Welcome to the Roof of Africa-Lesotho!
AFRICAS BEST KEPT SECRET-LESOTHO!
Thaba Tours has 210 itineraries to choose from and been in operation for 23 years!
Overland Tours are a Must!
TOUR - 1 Lesotho Tour – 1 Day
Depart from Maseru airport at 08H00 and then proceed to Morija, the oldest town in Lesotho was founded in 1833 by pioneer French Protestant missionaries, visit the 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 the museum, 1843, where one may purchase a variety of tapestry, Mohair shoals, and souvenirs and visit a local school in the area.
Proceed via Matsieng, to King Letsie Palace, we will get a Mosotho guide to take us up to the viewpoint of the palace and he will explain everything, we are not allowed to enter inside (strictly no photos allowed, at King’s palace). The Museum & Archives Overview
Established in 1956, the Museum & Archives collects valuable archival material and museum collections. The museum also works on a range of arts & culture projects, plus, heritage and community-based tourism initiatives. At the heart of the Museum & Archives (MA) are its valuable archival and museum collections, which have been growing incrementally since the 19th century. These collections form the basis for research and publishing, as well as exhibitions and educational programmes for schools, visitors and tourists. The museum was formally established in 1956 based upon the Dieterlen family ethnographic and historical collections together with paleontological and geological collections from the Ellenberger.
These two collections provided the main pillars of the present-day Museum collections which have been growing incrementally over the past 50 years. In 2005, for example, a collection of more modern material culture including hundreds of beaded items was bequeathed to the museum by Chris Van Nispen. Other MA initiatives have made a great impact in the arts and culture, the most notable being Maeder House Art Gallery, the embryonic the Arts Centre, the annual Arts & Cultural Festival, and the nation-wide School Cultural Competitions.
The Museum has helped to develop and encourage a wider range of tourism services and products in the greater Morija area, including the Museum Tea Room, Picnic Area and Amphitheatre for larger events; tours of historic and dinosaur footprints, walking trails, birdwatching and pony-trekking; as well as guest houses, conference center, homestays, village experiences, cultural activities, catering services, and art/craft production. A non-profit cultural & educational institution belonging to Lesotho Evangelical Church, the Museum & Archives is dedicated to developing programmes and activities related to history, heritage and community-based tourism, the arts and culture, as well as science and the environment.
Pizza lunch at restaurant and depart for Maseru airport.
End Of Tour!
TOUR - 2 Lesotho Tour - 1 Day!
Pick up at Maseru airport, do orientation tour of Maseru and The Hat (Craft Centre) and viewing of Weavers making tapestries, then procced to Thaba Bosiu . After lunch a guide will take us on tour and explain the history of the Moshoeshoe the First and how he was able to conquer the Zulu King Shaka's warriors. Well then be taken to a demonstration village and from a distance see the famous mountain-Thaba Bosiu. Lunch at restaurant.
After lunch proceed to Matsieng and Morija. Morija is the oldest town in Lesotho (have been founded in 1833 by pioneer French Protestant missionaries), visit the 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. Proceed via Matsieng, King Palace, we will get Mosotho guide to take us up to the viewpoint of the palace and he will explain everything, we are not allowed to enter inside (strictly no photos at King’s palace). The landscaped grounds sit on a small hillside, surrounded by high, concertina wired fence with guards. Then we will continue with our day and Visit the Museum and National Archives.
Drop off back at Maseru airport, for the late afternoon flight!
End Of Tour!
TOUR - 3 SANI PASS DAY TRIP
THE NEW HIGHEST PUB IN AFRICA (SANI MOUNTAIN LODGE) -2874m
As Thaba Tours-Motto Says-We Go Further.
Departure at 09H00 from Himeville Arms Hotel in Himeville and travel through the World Heritage Site of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, with regular stops, following the Mkomazana River up the scenic Sani Valley to the South African Border Post (border formalities).
We continue up the Sani Pass, which was built by David Alexander between 1948 and 1954 viewing the Hodgson’s Peaks and the Giants Cup. Climbing to an altitude of 2.874m and zigzag upwards beneath towering cliffs, buttresses, past waterfalls and unique flora and bird life. After having completed the border formalities at Lesotho Border, we visit the village to learn more about the Basotho culture. We get invited into Basotho Hut, tasting of Basotho Home-Made Bread and Traditional beer. The guests get to interact with Local People We arrive at the Lodge, the “Highest Pub in Africa” (2.874m) for lunch (excluded in the price). The restaurant offers international and South African meals from the A la Carte menu. Descending the legendary Sani Pass with a spectacular view into the Sani Valley.
