Journey Through the Clouds: Sani, Katse & Lesotho Highlights ” - Image 1

Journey Through the Clouds: Sani, Katse & Lesotho Highlights ”

From: R11,990.00

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Highly recommended private tour of 3 days & 2 nights across Lesotho.

Embark on an unforgettable private journey — from the legendary Sani Pass via Katse Dam to the awe-inspiring “Site of Smoke.”

  • Traverse the iconic Sani Pass, where every curve reveals a new masterpiece of mountain majesty. See the remarkable Katse Dam,  explore mysterious cannibal caves steeped in legend. Arrive in Semonkong, home to the breathtaking Maletsunyane Falls — a thundering curtain of water plunging into misty depths, one of the world’s tallest single-drop waterfalls.

This is Lesotho unveiled — raw, remote, and utterly remarkable.

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Description
Sani Pass to Maletsunyana Falls Right across Lesotho in Three Days

Sani and the Place of Smoke

This highly recommended tour takes you from the iconic Sani Pass to the impressive Katse Dam, and then across Lesotho to the breathtaking Maletsunyane Falls — all in just two nights and three days. Discover the very best highlights this remarkable country has to offer.

  Inclusions on this tour.

Private Vehicle 

Private Top Calibre eloquent guide

 All Meals and snacks 

 All Activities 

 Bottled Water 

 Juices  

Certificates of Sani Pass

 Tourism Levies and Cross Border fees   

 All Cross Border documentation. 

 Specialized Hiking guides.

 Passenger Liability Insurance

 Blankets in the vehicle when cold 

EXCLUSIONS

 Additional and all Alcoholic drinks

Curio’s and personal items 

Gratuities 

ITINERARY

Day 1

  1. Depart Underberg at dawn (07h00) — the first light brushes the Drakensberg peaks as your adventure begins.

  2. Ascend the legendary Sani Pass — a thrilling climb through rugged cliffs and sweeping valleys; stop often to breathe in the grandeur and capture moments that words can’t hold.

  3. Pause on the heights — sip tea and savour fresh muffins as you stand among clouds on one of Africa’s most dramatic mountain roads.

  4. Journey onward past Mokhotlong’s new dam, where water mirrors the sky, then turn toward a route of endless wonder — vast highlands, raw beauty, and solitude unfold before you.

  5. Arrive at Katse Dam — marvel at this colossal feat of engineering cradled by towering mountains; linger here to explore and enjoy a tranquil lunch.

  6. Cross deeper into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, where every bend reveals a tapestry of stone huts, wind, and light.

  7. Arrive in Hlotse — welcomed by warmth and hospitality, dine on hearty local fare and rest deeply in one of Lesotho’s most inviting lodgings, surrounded by the stillness of the highlands.

Day 2.

  • After breakfast, journey to the Leribe Craft Market, where the hum of creativity fills the air — watch as skilled women artisans, with disabilities, spin mohair into exquisite works of art.

  • Continue to the Ha Kome Cannibal Caves, mysterious dwellings carved into sandstone cliffs — a haunting reminder of ancient survival and resilience.

  • Ascend to Thaba Bosiu, the fabled “Mountain of the Night”, once home to the mighty King Moshoeshoe I. Explore the Cultural Village and enjoy a hearty lunch with a view steeped in royal history.

  • Wind through lush farmlands, where fertile fields and tranquil villages paint a serene picture of Lesotho’s rural life.

  • Pass the Ramabanta Trading Post, now a verdant oasis blooming with immaculate English gardens — a peaceful pause amid the mountain majesty.

  • Finally, arrive at Semongkong – “The Place of Smoke”, where the mighty Maletsunyane Falls thunder into a deep gorge — a soul-stirring finale to the day’s dramatic journey.

9.  Hike, or take a horse ride or just travel in a vehicle to the magnificent Maletsunyana falls.

10 Enjoy dinner and bed in this one-of-a-kind lodge as horses,  pack donkeys, and cows wander through the village with bells ringing and shepherds ushering them home.

Day 3

  • Step inside a traditional local hut and witness an extraordinary blanket presentation, where each colorful wrap tells a story of Lesotho’s heritage, accompanied by amusing and vivid explanations of their cultural significance.

  • Savor a hearty breakfast in Semonkong, fueling up for the adventure ahead.

  • Ascend the steepest mountain pass, where panoramic vistas compete with the legendary Sani Pass for sheer drama and beauty.

  • Traverse a landscape dotted with shepherds on horseback and quaint, timeless villages, a glimpse into life in Lesotho’s remote Highlands.

  • Reach Qacha’s Nek border control, then pause for a picnic with sweeping views across the vast South African Swartberg region.

  • Complete the journey with a late-afternoon return to Underberg, hearts full of mountains, culture, and unforgettable vistas.



		

	


Passports & Visas
Valid Passports are essential. No exceptions are made.


Visas may be required for some nationalities and can be obtained online.


Please check  http://www.evisalesotho.com/


What to Bring
Bring a small overnight bag with a few changes of clothing.  Additional luggage can be safely stored with us in Underberg.


Bring comfortable warm clothing in case of cold and walking shoes.  


Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent (although there is no malaria in the area), sunglasses and camera’s.


There is little cell phone or internet signal in the country.


Small change for purchase of curio’s.


We provide all other refreshments.


What is the altitude?
The Sani Pass is at an elevation of 2873 meters above sea level.


Black Mountain Pass which is towards the village you will visit is at an elevation of 3278 meters above sea level.


How long is the tour?
This tour is Three Days and Two Nights long


We leave by 8h00.


We usually return to Underberg on the third day by mid-afternoon.


What happens if the weather is bad?
When it is raining, misty or snowing we still operate the tour as most times you rise above the clouds as you go up the Pass.


The only times when the tour will be cancelled is if the Passes have been closed by the border control due to being blocked by snow.


Please speak to us about cancelling if you are not happy as there are cancellation charges with the accommodation facilities.


Is the Sani Pass going to be tarred?
Yes.  However according to the engineers involved this will only be in about 5 years.


There are a few road works but this is long before the South African border post.


Can I drive on my own?
Some do attempt to do this but unless you are very experienced it is not advisable.  Inclement weather conditions are dangerous if you do not know the road and can happen at any time even if it looks good in the morning.


You will not get to see Basotho culture as this is only provided through a guided tour and your views will be restricted if you do not have the freedom to watch as you pass.


In Lesotho the roads are good.  The challenge is driving at high altitudes can be daunting.  The second reason why a guided tour is necessary to see Lesotho is because it is remote, there are few signposts and no commercial stops along the way.  You will undoubtedly miss most of the attractions.  Should something untoward occur you may not be able to get help unless a guide is with you and mobile signals are very poor. Cross border fees with car rental companies are high.


We are geared to handle any problems, have roadside insurance and medical evacuation insurance.  We are also in touch with many of our personal contacts along the route.


You can however ‘Hire a Guide’ provided you have the correct vehicle the guide will accompany you in your vehicle for the duration of the tour.  Lesotho overnight costs R1800 per day to hire the guide. Hotel and meal costs will be added and all costs of the vehicle.  Please book in advance in order for us to secure accommodation.


Rental vehicles are not suggested as rental companies will charge for damage in the area even with full cover insurance.



	

		
		

			

		

	


	

		

			


		

	


	

		

			
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