TOUR (05-12 December 2025) Lesotho Overland Trip

21 March, 2025 | Blog, Tours

Embark on an unforgettable expedition through the breathtaking landscapes of Lesotho, the “Kingdom in the Sky.” This 8-day overland tour takes you on an immersive adventure from the vibrant coastal city of Durban, through the rugged Drakensberg Mountains, and into the heart of Lesotho—a land of towering peaks, remote villages, and deep-rooted traditions.

Travelling via the legendary Sani Pass, you’ll ascend into a world of unparalleled beauty, where every twist and turn reveals awe-inspiring vistas. From exploring traditional Basotho villages and historical landmarks to experiencing adrenaline-pumping activities like abseiling down one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, this journey offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re indulging in the comforts of eco-lodges, sharing stories with locals over traditional meals, or riding a Basotho pony through untouched mountain landscapes, this tour promises an authentic and enriching experience. Get ready to discover Lesotho like never before—where adventure meets tradition, and every moment is a story waiting to be told.

Day 1: Transfer to Lesotho from Durban via Sani Pass

The journey begins in a vibrant Durban. Entering Lesotho through Sani Pass is by far the most dramatic way to enter, as it is the only road which connects Lesotho and South Africa along the Drakenberg mountains

This adventurous zig-zagging mountain pass was constructed back in 1950, it is 10km long with steep gradients making it the mother of all mountain passes. At the summit of the pass, Lesotho side, lies The Highest Pub in Africa where guests get to have lunch and local beer while enjoying a full view of the pass and the Drakensberg mountains in the background.

Continue the day with a check in at Sani Mountain Lodge.

 

Day 2: Sani Pass to Maliba-Lodge

Visit one of the most remote villages in Lesotho called “Sekiring” located at Sani Top. At the village we will also get to taste the authentic traditional meals and beer.

Continue the day with a visit to “Motebo” a place away from home where mountain shepherds stay while taking care of sheep and goats deep in the mountains. These hard working shepherds contribute a lot to Lesotho’s economy and live hard with unique mountain survival skills worth learning.

We reach the remote small town of Mokhotlong, on construction Polihali Dam,Lets’eng Diamond Mine (the biggest diamond mine in Lesotho) and Afriski Mountain Resort, the only ski resort in southern Africa, where we stop for lunch at the famous restaurant; Sky Restaurant. The restaurant offers great meals that guest enjoy together with the scenery around the resort.

Complete the day by driving to Maliba Lodge; the only 5- star remote eco-lodge in Lesotho located inside Ts’ehlanyane National Park, one of the only two protected parks Lesotho. This lodge is exclusive and combines luxury with ecology that gives the guest a comfortable stay for the night. 

 

Day 3: Maliba exploration, Kome-Caves visit and Thaba-Bosiu

Maliba’s unique location offers various outdoor activities like hiking, trail running and horse riding through Ts’ehlanyane National Park trails that are surrounded by beautiful Maluti mountains and waterfalls, truly heaven for landscape photography.

We will visit the Kome-Caves, not only a tourist attraction but also a place of deep historical and cultural significance. This caves offered refuge for local clans during the time of Lifaqane Wars and cannibalism more than 200-years ago. Till to date, this caves still serve as home to the original descendants.

Late in the afternoon, a visit to Thaba-Bosiu unveils the secrets and history of the Basotho nation and staying overnight at this location ensures unique experience connected directly with the culture of Lesotho. 

 

Day 4: Cultural Village Experience and Transfer to Semonkong

The day begins with an educational tour of Thaba-Bosiu, former Basotho Fortress and home to Moshoeshoe 1st; founder of the Basotho Nation, where guests learn about the history and tradition of Lesotho, observing traditional dances and songs. 

Semonkong is home to the major highlight, Maletsunyane falls, one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world, at 192m long water drop. Have lunch at Manong Restaurant overlooking the waterfall before an optional horse ride or hike to the edge of canyon cliffs. View one of the most spectacular golden sunsets by the water fall before leaving for Semonkong Lodge where dinner and evening conversations with locals guarantee a true local experience.

