LESOTHO OVERLAND TOURS
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3 nights/4 days |
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Day 1: |
Departure at 8.30 in the morning from Underberg. Stop at the Good Hope Trading Store, originated in 1917 by John White Smith. Ascending the legendary Sani Pass with its hair-pin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the Sani Valley and Drakensberg Escarpment situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of our World Heritage sites. Proteas along the road, proceed to viewing 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 refreshments at the Sani Stone Lodge. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3280m, following the Senqu River Picnic lunch on route. Guided tour at the Letsieng Diamond Mine, the highest mine in the world (3250m), Our journey takes us on tar road onto the summit of the highest road in Africa. the Tlaeeng Pass (3255m) The Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns with 3240m, past the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Likileng Lodge. All mountains are covered in snow in winter Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 2: |
Breakfast at O7:00 at the lodge. Depart at 08.00 for the twisty tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass, 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 tout. Descend into the Holola Valley (River of the Blue Crane), past spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside to Butha-Buthe (the Gatherer) This little town was named after King Moshoeshoe's old mountain stronghold. 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. Past a few missions and several rock shelters where San paintings may be seen, the main road passes the Leribe Farmers Training Center to the town of Hlotse. It is the administration center of the Leribe district and originated in 1876 when a Mission outpost was established. Continue on the Nelson Mandela Road, crossing the Malibamatso River (River of dark Pools) where the great Katse Dam was constructed from 1991 to1997. Our guide takes care of the security checkpoint. The Katse Dam is the second largest darn in the world and supplies water to Witwatersrand (Gauteng, Soweto) in South Africa and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. Video Presentation and guided tour into the darn wall. Lunch at Bokong Nature Reserve. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 3: |
After breakfast at the lodge, departure on dirt road towards Thaba Tseka. Watch the majestic Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies in summer time. 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 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 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 3230m, follow the dirt road to our next destination. Awesome view of the Hodgon's Peaks and the Giants Cup The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner at Sani Stone Lodge. |
Day 4: |
After a good breakfast 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 about lunch time. |
Transfer to Durban and/or accommodation in Underberg can be arranged for an additional cost. |
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4 nights/5 days |
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Day 1: |
Departure in the morning from the hotel. Stop at the Good Hope Trading Store, originated in 1817 by John White-Smith, Ascending the legendary Sani Pass with its hair-pin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the San! Valley and Drankensberg Escarpment situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg park, One of our world heritage sites. Proteas along the road, proceed to viewing 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 refreshments at the Sani Stone Lodge. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3280m. 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". Guided tour at the Letsieng Diamond Mine, the highest mine in the world (3.250m) Our journey takes us on tar road onto the summit of the highest road in Africa, the Tlaeeng Pass (3255m) The Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns at 3140m, pass the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Likileng Lodge. All mountains are covered in snow in winter. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 2: |
Breakfast at the lodge. Depart at 08.00 for the twisty tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass, 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 tout. Descend into the Holola Valley (River of the Blue Crane), past spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside to Butha-Buthe (the gatherer) This little town was named after King Moshoeshoe's old mountain stronghold. 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. Past a few missions and several rock shelters where San paintings may be seen, the main road passes the Leribe Farmers Training Center to the town of Hlotse. It is the administration center of the Leribe district and originated in 1876 when a Mission outpost was established here. Continue on the Nelson Mandela Road, crossing the Malibamatso River (River of dark Pools) where the great Katse Dam was constructed from 1991 to1997. Our guide takes care of the security checkpoint. Lunch at Bokong Nature Reserve. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 3: |
