General Information -
Lesotho Overland Tours:
  • Every guest on tour is entering a rural and unspoiled terrain. Therefore it is necessary to travel with a flexible and tolerant mind.
  • Accommodations, bathroom facilities and meals are at most places very basic, simple and rustic.
  • Most lunch stops are packed lunches or picnic meals.
  • There are no toilet facilities on route or very seldom.
  • We reserve the right to alter any routes or itineraries should circumstances, like weather, road conditions, unforseen obstacles etc. so demand.
  • Some accommodations use generators for the supply of electricity, which switches off at 22:00. Gas geysers supply hot water.


    • Touring Logistics >>
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3 nights/4 days
Day 1:
L,D 		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, pass the Mahlasela Ski Slope to Oxbow within a Ski Resort. All mountains are covered in snow in winter Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Oxbow Lodge within a Ski Resort, Oxbow
Day 2:
B,L,D

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.

Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge, Katse Dam

Day 3:
B,L,D

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. Enjoy a drink at the Highest Pub in Africa at 2874m. Dinner at the Chalet.

Overnight: Sani Top Chalet, Sani Pass

Day 4:
B		 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.
Note: Transfer to Durban and/or accommodation in Underberg can be arranged for an additional cost.

Thaba Tours (4x4 Adventures) Clocktower Centre Main Road Underberg, P.O.Box 361, Underberg, 3257 Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Tel: 0027 – (0)33 – 7012888/333, Fax: (0)866 5754 68, Mobile: 0027 – (0)83 – 3535958 (Ray Watt)