ROOF OF AFRICA


These tours around central and northern Lesotho have a taste of all the attractions which make Lesotho the perfect destination for the adventurous traveller. We recommend doing this circuit as a 5 day tour, but it is possible to do it in 4 or to lengthen it to 6 (or more!) We aim to explore the highlands, do some pony trekking, hiking, cross six 3000m+ spectacular road passes, see Bushman Rock Art, wonder through an enchanted indigenous forest, enjoy Lesotho's only botanical garden, swim in crystal clear mountain pools (in summer!!), visit a diamond mine, explore the three nature and cultural reserves in the north of the country and return via the route known as "The Roof of Africa" after the famous motor rally which used to take place there. We spend time with a Basotho family getting to know more about the way of life of this tough and hospitable mountain people. A highlight is a visit to Katse Dam, centrepiece of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project which takes the water of the Lesotho Highlands via an incredible series of dams and tunnels through the mountains eventually coming out on the plains of South Africa's Free State province where it gravity feeds to supply Johannesburg and Pretoria with water. It was touted as the biggest engineering project in the southern hemisphere in the 1990's when it was under construction, and the sight of the massive dam wall and the deep still lake it has created in the mountains is well worth beholding!!

We also offer a three day tour to Katse Dam only.


3 DAY KATSE DAM TOUR:

Day 1
Depart in a 4x4 vehicle, up Sani Pass and over Black Mountain Pass towards Mokhotlong. Take the road via Menoaneng Pass and Thaba Tseka to arrive at Katse in the late afternoon after a full day of travel. Overnight at Katse Cottages.

Day 2
Full in at Katse can include any of the following activites: tour of the dam wall, a boat trip on Katse Dam, a village visit into a village near the dam wall, a wander around Katse Botanical gardens or a couples of hours of horse riding. Overnight at Katse Cottages

Day 3
Return to Sani lodge with a full day’s travel along the same route as Day 1.

5 DAY TOUR
DAY 1
Depart Sani Lodge around 9am in 4x4 vehicle up the Sani Pass. Cross into Lesotho and carry on via Kotisepola Pass (3240m) and down the scenic Sehonghong Valley. Picnic lunch by the river. Continue on to arrive at Matsoaing village, the home of our hosts the Nkune family at the quaintly named No. 10 Riverside. They will show us around the area, visit a traditional healer, experience traditional dancing and eat traditional meals with the family. Overnight in a traditional rondavel.
DAY 2
Depart after breakfast and travel west, over another 3000m+ road pass, the Menoaneng . Beautiful scenery, then drop down, down, down to the major river draining the Lesotho Highlands, the Senqu (becomes the Orange River). Cross the river at the low level Koma Koma crossing, then climb out of the valley, via the town of Thaba Tseka to arrive early afternoon at Katse Dam. We join the dam tour and get inside the dam wall!! Visit the lovely Katse Botanical gardens to experience some of Lesotho's beautiful plants and flowers in a magnificent setting. Overnight at Katse Cottages.
DAY 3
After breakfast, we depart Katse and follow the lake north, up towards its headwaters. The road crosses the dam over the spectacular Malibamatso Bridge, then climbs another 3000m+ pass, Mafika Lisiu at the top of which is Bokong Nature Reserve. Lunch here and a short hike to view the Lepaqoa Waterfall. Continue on down the other side of the pass, via the town of Hlotse to Ts'ehlanyane National Park. Overnight at Ts'ehlanyane Guest Cottage
DAY 4
Full day to enjoy the wonders of Ts'ehlanyane, either on a guided hike or horse-ride. Soaring mountain scenery, an enchanted indigenous forest, pools, waterfalls and a sense of serenity make this a special place. Overnight at Ts'ehlanyane Guest Cottage.
DAY 5
Depart after breakfast to the cultural reserve at Liphofung. The guide will interpret a very good panel of Bushman Rock Art, tell of the significance of the cave in Basotho history and then show us around the cultural village which has been set up there. We continue on over the Moteng Pass, past Oxbow Lodge, climbing Mahlasela Pass on to the „Roof of Africa" route to the town of  Mokhotlong, known in the 1950's as the most isolated outpost of the British Empire. Time permitting, we stop for a drink at the highest pub in Africa, arriving back at Sani Lodge around 5 pm.


4 DAY OPTION
As for 5 day tour, but leave out day 4, the full day at Tsehlanyane. The third night is spent at Mamohase Homestay near Butha Buthe.

6 DAY OPTION
As for 5 day tour, but split day 5 into two. This allows more time to see things on the Roof of Africa route, namely Liphofung Cultural Reserve and the diamond mine at Letseng-la-Terai. We stay the night of Day 5 at Molumong Lodge, with time for morning horse ride on Day 6.

REQUIRED: VALID PASSPORT(Please click here for Lesotho visa requirements)

YOU BRING warm clothing, sleeping bag, raingear, hat, sunscreen, toiletries, towel, extra clothing

Please have a look at our tour map or download Tour Brochure pdf file