Sani, Saddles and Spiral Aloes,
Inclusions on a Private Overland Tour
Inclusions on a Private Overland Tour
ITINERARY
Day 1
Collection 08h00.
Traverse the breath taking Sani Pass stopping frequently for photo opportunities.
After crossing the Lesotho border ,drive deep into the mountains for an exclusive experience with a Basotho community including a visit to a traditional healer, (Private reading available at own costs) private dancing, bread making and crafts.
Drive across the spectacular views on the Roof of Africa.
Pass the Let’seng Diamond Mine at which some of the clearest and largest diamonds in the world have been found.
Overnight near Bushman Paintings.
Dinner Bed and Breakfast.
Day 2.
After a full Breakfast wind down the corkscrew Moteng Pass.
Watch as incredible vistas turn to the lush Lesotho lowlands.
Pass via Butha Butha en-route to see the remote 200 million year old dinosaurs footprints. For the fitter, hike to a plateau to see the rare Lesothosaurus footprints on the ceiling, whilst they are still visible.
Visit the mohair hand weaving project.
Enjoy a Packed Lunch.
Experience the spectacular Ha Koma Caves where once cannibals roamed and meet some of the descendants of the original dwellers.
Overnight near Thaba Bosui, see the mountain after which the National Hat was designed .
Day 3
After Breakfast and a short walk for the fitter to see the graves of kings before you leave for Semongkong.
Taste a ‘Shish en Yama’ at Roma and view the most exceptional dinosaurs footprints.
On arrival at Semongkong enjoy a hike or drive to the world famous Maletsunyana Falls home to the highest abseil in the world.
This little bustling trading village is like nothing you have seen before. Time permitting wonder through the village and enjoy a traditional late lunch.
Attend a blanket presentation which will leave you wanting for more.
Should you care to join a ‘Donkey Shabeen’ ride, you can laugh your way through this weather and time permitting.
All of the above activities will be scheduled according to your needs, time available and availability of the activity. Book well in advance.
Day 4
After an early breakfast you can possibly still fit in an activity or two before leaving the area.
Return via the steep, sharp, Semongkong Pass seeing remote small villages and scenery you will never forget.
Exit Lesotho via the Qacha’s Nek border post to South Africa and return through a remote area of Underberg. (recommended)
Picnic and see the beautiful Swartberg scenery.
*Alternatively return through Lesotho and exit to the quaint little arts’ and crafts’ town of Clarens where your rental or personal or vehicle will be waiting for you having been personally transferred by ourselves. (Small additional cost involved.)
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 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?
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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.
Semongkong Pass is steep.
We have never experienced anyone who has had altitude sickness however how guides check continuously and we have a standby plan in place.
ove sea level.
How long is the tour?
We leave Underberg by 08H00.
We return to Underberg by mid-afternoon on the fourth 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 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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