LESOTHO MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS

Sani Pass Day Trip Mountain Bike day trip up Sani Pass 2 Day moutain biking trip into Lesotho 4 Day moutain biking trip into Lesotho 6 Day moutain biking trip into Lesotho 6 day mountain biking trip to Maseru

 

Sani Pass Day Trip
Underberg - Sani Pass - Basotho Village - Sani Top Chalet (The highest pub in Africa at 2874m) - Underberg.

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Departure from the Thaba Tours 4x4 Adventures office 09h00. 
We travel through Himeville to the World Heritage Site of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, following the Mkomazana River up the scenic Sani Valley to the South African Border Post (border formalities). We continue up the Sani Pass Road, which was built by David Alexander between 1948 and 1954, viewing the Hodgson’s Peaks and the old South African Border Post.

A stop at the Good Hope Trading Post, where the history of the trading era is explained. Climbing to an altitude of 2874m and zig-zaging upwards beneath towering cliffs, buttresses, past waterfalls and unique flora and bird life. 

The view site offers unparalleled vistas of the 12 Apostles of the Southern Drakensberg, Moshoeshoe’s Finger, with the Sani Pass and spectacular Wild Protea in the background.  

After having completed the border formalities on the Lesotho Border, we arrive at the Sani Stone Lodge, where we stop for a hearty lunch.

A visit to an authentic Basotho Mountain Village is included. Descending the Sani Pass in the afternoon, the excitement grows, passing through the 20 hairpin bends of the steepest section of the Pass. One is reminded of the fact that the Sani Pass originated as a mule track linking one to another world, where life is untouched by civilization. Arrival in Underberg at the Thaba Tours office in the late afternoon. 

Lesotho – Mountain Biking  See photos of biking tours... 
All Mountain Bike Iteneraries are for a minium of 4 people. 

Day Trip 


Departure from Underberg in the morning in 4x4 vehicles to the World Heritage Site of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, following the Mkomazana River up the scenic Sani Valley to the South African Border Post (border formalities). We continue up the Sani Pass, viewing the Hodgon’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 the Lesotho Border we arrive at the Sani Stone Lodge.

We off-load the bicycles and enjoy the ride down the legendary Sani Pass back to Underberg.

Lesotho Mountain Biking
All Mountain Bike Itineraries are for a minium of 4 people. 

1 night / 2 days

Day 1 :  L, D (43 km)

Start of bike tour at Underberg / Himeville (1.560m). 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 Heritage Sites. Picnic lunch on route. Proteas along the road, proceed to viewing of the 12 Apostles. These geological structures are the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our Guide is taking care of the border formalities. At the summit at 2.874 m we have reached our accommodation. Enjoy a superb view down to the Sani Valley. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 2 :  B, L (43 km)

After breakfast and the border formalities we cycle down the legendary and adventurous Sani Pass to return to Underberg at lunch time .

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Lesotho – Mountain Biking 
All Mountain Bike Iteneraries are for a minium of 4 people. 

3 nights / 4 days

Day 1 :  L, D (43 km)

Start of bike tour at Underberg / Himeville (1.560m). 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 Heritage Sites. Picnic lunch on route. Proteas along the road, proceed to viewing of the 12 Apostles. These geological structures are the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our Guide is taking care of the border formalities. At the summit at 2.874 m we have reached our accommodation. Enjoy a superb view down to the Sani Valley. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 2 :  B, L, D (54 km)

After breakfast at 08:30 we proceed to the Basotho village and the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3.280 m, following the Senqu River. Nearby the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana with 3.482 m. Picnic lunch on route. We travel via the St. James Mission to our self-catering accommodation with fully equipped kitchen. Communal bathroom. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 3:  B, L, D (49 km)

Breakfast at the guesthouse. Biking back to the Sani Top via a slightly different route along the Sehonghong River and the Kotisephola Pass. But we have to double-back most of the track as the day before. Picnic lunch on route. Arrival at our accommodation in the afternoon. Communal bathroom. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 4:  B (43 km)

Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant. Our Guide will take care of the border formalities. Cycle down the legendary Sani Pass past waterfalls and awesome buttresses and cliffs. The afternoon will be at leisure or a transfer can be arranged for an additional cost.

Valid passports are essential!

Included:

Excluded:

Accommodation & Meals as indicated

Personal expenses

4x4 back-up vehicle

Personal insurances

Driver/Guide Fees

Beverages & Alcohol

Bicycle Roof Rack

Towels

Mineral Water

 

 

 

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Lesotho Mountain Biking
All Mountain Bike Itineraries are for a minium of 4 people. 

5 nights / 6 days
 

Day 1: L, D (43 km)

Departure from Underberg (1.560m) in the morning. 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 Heritage Sites. Picnic lunch on route. Proteas along the road, proceed to viewing of the 12 Apostles. These geological structures are the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our Guide is taking care of the border formalities. At the summit at 2.874 m we have reached our accommodation. Enjoy a superb view down to the Sani Valley. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 2 B, L, D (54 km)

After breakfast at 08:30 we proceed to the Basotho village and the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3.280 m, following the Senqu River. Nearby the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana with 3.482 m. Picnic lunch on route. We travel via the St. James Mission to our self-catering accommodation with fully equipped kitchen. Communal bathroom. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 3 B, L, D (87 km) +-50% up-hill, +-50% down-hill

After breakfast at the guesthouse, departure on dirt road towards Mashai. Watch the majestic Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies in summer. Picnic lunch on route. Ascend the Linakaneng Pass at 3.030 m and down again into the valley. Arrive at the self-catering lodge (fully equipped kitchen) and enjoy the sunset while relaxing on the swing-chair. Dinner at the lodge. Communal bathroom.

