Gems of Lesotho – 12 day (Small Group)

Start your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a transfer to Johannesburg Airport. You'll then board a flight to the sunny coast of Durban. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a brief city tour before heading to the picturesque Underberg area. En route, you'll visit the poignant Nelson Mandela Capture Site and witness the awe-inspiring Howick Falls, a 95-meter waterfall that cascades into a churning pool, revered by the local Zulu people as the dwelling place of ancestral spirits. After a day of exploring, you'll arrive at your cozy accommodation late afternoon. Take some time to relax before indulging in a delicious dinner.

Depart in our 4×4 via Underberg and Matatiele entering Lesotho through the scenic pass of Qachas Nek. We follow the beautiful deep valley of Lesotho’s main river, the Senqu (Orange). We then turn north, taking the new road crossing the Senqu and its main tributary, the Senqunyane over massive bridges before climbing up, up and further up into the mountains. Arrive deep in the Maloti Mountains at Semonkong in the afternoon and settle in at your lodge.

Your lodge, nestled in a serene valley on the Maletsunyane River, provides the perfect base for exploring Lesotho, also known as the "Kingdom in the Sky.". Downstream of the lodge, the mighty Maletsunyane Falls is the second highest single-drop waterfall in Africa. It’s enveloped in a plume of mist from the water that plummets into the gorge below. This is how Semonkong, The Place of Smoke, got its name. You will get to choose an activity for the day, whether it’s on the back of a Basotho pony or during a donkey pub crawl. You can also hike to the impressive Maletsunyane Falls, or be adventurous enough to  brave the world’s longest single-drop commercial abseil according to Guinness World Records, as you rappel 204 metres down a basalt cliff amidst Bearded and Cape Vultures.

Travel north from Semonkong over more stunning mountain passes, dropping down via Roma and on to the cradle of the Basotho nation, the mountain fortress of Thaba Bosiu. Located 24km outside of the city of Maseru, Thaba Bosiu is a National Monument and Lesotho's foremost tourist destination holding great historical significance as the birthplace of the Basotho People. Climb the mountain with a local guide who recreates the days of the founding king of Lesotho, Moshoeshoe the Great. We then travel on south to your accommodation for the night.

Once again, we give you the liberty to choose the way you’d like to spend the day. Activities on offer include:

• mountain biking  accompanied by local guide with knowledge of the routes and bicycle maintenance.
• Guided or self-guided hikes
• Pony Trekking – A pony trek is one way of enjoying this wonderful area where lowlands meet highlands.

Our next stop is Morija, where we'll visit the only museum in Lesotho. Here, we'll uncover the fascinating history and cultural heritage of this mountainous kingdom. Depending on our itinerary, we may also explore the royal sites of Matsieng, gaining a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of the Basotho people. After a delicious lunch in Maseru, we'll embark on a cultural journey, visiting craft centers in Teyateyaneng and Leribe. Our final destination is a luxurious retreat nestled within the breathtaking Ts'ehlanyane National Park.

Today, your South African adventure  resumes! After crossing the border from Lesotho, we'll make a scenic stop in Clarens for lunch. This picturesque town, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a haven for art lovers, with numerous galleries and shops. Just a short drive away, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park awaits, offering stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and fascinating rock art. You'll arrive at your hotel in time for dinner, refreshed and ready for your upcoming hike.

The Sentinel Peak Chain Ladder hike is a renowned and popular adventure in the Drakensberg Mountains. This iconic peak stands at 3166m, guarding the western end of the majestic Amphitheatre. The 12km hike, starting from the Sentinel Peak parking lot, is often referred to as the "chain ladder hike" due to the series of chain ladders that ascend a nearly vertical rock face. For those less comfortable with heights, an alternative route, the Beacon Buttress, offers a more gradual ascent.

The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking Tugela Falls, Africa's second-highest waterfall. Cascading 948m down to the Tugela Valley, the falls offer a spectacular sight. The well-marked trail, while narrow in some sections, leads to this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Now that you’ve immersed in Lesotho and conquered the Chain Ladders, we suggest to spend the last 2 nights in the Namibiti game reserve. One of its main advantages is that Nambiti is located in a malaria-free area, meaning visitors don't need to take medication before their trip. The reserve boasts the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, and buffalo) and is the only private game reserve in the region to do so. Nambiti's diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, riverine bush, savannah, and thornveld, support a wide range of wildlife. In addition to the Big Five, there are over 40 other species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

Nestled within the renowned Nambiti Private Game Reserve in South Africa, your lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience. Set in an exceptional natural setting, it serves as the perfect base from which to explore the reserve's rich biodiversity. Beyond 4x4 safaris, the lodge  also provides activities such as guided walking safaris, birdwatching, and bush picnics. A total of 4 guided game drives are included in your package.

After one last adventure-filled game drive and a farewell breakfast in Nambiti, you'll embark on a leisurely drive back to Johannesburg, taking in the beautiful South African landscapes. Upon arriving in Johannesburg in the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport to catch your international flight. We hope to see you again soon for another African adventure.