Lesotho
4x4
6 days
1766 km
Activities | Kms | Stay | |
Day 1 | Left Johannesburg in the afternoon. Arrived at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the evening. Had dinner and drinks at the hotel pub, | 314 | Sunnyside Guest Farm |
Day 2 | Leisurely drive around Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Exited the park and proceeded to Royal Natal National Park. Took a shortcut through QwaQwa and had an impromptu photo-op with Basotho horsemen. Turned back due to private lodge entrance and time constraints. Witnessed a church group walking into their church/community hall in QwaQwa. | 72 | Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge |
Day 3-4 | Left for Royal Natal National Park via Sterkfontein Dam. Arrived at the park around 10 am and started the hike to Tugela Falls. Reached the gorge and saw the falls from a distance. Decided to turn back due to time constraints and the long hike back. Left the park after 5 pm and drove to Himeville for the night. Stayed at Himeville Arms with some issues regarding hot water and noise Had coffee and pancake breakfast, browsed local shops, and bought a Basotho blanket. Drove up Sani Pass and crossed the border into Lesotho Visited the "Highest Pub in Africa" for a cold beer and hot soup. Took a wrong turn/detour and arrived in Maseru late at night. Stayed at the first hotel with a vacant room. | 391 | Himeville Arms |
Day | Had coffee and pancake breakfast, browsed local shops, and bought a Basotho blanket. Drove up Sani Pass and crossed the border into Lesotho Visited the "Highest Pub in Africa" for a cold beer and hot soup. Took a wrong turn/detour and arrived in Maseru late at night. Stayed at the first hotel with a vacant room. | 369 | City Stay West |
Day 5 | Quick drive around Maseru. Traveled on gravel roads through villages and hamlets towards Ribaneng. Arrived at Ribaneng Lodge and arranged for a pony trek after lunch. Went on a pony trek for about 2.5 hours but didn't reach the cave. Returned to the lodge and had a traditional, local meal cooked by the host. | 102 | Ribaneng Lodge |
Day 6 | Left shortly after breakfast for a whole day of driving. Crossed the border at Van Rooyens border post near Wepener. Headed home via the maize fields and grasslands of the Free State. | 517 | Johannesburg, South Africa |
All images copyright Stefaan & Lisbet (unless indicated otherwise).