Proposed itinerary
7 DAYS LESOTHO ITINERARY
Pick up points-Bloemfontein/Johannesburg South Africa/ Moshoeshoe1 international airport Lesotho.
Drop off- Durban via SANI PASSÂ
The trip can also be done vise versaÂ
Day 1
- Pick up at Bloemfontein/Johannesburg/Maseru.
- City tour around maseru, it’s a small town so there’s not that much to see.
- visit Lion Head mountain(a mountain shaped like a lion head) just outside of town
- drop off at the lodge in Maseru
Day 2
- pick up at the lodge around 08:00am after breakfast
- Visit Lesotho Cultural Village to learn the rich history of Basotho Nation. It’s only 40minutes drive from Maseru.
- Drive for 2 hours on a scenic road to Semonkong, home to Maletsunyane Falls one of the highest single drop waterfall in the world at 192 meters. We will also have lunch at the visitors center overlooking the waterfall.
- There is also activities like guineas world record abseiling beside the waterfall, horse riding etc
- drive back to Maseru to the lodge in the outskirts not far from the hidden gems for the next day.
Day 3
- pick up at the lodge at 07:00 am and start a day with a short hike(7km) to a remote village with people there still leaving a self sustaining lifestyle.
- hike further into the mountains to visit the shepherds who live under tough throughout the year.
- hike back to the village and have lunch at the village. Lunch is prepared by one village lady and it’s traditional food, fresh and organic.
- visit Ha-Baroane rock painting cave, SANI people rock paintings more than 3000 years old. NB: This day can also be done on horses or mountain bikes for those who don’t really like hiking and should be paid separately.
- drive to the capital Maseru and stay for the night.
Day 4
- pick up at the hotel at 07:00am
- take a 4hours drive to Katse Dam with one detour to visit KOME CAVES, home to Basia Clan who made home in the 1800 during the times of cannibalism.
- have lunch at Mahlakapesa River Resort on the way
- Explore Katse dam and it’s surroundings.
- Katse Dam is one of the most ambitious engineering project to ever take place in Africa. It’s a double curvature arch dam with an elegant 185m high wall and 710m long crest.
- there are also boating and fishing activities at the lodge next to the dam.
- Spend the night at Katse Dam
Day 5
- leave the lodge immediately after breakfast and drive for 3 and half hours to Maliba-Lodge, the only 5-star eco-lodge in Lesotho.
- Maliba Lodge is located inside Ts’ehlanyane National Park, one of the only protected national parks in Lesotho.
- Scenery is the middle name of the park since it offers scenic views. It also offers hiking trails, marked trail running routes and horse riding.
- have lunch at the lodge and spend the night for a 5 star treatment.
- there are economy rooms and chalet rooms and only economy rooms are included into our itinerary but if one wants to upgrade into 5star chalet room it’s quite doable.
Day 6
- wake up early and head for SANI PASS
- en route to SANI PASS we can make 2 detours, LIPHOFUNG ART CENTER, a place of elands and AFRISKI Mountain Resort, one of the only ski resorts and the highest in Africa. Both are just by the road to Sani Pass.
- have lunch at the ski resort
- Have a drink and dinner at the highest pub in Africa
- Spend the night at Sani Pass, Sani Mountain Lodge.
Day 7
- Have breakfast at the highest pub in Africa
- visit the village near SANI Pass and drive down the mighty Sani Pass and take 3hours drive to Durban.
- Sani Pass is required to be one of the most dangerous mountain passes in the world and our experienced drivers always do it with ease. It connects Lesotho and Kwazulu-Natal South Africa on the southern part of the Drakensberg Mountains.
- end of the journey and drop off in Durban.
đź’Ž Considering to travel with others?
| 1 traveller | 2 travellers | 3 travellers | 4 travellers | |
| Price per person | 2050 USD | 1100 USD | 800 USD | 600 USD |
Important: This is proposal by the local agency, itinerary and cost can be updated to personal needs when discussing with him.
Cost
600USD
Cost includes:
Transportation
AccommodationÂ
Guiding fee
Entry fees at tourism destinationsÂ
Breakfast, snacks and water during the tour
Additional expenses that would be paid outside the specified tour price
Activities at tourism destinations.
Families
Yes. Lesotho is a very tourist friendly country and it is very safe for tourists.
Wheelchair
Yes but we will have to make changes in our itinerary and skip some of the activities and add others.