Arrival in Underberg approximately at 15h30-16h00.
End Of Tour!
Bring: Warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, cameras, mineral water.
Valid Passport Essential!!!
NB//: If not a South African Passport holder, please advise your nationality. Lesotho has got visa restrictions for certain countries.
Please note when visiting the Lesotho village, a R40 per person levy needs to be paid to the lady of the house.
Lunch is served at the New Highest Pub in Africa ranging from R55 – R110 per person –OWN COST!
If you would like to do a San Rock Art walk the following day, we can arrange this for half day into the nature reserve!
On your second visit to Lesotho- overland excursion, is a Must!
TOUR - 4 Lesotho Tour- 1 Day!
Both options: either Pony Trekking or Hiking = 3 Hours!
Pick up at hotel at 08H30 and drive through the scenic towns of Lesotho.
Thereafter we travel on tar road to Roma, and 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 after Roma. The road loses 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 1862 when King Moshoeshoe granted the site to Bishop Allard and Father Gerard. The mighty Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single drops, falls in Africa, creating a haze of smoke as the water plummets with savage splendour 204m down into a spectacular gorge. This is how Semonkong, The Place of Smoke, got its name. Landlocked by South Africa lies a country with the highest lowest point in the world & hiding away in the magnificent Maloti Mountains, you will discover the gem that is the Lodge, built on the banks of the Maletsunyane River using only local stone & thatch, that offers just the right balance between civilization and rustic elegance, electricity, hot showers, roaring fireplaces, and not a telephone in sight. The fully licensed Duck and Donkey Tavern and Restaurant, provide a popular meeting place for both locals and guests.
The restaurant serves world renowned, affordable scrumptious meals and also caters for vegetarians. Experience the wilds of Lesotho Semonkong Lodge. We strive to conserve the environment. Viewing of the Maletsunyane Waterfall. The Lodge-Place of Smoke
The mighty Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single drop waterfalls in Africa! Creating a haze of smoke as the water plummets with savage splendour 204 meters down into a spectacular gorge. This is how Semonkong, The Place of Smoke, got its name. Landlocked by South Africa lies a country with the highest lowest point in the world & hiding away in the magnificent Maloti Mountains, you will discover the gem that is Semonkong Lodge, built on the banks of the Maletsunyane River using only local stone & thatch, that offers just the right balance between civilization and rustic elegance, electricity, hot showers, roaring fireplaces, and not a telephone in sight.
World Record Maletsunyane Abseil
This is the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil in the world as stated by Guinness World Records. (204m).
Return to Maseru Hotel after a late lunch or decide to overnight at Semonkong Lodge!
End Of Tour!
TOUR - 5 Lesotho Tour - 1 Day!
All meals-own cost! (Depending on arrival times)!
Pick up client at Maseru airport, lunch on route visit depart for Ha Kome Caves situated near Teya-Teyaneng at Ha Kome there is a remarkable village where cave dwellings have been carved out under towering rocks. The families still living there today are descendants of the original people who “built” the caves in the 19th century and the site is now a National Heritage Site. The people living there now still live much as their forefathers did almost two centuries ago and those who have occupied the caves over the years have left a rich cultural history.
Gruesomely, this area was once home to cannibals and past generations of Basotho fled to the caves to hide from them. Parking at the top of the hill allows you to walk
for about 20 minutes to reach the Ha Kome visitors Centre where we will be given a guided tour of the caves and told something of the history and culture of the people.
Proceed to Thaba Bosiu ,lunch on arrival. After lunch a guide will take us on tour and explain the history of the Moshoeshoe the First and how he was able to conquer the Zulu King Shaka's warriors. Well then be taken to a demonstration village and from a distance see the famous mountain-Thaba Bosiu.
After breakfast transfer to Maseru airport, for the late afternoon flight.
End Of Tour!
TOUR - 6 Lesotho Tour - 1 Day!
08h00 Departure from the Himeville Hotel in Himeville. Travel via the Sani Pass 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 quick stop at the Sani Stone Lodge, the New Highest Pub in Africa. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained, guests can taste traditional beer and home-made bread.
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. Visit No 10 Riverside, for Art- Craft village, they display what Basotho people used in the past and explanations and Basotho cultural dance. If they are open!
Proceed to Mokhotlong Town, lunch at Hotel,
Depart, double back the route, refreshment stop at Lodge.
Our guide will take care of border formalities, descend the Sani Pass. Arrival Underberg or Himeville at 17h30 in Underberg.
End Of Tour!