Late breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy a video presentation and guided tour into the dam wall. The Katse dam is the second largest dam in the world and supplies water to Witwatersrand (Gauteng, Soweto) in South Africa and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon visit of the Botanical Garden nearby, time of leisure. Dinner at the restaurant . |
Day 4: |
After breakfast at the lodge, depart on dirt road towards Thaba Tseka. Watch the majestic Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies in summer time. 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 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 mountains and hills with patches of maize fields where Basotho's 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 3230m, follow the dirt road to our next destination. Awesome view of the Hodgon's Peaks and the Giants Cup The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner at the Lodge. |
Day 5: |
After a good breakfast our guide will take care of the border formalities. Descend Sani pass beneath towering cliffs, buttresses and waterfalls. Follow the Mkomazi River back to Underberg. |
Transfers and accommodation in Underberg/Himeville can be arranged at an additional cost. |
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7 nights/8 days |
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Day 1: |
Departure in the morning from the hotel. Stop at the Good Hope Trading Store, originated in 1817 by John White-Smith, Ascending the legendary Sani Pass with its hair-pin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the San! Valley and Drankensberg Escarpment situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg park, One of our world heritage sites. Proteas along the road, proceed to viewing 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 refreshments at the Sani Stone Lodge. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3280m. 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". Guided tour at the Letsieng Diamond Mine, the highest mine in the world (3.250m) Our journey takes us on tar road onto the summit of the highest road in Africa, the Tlaeeng Pass (3255m) The Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns at 3140m, pass the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Likileng Lodge. All mountains are covered in snow in winter. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 2: |
Breakfast at the lodge. Depart at 08.00 for the twisty tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass, 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 tout. Descend into the Holola Valley (River of the Blue Crane), past spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside to Butha-Buthe (the gatherer) This little town was named after King Moshoeshoe's old mountain stronghold. 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. Past a few missions and several rock shelters where San paintings may be seen, the main road passes the Leribe Farmers Training Center to the town of Hlotse. It is the administration center of the Leribe district and originated in 1876 when a Mission outpost was established here. Continue on the Nelson Mandela Road, crossing the Malibamatso River (River of dark Pools). Lunch at the Bokong Nature Reserve. The Katse Dam is the second largest darn in the world and supplies water to Witwatersrand (Gauteng, Soweto) in South Africa and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. Video Presentation and guided tour into the darn wall.Our guide takes care of the security checkpoint. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 3: |
Breakfast at the lodge. Today we double-back on the Nelson Mandela road to Hlotse On tar road we drive along the western border of the country via Teya-Teyaneng to Sefikieng. Guests have the opportunity to visit craft centres on the way, The Basothos are well known for their beautiful tapestries and blankets. Lunch in one of the small towns along the road. Roma is the principal center of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and since 1964 the site of the National University of Lesotho. The city was found in 1862 when King Moshoeshoe granted the site to Bishop Allard and Father Gerard. Dinner at the Guesthouse. |
Day 4: |
Breakfast at the guesthouse. We travel on dirt road across the basalt moorland of Southern Africa to Semonkong (the Place of Smoke) viewpoint (2260m), before reaching the summit of Makheka's Pass, at 2860m. Panoramic views into the valley of farmlands. The grasslands are dotted with yellow flowers (Euryops), white Arum Lilies, bright red and yellow Red-Hot Pokers and other wild flowers. The road is rugged before and after the summit. Visit the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, the longest single-drop waterfall in southern Africa (197m). Lunch at the lodge. We double-back to Moitsupeli, turning left towards Koro-Koro. A scenic drive through bushy landscape, small forests and farmlands, dotted with picturesque villages, dense bushes and shrubs used by locals for medical purposes. Our destination houses a popular Pony trekking Centre in a secluded woodland, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 5: |