About the local guide
Keketso Kheane
My name is Keketso Kheane and I am a 28 year old Mosotho man. I acquired my diploma in Sports Science at Vaal University of Technology in South Africa back in 2019. I am still active young man and I do a lot of extreme hiking, trail running and mountain biking during my spare time. I started guiding around Lesotho in 2019. My love for my country Lesotho, it’s scenic mountains and peaceful mountain people inspired me to start a travel company so that I can showcase it to the world.
Lesotho, the mountain kingdom encircled by South Africa, is a country of great beauty and cultural richness. However, like any destination, it presents unique considerations for travelers. Below is a comprehensive guide for those planning a trip to this often underrated travel destination.
When to Visit (Weather)
Lesotho is known for its variable weather, which can change rapidly, especially in the mountains. The best time to visit depends on the activities you plan to do:
Summer (November to February)**: Warm weather suitable for hiking and sightseeing, with occasional thunderstorms.
Winter (June to August)**: Cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
Prepare for extreme weather if you're venturing into the mountains, as conditions can deteriorate quickly.
VISA
U.S. citizens can enter Lesotho without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions of an additional 30 days at a time are possible, with a maximum of five extensions. For longer visits, a visa is required and can be applied for online. Travelers who intend to visit or transit through South Africa should be aware of their separate visa requirements.
Health
Medical facilities in Lesotho are limited, especially outside of major cities. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and may need additional ones based on their travel plans. Diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis are prevalent in Lesotho, so precautions should be taken. Bottled water is recommended, and in Maseru, tap water is potable.
Security
Lesotho experiences a high crime rate, including incidents targeting foreigners. It's essential to remain vigilant, especially in urban areas and when traveling at night. Demonstrations can occur and have the potential to turn violent. Carjackings and other violent crimes can happen, and the absence of visible police presence at night requires increased caution.
Money
The local currency is the Lesotho loti (LSL), but South African rand (ZAR) is also accepted. Major credit cards are not widely accepted outside of tourist establishments and banks. It's advisable to carry cash and be aware of the potential for financial scams.
Tipping; Credit Card; Prices; Currency
Tipping is customary for good service, but not mandatory. Credit card usage is limited to larger establishments, and it's advisable to carry cash in the local currency for everyday transactions.
Luggage
Secure your luggage, especially when transiting through airports known for baggage theft, such as Johannesburg. Use TSA-approved locks and avoid placing valuables in checked luggage.
Battery Use, Plug Type
Lesotho uses plug types M and N, the same as South Africa. The standard voltage is 220V. Travelers should bring adapters and voltage converters if necessary.
Language
The official languages are Sesotho and English. English is widely understood in urban areas and tourist spots, making communication for most travelers relatively easy.
Gastronomy
Lesotho's cuisine features hearty dishes often made with local ingredients like corn, sorghum, and vegetables. Trying local specialties like pap (a type of porridge) and moroho (a traditional spinach dish) is recommended.
Disabled Friendly
Facilities for the disabled are limited. The Buildings Control Act requires accessibility, but enforcement has been negligible. Public transportation and sidewalks are often not accommodating for individuals with disabilities.
Family Friendly
Lesotho offers a friendly atmosphere for families, with outdoor activities and cultural experiences that are enjoyable for all ages.
Pet Friendly
Traveling with pets requires careful planning, as pets must meet health requirements and may need to be quarantined.
Children's Friendly
Lesotho is generally a children-friendly destination, with many outdoor activities to engage young travelers. However, parents should be aware of health and safety considerations.
Customs and Integration
Lesotho has a rich cultural heritage. Visitors are expected to respect local customs and traditions, which can include dressing modestly and greeting people warmly.
Curiosities
Lesotho is one of the only countries in the world that is entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation. It's also famous for having one of the highest rates of lightning strikes per square mile globally.
PAA
Can US citizens travel to Lesotho?
Yes, U.S. citizens can travel to Lesotho without a visa for up to 30 days.
Is Lesotho good for tourists?
Lesotho is an excellent destination for tourists who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural experiences. The country's natural beauty and unique topography make it a special place to visit.
How can I travel to Lesotho?
Lesotho can be accessed by road from South Africa or by flying into Moshoeshoe I International Airport near Maseru, the capital. A valid passport and adherence to any visa requirements are necessary.
What is the danger level in Lesotho?
Lesotho has a high crime rate. Travelers should exercise a high degree of caution, especially in urban areas and at night. It's important to stay informed on current safety conditions and avoid demonstrations.
