13-Day The Kingdom in the Sky-Lesotho

We meet you at the OR Tambo airport and take you to your Hotel/Lodge that you had booked.

We will meet you at Hotel/Lodge and take you to Meiringskloof Nature Park which is situated in a beautiful kloof surrounded by sandstone cliffs with open caves, thick indigenous bush and abundant birdlife near the town of Fouriesburg. Accommodation is provided in self- catering sandstone chalets for your first night. (dinner)

We start our first day with a healthy South African farm breakfast and then we will be on our way to the Caledon border post where we will enter Lesotho, known as the Mountain Kingdom or Kingdom in the Sky. We will follow our way up the Moteng pass, 2800m above sea level and have a quick stop at the well known Oxbow lodge and Afriski resort, one of the most popular winter sports destinations in Southern-Africa. We will then visit the Liphofung “place of the eland” cave which occupies an important place in Lesotho’s history. We will overnight at Motlejoa B&B in Butha Buthe.   

(breakfast, food parcel, dinner)

Today we slowly make our way up to Katse Dam and on the way pass the town of Leribe. The Bokong Nature Reserve comprises 1970 ha in extending and straddles the northern access road of the top of the Mafika Lisiu Pass between Pitseng and Ha Lejone on the way to Katse Dam. At more than 3000 meters above sea level, the reserve is one of the highest nature reserves in Africa an impressive visitors centre has been developed on the edge of a 100-meter cliff overlooking the Lepaqoa valley to educate visitors on the ecology of the highlands. We will overnight two nights at Katse Lodge.  We stop en-route for lunch (own expense) where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views and buy-curious from the local art and craft shop.

(breakfast, dinner)

After a good night’s rest, we are ready for the adventures Katse Dam offers. This 185 m high double-curvature arch dam wall was constructed in 1981 and forms phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands water project. Situated at 2000 m above sea level the Katse Dam is described as a striking piece of modern engineering. Today we will go on the Katse Dam wall tour which is the highest dam wall in Africa and one of the world’s 10 largest concrete arch dams in terms of its volume. We will visit the Botanical gardens, trout fisheries and those who are interested can go on a boat cruise (optional) on the Katse Dam. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Today we are heading for Teyateyaneng, the home of arts and crafts where we will visit the Kome Caves where the grandfather of King Moshoeshoe I , founder of the Basotho nation, was captured by cannibals and taken to the Malimong Caves, where he was eaten! We will experience Basotho culture through crafts, traditional performances, and enjoy Basotho cuisine. (Lunch own expense) A community-based arts and crafts gallery will be visited where items ranging from tapestry to pottery can be bought and for those interested in a tour of a sandstone mining operation will be organize. We will overnight at Ka Pitseng Lodge. (breakfast, dinner)

An old man once spoke of a place deep in the Maluti Mountains where the gods had pulled the earth’s skin together, where rivers teemed with fish and the sky was full of birds. Semonkong Lodge is located in such an ancient place and this is where we are heading today.  Tucked into a river gorge just about in the very centre of Lesotho on the eastern slopes of the Thaba Putsoa Range, the Lodge is only accessible via spectacular mountain passes. We will overnight for two nights. (breakfast, dinner)

Semonkong means “the place of smoke” referring to the Maletsunyane waterfall thundering into its pool and creating a smoky mist. The famous Semonkong waterfall is recorded in the Guiness book of world records as the highest single waterfall in the world. After breakfast you will go on a walk or pony ride (your choice) to this famous Maletsunyane Falls, you will have the option of a swim in the pool at the base of the falls and also look for Aloe polyphylla, an aloe species indigenous to Lesotho or take part in the highest commercial abseiling in the world (85 metres). Visit the place for bird watching (endangered Cape and bearded vultures) and stop for a beer and a chat in the village on the way back to the lodge. (breakfast, dinner)

Today we are going to Maseru, the capital of Lesotho and on our way visit Roma. This is the sight of the first national university and the first Roman Catholic mission in Lesotho. We will stay for two days at a Guest House in Maseru to explore and experience the city life and surrounding sights. You will also get the chance for shopping. (breakfast, food parcel, dinner)

We will be visiting The Thaba Bosiu Monument. The Thaba Bosiu Mountain is where the Basotho nation was formed in the 1800’s.  It has been the burial place for all the kings and members of the royal family since the times of King Moshoeshoe I. We will be visiting the state of the art cultural village and museum. We will also visit The Palace and Lady of Victory in Maseru.

 (breakfast, dinner)  Lunch own expense

This morning after breakfast we will be leaving for Malealea Lodge where we will spend two days. On our way there we will visit Morija museum and archives, the first missionary base in Lesotho.  At Malealea you will see vast and endless rolling hills, aloe plants, the glow of the sun as it set behind the mountains and a people who have known laughter as well as they know struggle. The activities will allow you to explore all of the natural beauty that surrounds you and expose you to the Basotho way of life.  (breakfast, dinner)

We will have a full day in partaking in activities like: enjoying the stunning mountain scenery on horseback, hiking, experiencing the valley’s culture on a guided village tour and visiting the village-based museum and crafts. Those who are interested can also learn more about conservation at Faneuel Musi’s amazing reclaimed donga. (breakfast, dinner)

Today we are leaving the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and travel to Clarens, one of the most popular holiday towns in the eastern Free State and an artist’s haven. We will overnight in Clarens. En-route we will stop for lunch (own expense) and then head for Clarens. We will end our tour by dining out tonight in one of Clarens favorite restaurants. (breakfast, dinner)

After breakfast, we will make our way back to Johannesburg where we will drop you off at your accommodation and say our goodbyes. (breakfast, dinner)