After breakfast at the lodge we continue north on dirt roads in good condition. We descend the pass to a view point at 1860m to look down into the awesome valley. we double-back to Roma. Just before the town the road loses altitude and we drive through spectacular white sandstone rocks and valleys. Visit the Morija Museum with its collection of Bushman art, dinosaur footprints, and other artefacts. The Moeder Craft Centre is housed in the oldest building in Morija, erected in 1843. Lunch at the museum tea room. With a little luck we can glimpse the King at his royal residence. Past Roma we continue to Mohale dam. Climbing up the Molimo Nthuso Pass (God help me) to the summit (2320m) Our guide takes care of the security check point. Dinner at the restaurant. |
Day 6: |
After breakfast we depart for a long day to Thaba-Tseka. Descending into the valley the windy road climbs again to an altitude of 2620m, the Blue Mountain pass, which goes into Likalaneng Valley. Leaving the dam area our guide will check out at the security post. Picnic lunch on route. We ascend the pass on dirt road, dotted with wild flowers and into the Senqunyane River valley, also known as Little Orange River and then up into the highlands of Lesotho. At this altitude there are no more trees and snow in winter. Donkeys are heavily loaded with goods herded by horsemen in colourful blankets. Cross the Mashai River, which is flooded when the Katse Dam sluice gates are open. Dinner at the restaurant. |
Day 7: |
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel through rocky mountains and hills with patches of maize fields where Basothos' work the land. Cairns within the mountains where shepherds protect their sheep and cattle from wild animals. Steep gorges and valleys, dotted with huts and many birds and flowers. Picnic lunch on route. Take the 'garden route' past St James Mission, a very rugged and adventurous experience. Ascend Black Mountain pass with an awesome view of Hodgon's Peaks and the Giants Cup. Relax at Sani Stone Lodge. Dinner at the restaurant. |
Day 8: |
After breakfast at the chalet our guide takes us through the border and we descend the beautiful Sani Pass. Following the Mkomazi River back to Underberg. Arrive about lunch time. |
Transfers and accommodation in Underberg/Himeville can be arranged at an additional cost. |
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8 nights/9 days |
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Day 1: |
Departure from Underberg in the morning. Our journey takes us west on tar road into the heart of East Griqualand where we turn off onto dirt roads. An area of wide open spaces, rolling plains, numerous mountains and crystal clear streams. A place for trout fishing, bike riding, 4x4 Adventures and a whole lot more. Drive through the rolling hills of maize- and potato fields, grassland with cattle, sheep and White Storks, Pine Forests and mountains showing in the distance. After the border formalities we enter the Kingdom in the Sky- Lesotho. Picnic lunch on route. On the tar road, which was built in the 1970s, we proceed along the Orange River. A very steep mountain pass an dirt road leads us past little villages with vegetable gardens, crossing small streams. At 2.080m we stop at the "Christ the King" viewpoint with a beautiful view into the valley below and mountains around. |
Day 2: |
After breakfast we break up the camp and enjoy a beautiful dirt road leading through the gorge containing the Quthing River. The area is wild, rocky and famous for its Aloes. Here Chief Moorosi fought a battle against the British. One of the memories is Fort Henley. This sandstone building, erected in 1900 by the British, serves today as a Trading Store. Discover ancient Dinosaur Footprints, which were created over millions of years ago and are now converted to stone. Lunch at Quthing. Moyeni (Quthing) means "Place of the Wind" and is the southerly town in Lesotho. It was chosen by the British as an administration center. In the afternoon a visit of the Cave House, which was built 1866 by Rev. Ellenberger. Time of leisure. Dinner at the hotel. |
Day 3: |
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel north crossing the Orange River on the Seake Bridge, which is 191 m long and the longest bridge in the country. Built in England, shipped to South Africa and carried by wagon on road to Lesotho. Stretching our legs with a 20min. walk up the mountain to view the Cannibal Caves. There are several caves inter-leading where in the 1820s people were forced to practice cannibalism in order to survive. Picnic lunch on route. Descending the twisting mountain pass with panoramic views of the Makhaleng Valley. Dominating the mountain here is the impressive Thaba Putswa (2.908m). Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 4: |
Breakfast at the lodge. Continue north on good dirt roads. Scenic drive through bushy landscape, small forests and farmlands dotted with picturesque villages, dense shrubs used by locals for medical purposes, eg. the "Wild Als Bush", a remedy for asthma and flu or the "ChiChi Bush" (Old Wood) for stomach problems. Basalt stone with hardened volcanic bubbles. Descend the pass to a view point at -1.860m into the awesome valley. Picnic lunch on route. Afternoon at leisure within the beautiful surrounding of Ramabanta. Dinner at the Trading Post. |
Day 5: |
