Lesotho's Mountain Lodges Private Tour
Overnight Lesotho Tour, 3 days 2 nights
Lesotho’s Mountain Lodges takes you through the incredible scenery of the Sani Pass to observing a traditional healer. Sleep on the very edge of the Sani Pass in the Sani Mountain Lodge. Drive through panoramic vistas as you see the ‘Roof of Africa’ and visit rock art paintings and see the diamond mines. The second night will be spent in luxury in the 5* Maliba Mountain lodge. Walking, hiking and horseback rides are available. You can spend time in the spa for a massage after a long day. During the last day experience Dinosaurs footprints, mohair weaving, and art galleries.
INCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
Additional drinks.
Activity costs at Maliba Lodge.
Additional driver costs with car hire company if applicable.
Curios and personal items.
ITINERARY
(This tour can be done in reverse and end in Underberg)
ITINERARY FOR THE FIRST DAY
Collection 08h30 -9h00. Leave your vehicle safely with us to transfer to your destination.
Traverse the breathtaking Sani Pass and most importantly stop frequently for photo opportunities.
After crossing the Lesotho border, drive deep into the mountains for an exclusive experience with a Basotho community including a reading by a traditional healer, private dancing, bread making, and crafts.
Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch overlooking the Roof of Africa.
Head back towards the Sani Pass and check in to the Sani Mountain Pass perched on the edge of the Pass and enjoy dinner at the Highest Pub in Africa.
ITINERARY FOR THE SECOND DAY
After a quick breakfast drive over the thrilling Roof of Africa.
Pass the Let’seng Diamond Mine at which some of the clearest and largest diamonds in the world have been found.
Pass the Tlaleng Pass (the highest motorable pass in Africa).
Wind down the corkscrew Moteng Pass which is a definite tick on the bucket list. Visit the Liphofung Rock Art paintings.
Watch as incredible vistas turn to the Lush Lesotho Lowlands.
Drive into the Tsehlanyane National Park to the only 5 Star lodge in Lesotho.
Spend the day hiking, horse riding or walking to the mountain views and waterfalls and there is also a spa to offer massages and pamper packages.
Overnight in the scenic 5-star lodge and eat meals in the superb restaurant.
Sleep in an individual chalet overlooking spectacular views of the untouched mountain vistas.
ITINERARY FOR THE THIRD DAY.
After a sumptuous breakfast and visit the Mohair Weaving Project at Leribe. This amazing tiny place employs disabled women who weave mohair from the raw wool on old spinning wheels and weaving looms. They produce striking products from blankets to artworks.
View the 200 million-year-old dinosaur footprints embedded in a remote and undeveloped river bed.
Enjoy a Packed Lunch at a scenic venue.
Exit Lesotho through sandstone mountains to the quaint little arts and crafts town of Clarens where your rental or personal vehicle will be waiting for you. We personally and safely transfer your vehicle to Clarens,
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 two 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.
The Tlaleng Pass is the highest motorable Pass in Southern Africa.
Moteng Pass is extremely steep.
We have never experienced anyone who has had altitude sickness however how guides check continuously and we have a standby plan in place.
How long is the tour?
We leave by 8h00 in the morning.
You will arrive at Clarens by approximately mid-afternoon on the third day.
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 Pass has been closed by the border control due to being blocked by snow in the winter. It can happen that the top of the Lowlands road before the Moteng Pass can be blocked but there is generally a quick solution and we would be informed of the weather prediction prior to the tour.
Please speak to us about cancelling if you are not happy.
Is the 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.
