Semonkong Lodge Tour

Lesotho Overland Tour – 2 Nights / 3 Days

Maseru is the capital and largest city of Lesotho and also the capital of the Maseru District. Located on the Caledon River, Maseru lies directly on the Lesotho–South Africa border and has a population of approximately 320,000.

The city was established as a police camp and designated as the capital after the country became a British protectorate in 1869. When Lesotho achieved independence in 1966, Maseru retained its status as the capital. The name of the city is derived from a Sesotho word meaning “red sandstones.” By 1824, King Moshoeshoe I had established himself as ruler.

Day 1: Scenic Mountain Crossing to Semonkong

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Depart from Durban at 06h00 and travel to Underberg by 09h00, passing through the small town of Swartberg. Enjoy travelling through the picturesque farmlands of East Griqualand with traditionally decorated huts along the route. The drive continues through bushy landscapes, small forests, and farmland dotted with scenic villages.

Continue through Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, bordering KwaZulu-Natal, before entering Lesotho via the Qacha's Nek border post. Qacha’s Nek is both a district and its administrative town, bordering South Africa and neighbouring Lesotho districts, including Quthing, Mohale’s Hoek, and Thaba-Tseka.

After entering Lesotho, travel through rural villages before crossing the Orange River, known locally as the Senqu. The river rises in the Drakensberg of Lesotho and flows west for about 2,200 km before entering the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay.

Dams and River Basin

The Gariep Dam near Colesberg is the main storage structure on the Orange River. Water flows westward to the Vanderkloof Dam and southward via the Orange–Fish Tunnel to the Eastern Cape.

The Orange–Senqu River basin extends across four countries — Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa — covering nearly one million square kilometres.

Alluvial Diamonds History

In 1867, the first diamond discovered in South Africa, the Eureka Diamond, was found near Hopetown on the Orange/Senqu River. Two years later, the Star of South Africa diamond was discovered nearby, triggering a diamond rush. This was later surpassed by discoveries in Kimberley in 1871, although alluvial diamonds continued to be mined along the river.

Today, several commercial mines still operate along parts of the river and near its mouth.

Stop at 2,080 m at the Christ the King viewpoint for magnificent valley and mountain views, then continue across the Orange/Senqu River.

Travel high over the summit of the Thaba Putsoa Range via Makheka Pass and across the basalt moorland “roof of Southern Africa” to Semonkong, meaning “Place of Smoke.”

Lunch at Semonkong Lodge. After lunch, visit the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, a dramatic single-drop waterfall on a tributary of the Orange River.

Overnight: Semonkong Lodge

Day 2: Highlands Drive to Malealea

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Depart after breakfast and travel towards the capital, Maseru and the airport region. Optional activity at own cost: horseback viewing of Maletsunyane Falls.

Stop at 2,260 m before reaching the summit of Makheka Pass at 2,860 m. Enjoy panoramic valley views with scattered farmlands. The grasslands are dotted with yellow Euryops flowers, white Arum lilies, bright red-and-yellow Red-Hot Pokers, and many other wildflowers.

Travel via Moitsupeli, turning left towards Koro-Koro, through bushy landscapes, small forests, and farmland with picturesque villages.

Along the route, observe dense shrubs used by locals for traditional medicine, dramatic mountain scenery, and rural settlements. A roadside basalt formation displays hardened volcanic bubbles. Packed lunch provided.

Continue into a remote rural region of Lesotho, where interaction with local communities is common. Arrive at a popular pony-trekking destination set in secluded woodland surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Malealea Lodge

Day 3: Departure from Lesotho

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Maseru Airport.

Tour Ends

Notes:

The rate is based on a minimum of two people, priced per person.

Valid passports are essential.

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

This is true, unspoiled Africa — at its best!