Hearty breakfast prepared by Chef Patrick, we get ready for an exciting journey over the summit of the Thaba Putswa Range via Makheka's Pass and across the basalt moorland of Southern Africa to Semonkong, the Place of Smoke. View stop at 2.260m before we reach the summit of the Makheka's Pass at 2.860m. Panoramic views into the valley farmlands. The grassland is dotted with yellow flowers (Euryaps), white Arum Lilies, bright red and yellow Red-Hot Pokers and other wild flowers. The pass is very rugged before and after the summit. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, the longest single-drop waterfall in Southern Africa (197m). Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 6: |
Breakfast on the verandah or in the restaurant at the lodge. We head back to Moitsupeli, on tar road to Roma. We climb steadily to the top of Nkesi's Pass (2010m), a superb view of the 3096m Thaba Putswa can be seen. Just before Roma the altitude drops and we drive through spectacular white sandstone rocks and valleys. Nearby is Thaba Telle at 2.530m, which is climbed by mountaineers. The city of Roma is the center of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and since 1964 the site of the national University of Lesotho. Roma was found in1862 when King Moshoeshoe granted the site to Bishop Allard and Father Gerard. Lunch in Roma. Afternoon visit of the Morija Museum with its collection of San Art, dinosaur footprints, books, clay pots, fossils and old tools used by various tribes. The Moeder Craft Center is housed in the oldest building in Morija, (1843), where one may purchase a variety of tapestries, Mohair shoals, souvenirs, etc. With a little luck we could see the King at his Royal Residence. Dinner at the guesthouse. |
Day 7: |
After a good breakfast we depart for Mashai. We drive past Peach Trees and mountains of white sandstone on tar road to the Mohale Dam. Our Guide takes care of the security checkpoint. The Mohale Dam was built (1998-2003) in a joint venture of Germany, Italy and South Africa. Climbing up the Malimo Nthuso Pass "God help me", to the summit at 2320m. Descend the valley which climbs again to 2620m, the Blue Mountain Pass. Named after the 2900m high Thaba Putswa (Blue Mountain), which dominates the range in the north. The pass descends steeply into the Likalaneng Valley. Leaving the dam area our Guide will check out at the security post. Picnic lunch on route. We ascend the pass an dirt road, dotted with low shrubs and wild flowers, and Red-Hot Pokers. A long, curving road into the valley of the Senqunyane River. Pass the Trading Store and Police Post of Marakabei, named after a Chief in the area. The road crosses the Senqunyane River, also known as the Little Orange River, is one of the principal upper tributaries of the Orange River. We climb to the summit of the Tshetshe Pass, 2560m, immediately descend into the Matsonyane River Valley (small black), driving higher up the mountains with its dark basalt stone, covered in snow in winter. Awesome views, lonely herd-boys on the mountain slopes; the gentle sound of their "Lesibas" floating on the wind. At an altitude of 2900m Mountain Reedbuck find they way on the steep slopes. Follow the long, windy mountain road into the Highlands of Lesotho. At 3000m there are no trees growing. Donkeys are heavily loaded with goods or shrubs, herded by horsemen in their colourful blankets. Cross the Mashai River, which is flooded if the sluice gates of the Katse Dam are opened. Dinner at the restaurant |
Day 8: |
Breakfast at the hotel. Cairns within the mountains for the shepherds to protect their sheep and cattle from wild animals. (Ask your Guide for details). Steep gorges and valleys, dotted with Basotho huts. Watch Yellow Billed Storks and Black Eagle in flight. The landscape is spiked with Red-Hot Pokers in summer. Picnic lunch on route. At 3003m, spectacular view into the valley. The "Pyjama Flower' on the side of the road, used for traditional purposes, growing at 1800m- 3000m. Take the "Garden Route" near St. James Mission, rugged and adventurous experience. Ascend Black Mountain Pass (3280m), following the Senqu River. Awesome view of Hodgon's Peaks and Giant's Cup. Descend the pass, head for Sani Top. Afternoon at leisure, relax at the Sani Stone Lodge. Dinner at the restaurant. |
Day 9: |
After breakfast at the chalet, our guide will take care of border formalities. Descend the legendary Sani Pass to Underberg. This steep pass with its hairpin bends offers unparalleled vistas of the Sani Valley and Drakensberg Escarpment situated in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. Viewing of 12 Apostles, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Stop at the Good Hope Trading Store, built in 1917 by John White-Smith who was a trader in Mohair and wool. Arrival in Underberg about lunch time. |
Transfers and accommodation in Underberg/Himeville can be arranged at an additional cost. |
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14 nights/15 days |
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Day 1: |