Day 4 B, L, D (35 km)

Enjoy breakfast in nature. We cycle through the beautiful country side of Lesotho, dotted with wild flowers in summer time. We proceed on dirt road which is very rugged. It provides an exciting experience. At the Sehonghong River a new bridge is built. There we have a refreshment stop and a gallery of Rock Art may be seen. The pass is twisting parallel to the river. The Chief and his wife will welcome us at the village. Enjoy chatting and interacting with these friendly people, living in beautiful decorated houses. Picnic lunch on route. The very scenic but rough road leads us deeper into the Matebeng Valley. We have arrived at our destination as soon as we see the vegetable garden of James, who lives in a simple house, snuggled into the mountain. The invitation to enter the garden of James will explain how Basothos’ survive in this harsh condition. We set up our camp on the riverside or in a cave nearby. Home-made dinner around the log-fire. No bathroom facilities and no toilets.

Day 5: B, L, D (50 km)

Breakfast at our campsite before departing for the most adventurous part of our journey. More Bushmen Paintings may be seen a few kilometers along the road. We ascend the mountain pass, topping 2.040 m, which is again a rough and adventurous track. Climbing up the Somalenk Mountain back to the Matabeng Pass is not an easy task. Picnic lunch at the summit of 2.940 m. Descending this mountain pass is much easier as it has been improved.

Day 6:  B (60 km)

Leave Sehlabathebe Lodge after breakfast through the National Park to the edge of the escarpment, accompanied by a Basotho Ranger on horse back. This area is not accessible by vehicles. Our back-up vehicle has to drive around and meet cyclist at the Bushmen’s Nek Border Post. From the border post we proceed 35 km on dirt road to a junction. Thereafter we turn onto the tar road and cycle another 10 km to Underberg/Himeville. (1.560m)

Valid passports are essential!

Note Small soft bags to be used on this trip

Included:

Excluded:

Back-up 4x4 vehicle, bicycle rack & Guide

Personal expenses

Accommodation & Meals as indicated

Personal insurances

Camping equipment & sleeping bags

Beverages & Alcohol

First Aid

Towels

Mineral Water

Rain ponchos

 

 

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Lesotho Mountain Biking
All Mountain Bike Itineraries are for a minium of 4 people. 

5 nights / 6 days (Sani Top – Maseru)

Day 1 : L, D (43 km)

Departure at 9:00 from Underberg to the World Heritage Site of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, 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 Hodgon’s Peaks and the Giants Cup. Picnic lunch on route. 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 the Lesotho Border we arrive at the Sani Top Chalet and the Highest Pub in Africa (2.874m). Enjoy a superb view down to the Sani Valley. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 2 : B, L, D (54 km)

After breakfast at 08:30 we proceed to the Basotho 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 3.482 m. Picnic lunch on route. We travel via the St. James Mission to our self-catering accommodation with fully equipped kitchen. Communal bathroom. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 3 : B, L, D (60 km)

After breakfast at the guesthouse, departure on dirt road towards Mashai. Watch the majestic Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies in summer. Thaba Tseka (meaning “the mountain with 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 the Katse Dam are opened. Refreshment stop and picnic at the shabeen (pub) at Taung village. Travel the windy road, along the sides rocky mountains and hills, patches of maize fields where Basotho’s work on their land with loving care. Everyone gets involved to prepare dinner.

Day 4 : B, L, D (77 km)

Enjoy home-made breakfast. At 08:00 we leave the highlands of Lesotho towards Marakabei. A pleasant down-ride on a windy mountain road, pass donkeys heavily loaded with goods or shrubs, herded by horsemen in their colourful blankets. Picnic lunch on route. Awesome views, lonely herd boys on the mountain slopes and the gentle sound of their “Lesibas” floating in the wind. Descending the Tsheshe Pass (2.560m) and crossing the Senqunyane River also known as the Little Orange River. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 5 : B, L, D (86 km)

After breakfast we depart at 08:00 on a long curving road through the Senqunyane River Valley. We descend the pass on dirt road, dotted with low shrubs and wild flowers, inclusive the Red Hot Pockers. Our Guide will take care of the security check point entering the dam area. Passing the Mohale Dam, which was constructed 1998 – 2003 in a joint venture of Germany, Italy and South Africa. Leaving the dam area we have to check out at the security post. Picnic lunch on route. Climbing up the Blue Mountain Pass (2.620m), reaching the tar road, driving pass Peach Trees and mountains of white sand stone. The city of Roma is the principal centre of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and since 1964 the site of the National University of Lesotho. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 6 : B, L (31km)

Breakfast at the guesthouse. We are leaving at 09:00 for Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. The ride is on tar road through the lowlands of the country. Transfer back to Underberg or as per request transfer to the next destination (own expense).

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Visa Restrictions
The following countries require a visa to enter Lesotho - Please  CLICK HERE to see if you need a visa for Lesotho

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Thaba Tours (4x4 Adventures) 54 Sani Road, Underberg, P.O.Box 361, Underberg, 3257 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Tel: 0027 – (0)33 – 7012888, Fax: (0)866 5754 68, Mobile: 0027 – (0)83 – 3535958 (Ray Watt)