (204 m), plunging dramatically into a deep gorge. This is how Semonkong, meaning “Place of Smoke,” got its name.

Lunch at Semonkong. Optional afternoon activities include pony trekking or hiking to the falls (own cost).

Overnight: Semonkong Lodge

Day 8: Breakfast – Baboon Pass

After breakfast, travel along Baboon Pass through scenic bushland, forests, farmland, and villages. Learn about local medicinal plants along the way. Arrive at Malealea, home to a popular pony trekking centre surrounded by beautiful countryside. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Malealea Lodge

Day 9: Breakfast – Waterfall Tour & Echo Caves

Depart at 08h30 for a full-day Botsoela Waterfall and Echo Caves tour, returning around 13h30 for lunch.

Enjoy panoramic views of Paradise Valley filled with wildflowers. A short hike leads to Botsoela Waterfall. Afterward, return for lunch or continue with a packed lunch to Echo Caves.

A scenic hike or pony trek passes rural villages and farmlands before descending towards the Makhaleng River Valley. Visit the Tohleng Cave sites, known as the Echo Caves, where well-preserved San rock art can be seen. Our guide will explain the history and symbolism of the paintings.

Return uphill to the plateau with rest stops for photos.

Overnight: Malealea Lodge

Day 10: Breakfast – Morija Museum

Depart after breakfast to visit the Morija Museum & Archives and the King’s Palace (no photography allowed).

Established in 1956, the museum houses valuable archival and historical collections and promotes arts, culture, and heritage tourism initiatives. Its collections date back to the 19th century and support research, exhibitions, and educational programmes.

After the visit, transfer to Maseru Airport for your 16h30 flight (depending on the departure time).

END OF THE TOUR

Important Notes

Valid passports are essential.

The cost is based on a minimum of two people, at a per-person rate.

Please advise your nationality, as Lesotho has visa restrictions for certain countries.

This is true, unspoiled Africa — at its best.

Included:

Accommodation and meals as indicated

Mineral water

2 airport transfers

Transport in 4x4 vehicles

Driver/guide fees

All entry fees

Excluded:

Beverages and alcohol

Optional activities (own cost)

Personal expenses

Personal insurance

Tips for the guide

General Information – Lesotho Overland Tours

Guests will travel through rural and unspoiled African terrain; flexibility and patience are essential.

Accommodation, bathrooms, and meals are generally basic and rustic.

Most lunches are packed or picnic meals.

Toilet facilities en route are very limited.

Routes may change due to weather, road conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.

Some accommodations use generators for electricity (usually switched off at 22:00) and gas geysers for hot water.