Departure at 8.30 in the morning from Underberg. Stop at the Good Hope Trading Store, originated in 1917 by John White Smith. Ascending the legendary Sam Pass with its hair-pin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the Sani Valley and Drakensberg Escarpment situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of our World Heritage sites. Proteas along the road, proceed to viewing 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 refreshments 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 3280m, following the Senqu River Picnic lunch on route. Guided tour at the Letsieng Diamond Mine, the highest mine in the world (3250m), Our journey takes us on tar road onto the summit of the highest road in Africa. the Tlaeeng Pass (3255m) The Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns with 3240m, past the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Likileng Lodge. All mountains are covered in snow in winter Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 2: |
Breakfast at O7:00 at the lodge. Depart at 08.00 for the twisty tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass, 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 tout. Descend into the Holola Valley (River of the Blue Crane), past spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside to Butha-Buthe (the Gatherer) This little town was named after King Moshoeshoe's old mountain stronghold. 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. Past a few missions and several rock shelters where San paintings may be seen, the main road passes the Leribe Farmers Training Center to the town of Hlotse. It is the administration center of the Leribe district and originated in 1876 when a Mission outpost was established. 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 takes care of the security checkpoint. The Katse Dam is the second largest darn in the world and supplies water to Witwatersrand (Gauteng, Soweto) in South Africa and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. Video Presentation and guided tour into the darn wall. Lunch at Bokong Nature Reserve. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 3: |
After breakfast at the lodge, depart on dirt road to Mashai. Watch the majestic Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies in summer. Thaba Tseka (the mountain with blaze) houses a stud farm breeding Basotho Ponies and a tree nursery. Cross the Koma-Koma Bridge, which floods when the sluice gates of the Katse Dam are opened. Refreshment stop and picnic at the shebeen (pub) at Taung village. Travel over rocky mountains, patches of maize fields where Basotho's work on their land with loving care. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon. Relax on a swing-chair, facing the setting sun. Dinner: self-catering in fully equipped kitchen, (communal bathroom) |
Day 4: |
After a late breakfast we proceed on dirt road. Refreshment stop at the new bridge over the Sehongong River to view rock art. The pass becomes rugged, twisting parallel to the river. The Chief and his wife welcome us at the village. Interact or chat with the locals living in decorated huts. Picnic lunch on route. The scenic rough road takes us deeper into the Matebeng Valley. As soon as we see the vegetable garden of James, who lives in a simple house, snuggled into the mountain, we stop. The invitation to enter the dwelling explains how Basothos' survive the harsh conditions. Setup camp by the riverside. Prepare a delicious dinner. |
Day 5: |
Breakfast at campsite before we depart for the most adventures part of our journey. More Bushmen Paintings may be seen a few kilometers along the road. Climbing up the Somalenki Mountain back on the Matebeng Pass is not an easy task. Picnic lunch at the summit of 2.940m. Descending this mountain pass is easier as it has been improved. Proceed on the long stretch of dirt road to the small town of Quacha's Nek. The name is a hopeless miss-spelt version of the name of Ncatya, a son of the famous Chief Moorosi. Dinner at the hotel. |
Day 6: |
Breakfast at the hotel. On the tar road, which was built in the |
Day 7: |
After breakfast we break up the camp and enjoy a beautiful dirt road leading through the gorge containing the Quthing River. The area is wild, rocky and famous for its Aloes. Here Chief Moorosi fought a battle against the British. One of the memories is Fort Hartley. This sandstone building, erected in 1900 by the British, serves today as a Trading Store. Discover ancient Dinosaur Footprints, which were created over millions of years ago and are converted to stone. Lunch at Outhing. Moyeni (Quthing) means "Place of the Wind" and is the most southerly town in Lesotho. It was chosen by the British as an administration center. In the afternoon a visit of the Cave House, which was built 1866 by Rev. Ellenberger. Time of leisure. Dinner at the hotel. |
Day 8: |
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel north crossing the Orange River on the Seake Bridge, which is 191 m long, the longest bridge in the country. Built in England, shipped to South Africa and carried by wagon on road to Lesotho. Stretching our legs with a 20 min. walk up the mountain to view the Cannibal Caves. There are several caves inter-leading where in the 1820s people were forced to practice cannibalism in order to survive. Picnic lunch on route. Descend the twisting mountain pass with panoramic views of the Makhaleng Valley. Dominating the mountain here is the impressive Thaba Putswa (2908m). Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 9: |
