| Itinerary: Day 1:
Depart from Underberg travel trough 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.
Protease 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 refreshment 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 3.280m, following the Mkomazi River. Nearby the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana with 3.482m, meaning “the little mountain which is a little nice”. Lunch stop at Mokhotlong, named after the Bald Ibis, the National Bird of Lesotho. 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 (3.385m) – The Roof of Africa. Slightly lower is the Pass of Guns with 3.240m, 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. Lunch & Dinner Day 2:
At 07:00 breakfast at the lodge. Departing at 08:00 for the twisting tar road to the summit of the Moteng Pass, with 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 trout. Descending into the Holola Valley (River of the Blue Crane), pass spectacular sandstone overhangs and rugged countryside to Butha-Buthe. This little town was named after King Moshoeshoe’s old mountain stronghold, Butha-Buthe, the Gatherer. 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. Pass a few missions and several rock shelters where Bushmen 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. Hlotse, meaning “Dead Meat” refers to the practice of travelers who threw meat into the river in order to lure away crocodiles. Continue on the Nelson Mandela Road, crossing the Malibamatso River (River of dark Pools) where the great Katse Dam has been constructed from 1991 1997. Our Guide is taking care of the security checkpoint. The Katse Dam is the second largest dam in the world and supplies water to Witwatersrand (Gauteng, Soweto, Farming, Mining) in South Africa and irrigates the lowlands in Lesotho. Video Presentation and guided tour into the dam wall. Lunch at Katse Dam Lodge. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Katse Dam Lodge, Katse Dam. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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 of 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. Rocky 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 3.280m. 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 2.874m.
Overnight: Sani Top Chalet DB&B Day 4:
After good breakfast the 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 Sani Pass Underberg. Breakfast & Lunch
|