 

Day 5: Semonkong explorations

The day starts immediately after breakfast with either one of the 2 mentioned activities below. 

ABSEILING – The lodge runs a commercial guineas world record abseiling at the cliff of the Maletsunyane Fall. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is highly recommended for all aldranaline junkies. Set on the edge of the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, this abseil descends 204m non–stop to the bottom of the gorge were few people dare to tread.

The abseiling includes a half-day of training in & around the Lodge on much more subdued cliffs of only 25m. After abseiling, the adventure continues with a hike up the Maletsunyane gorge which offers a lot of picture opportunities. On top of the gorge lies Manong Restaurant  where guests enjoy lunch overlooking the waterfall cliff they have just conquered.

Next for the day is Donkey Pub Crawl or Fly Fishing by Maletsunyane River. Donkey Pub Crawl – this activity gives guests yet another chance to engage with locals over the drinks at the various taverns around the remote town of Semonkong. Fly fishing- Lesotho is home to Maluti Trout Fish which gives a lot of fishing opportunities along the Maletsunyane river banks. It is done based on catch and release rules and all Fishermen are provided with fishing equipment and a local Fishing Guide. Another night at Semonkong Lodge provides guests with local vibes where local musicians play unique “FAMO” music over dinner. 

Second (easier) option:

Wake up to a relaxed morning with scenic sunrise views at Semonkong Lodge. After breakfast guests embark on a short 4×4 trip to a remote village of Semonkong 40-minutes from the lodge. At the village take part in lunch preparations (traditional food), crafts production and few traditional dances and songs performances. The day is then completed with a ‘blanket presentation’ in the late afternoon at the lodge. At this presentation, guests get to learn why woolen blanket form a huge part of Basotho culture and tradition. Have dinner and spend the night at Semonkong Lodge.

 

Day 6 Transfer to Sikaki (DARE-list exploration)

The day starts after breakfast with a journey to Sikaki village located Far East of Mohale’s Hoek district. This is a 2 hours journey full of scenery with a combination of 2-section, first section is tar road and the last section is a gravel road. Both sections drive through remote villages of Lesotho.

The guests are later welcomed  with lunch at Christ The King Catholic Mission where we are going to spend the night. Sikaki Village is pretty remote and people living around that area still live a  self sustaining lifestyle which gives another opportunity for the guests to learn Basotho daily lifestyle. After Sikaki exploration guests then spend the night at the  mission whereby they are taught history of how the missionaries first came to Lesotho and how region shaped Basotho culture since then. 

 

Day 7: Transfer to Sehlabathebe National Park

Sehlabathebe National Park is the oldest protected park in Lesotho. It is located in Qacha’s Nek District, and it is part of the large Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. Home to both striking biological diversity as well as important cultural heritage.

The park includes a wide range of features including cliffs, waterfalls, pools, rock dwellings and rock art, and a unique ecosystem of plants, animals, and birds.It offers a significant habitat to a range of unique Afro-Alpine and Sub Alpine plants. This park has a nice lodge onsite where guests get to relax and have lunch with great views in the background.

After lunch the day proceeds with an education tour around the park to learn about Lesotho’s endangered ecosystem. This park is also paradise for  landscape photography and gives guests the last opportunity to admire by far the most beautiful part of Lesotho. The day ends with dinner at the lodge around the fire where guest get to share all the experiences they gained during the trip. 

 

Day 8: Transfer back to Durban

The day starts after breakfast with 5.5-hours journey back to Durban (from the mountains to the sea). This is also a dramatic road trip as it sees us leave Lesotho  through Ramatseliso Border Post in Qacha’s Nek, one of the only 2 remote border posts along the Maluti-Drakensberg Mountains.

The journey continues into South Africa through Matatiele, Underberg and Pietermaritzburg into Durban where the trip ends. 

COST

  • 1925 euros; 40% to be sent as an advance for booking, the remainder shortly before the tour.

 

Included:

  • 7 nights accommodation in lodges or (good-level) hotels in single rooms
  • All transport costs from/to Durban
  • All meals
  • All tours

 

Not included:

  • Visas (if needed)
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses

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