After breakfast at the lodge we continue traveling north an dirt road in good condition. A scenic drive through bushy landscape, small forests and farmland dotted with picturesque villages. Along the road dense bushes and shrubs used by the locals for medical purposes, e.g. the "Wild Als Bush" is a remedy for Asthma and Flu or the "ChiChi Bush" (Old Wood Bush) for stomach problems. On the roadside basalt stone with hardened volcanic bubbles. We descend the pass to a view point at 1860m to look down to the awesome valley. Picnic lunch on route. The afternoon spent at leisure within the beautiful surrounding of Ramabanta. Dinner at the Trading Post. |
Day 10: |
After breakfast, prepared by chef Patrick, get ready for an exciting journey over the summit of the Thaba Putswa Range via Makheka's Pass and across the basalt moorland roof of Southern Africa to Semonkang, "the Place of Smoke". View stop at 2260m before we reach the summit of the Makheka's Pass at 2860m. Panoramic views of the valley. The grassland is dotted with yellow flowers of Euryops, white Arum Lilies, bright reds and yellows of the Red-Hot Pokers and more. The road pass becomes very rugged before and after the summit. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls. |
Day 11: |
Breakfast on the verandah or in the restaurant at the lodge. We have to double-back the route from yesterday to Moitsupeli. Thereafter we travel on tar road to Roma. We climb steadily to the top of the Nkesi's Pass (2.010m), from where a superb view of the 3.096m, Thaba Putswa Range can be seen. Just before Roma the road looses altitude and we drive through spectacular white sandstone rocks and valleys. Nearby the Thaba Telle mountain (2.530m), which is climbed by mountaineers and it is told it is not an easy one. The city of Roma is the principal center of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and since 1964 the site of the National University of Lesotho. Roma was founded in l862 when King Moshoeshoe granted the site to Bishop Allard and Father Gerard. Lunch in Roma. In the afternoon visit of the Morija Museum with its collection of Bushmen Art, Dinosaurs Footprints, Books, Clay Pots, Fossils, old tools used by various tribes and explanations. The Moeder Craft Center is housed in the oldest building in Morija, 1843, where one may purchase a variety of tapestry, Mohair shoals, souvenirs, etc. With a little luck we can have a glimpse of the King at his Royal Residence. Dinner at the guesthouse. |
Day 12: |
After breakfast we depart for Mohale Dam. We drive past Peach Trees and mountains of white sandstone on tar road. Our Guide takes care of the security check point entering the dam area. The Mohale Dam built from 1998 -2003 in a joint venture of Germany, Italy and South Africa. Climb the Molimo Nthuso Pass "God help me", to the summit at 2320m. Lunch at Mohale Dam. Afternoon at leisure and exploring the spectacular dam area. Dinner at the lodge. |
Day 13: |
Breakfast at the lodge. Our journey takes us down into the valley, but the windy road climbs again to an altitude of 2620m, the Blue Mountain Pass. Named after the 2.900m high Thaba Putswa, which dominates the range in the north. The pass descends steeply into the Likalaneng Valley. Leaving the dam area our Guide will check out at the security post. Picnic lunch on route. We ascend the pass on dirt road, dotted with low shrubs and wild flowers, including Red-Hot Pokers. A long, curving road into the valley of the Senqunyane River. Pass the Trading Store and Police Post of Marakabei, named after a Chief in the area. The road crosses the Senqunyane River, also known as the Little Orange River, one of the principal upper tributaries of the Orange River. We climb steeply to the summit of the Tshetshe Pass, 2560m. Immediately it descends into the Mantsonyane River Valley (small black river), driving higher up the mountains with its dark basalt stone, covered in snow in winter. Awesome views, lonely herd-boys on the mountain slopes', the gentle sound of their "Lesibas" floating on the wind. At 2900m Mountain Reedbuck find their way on the steep slopes. Follow the long, windy mountain road into the Highlands of Lesotho. At 3.000m there are no trees. Donkeys are heavily loaded with goods or shrubs, herded by horsemen in their colourful blankets. Cross the Mashai River, which is flooded if the sluice gates of the Katse Dam are opened. Dinner at the restaurant. |
Day 14: |
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel via rocky mountains for the shepherds to protect their sheep and cattle from wild animals. (Note: ask our Guide for details). Steep gorges and valleys, dotted with Basotho huts. Watch Yellow Billed Storks and Black Eagles in flight. The landscape is spiked with Red-Hot Pokers, flowering in summer. Picnic lunch on route. Spectacular views of the valley at 3003m. Spot the "Pyjama Flower", used for traditional purposes, growing at 1500-3000m. Take the "Garden Route" near St. James Mission, a rugged and adventurous experience. Ascend Black Mountain Pass at 3280m, following the Senqu River. Awesome view of Hodgon's Peaks and the Giants Cup. Descend the pass and head for next accommodation. Afternoon at leisure, relax at the Highest Pub in Africa at 2.874m. Dinner at the restaurant. |
Day 15: |
After a good breakfast our guide takes care of the border formalities. Descend Sani Pass beneath towering cliffs, buttresses, past waterfalls and unique flora and bird life. Following the Mkomazi River back to Underberg. Arrival about lunch time. |
Note: |
Transfers and accommodation in Underberg/Himeville can be arranged at an additional cost. |
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