9Nights/10 Days Combination 4x4 and Horse Riding-Lesotho
Day 1: Departure in the morning from Underberg. Stop at the Good Hope Trading Store, originated in 1917 by John White-Smith. Ascending the Sani Pass with its hairpin bends offering unparalleled vistas of the Sani Valley and Drakensberg escarpment situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of our World Heritage Sites. Proceed to viewing of the 12 Apostles. These geological structures are the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Our Guide is taking care of the border formalities. At the summit of 2.874m we stop for refreshments at the Sani Top Chalet. Thereafter we proceed to the village and the Basotho culture will be explained. Ascending the Black Mountain Pass up to 3.280m, following the Senqu River. Picnic lunch en route. City tour of Mokhotlong.
Day 2: After breakfast at the guesthouse departure on dirt road towards Mashai. Watch the majestic Cape Vultures in flight and beautiful butterflies in summer. Ascend the Linakaneng Pass at 3.030m and down again into the valley. Refreshment stop at a local shebeen (pub). Picnic lunch en route before we proceed to the last few kilometres to our destination. Arrive at the self-catering lodge (fully equipped kitchen) and enjoy the sunset while relaxing on the swing chair. Communal bathroom.
Day 3: B, L, D After a late breakfast we proceed on a dirt road which is only usable by 4x4 vehicles. It is an exciting experience. At the Sehonghong River we have a refreshment stop and Bushmen Paintings may be seen. The pass becomes very rugged, twisting parallel to the river. The Chief and his wife will welcome us at the village. Enjoy chatting and interacting with these friendly people, living in beautiful decorated huts. Picnic lunch en route. The very scenic but rough road leads us deeper into the Matebeng Valley.
Day 4: After a good breakfast we depart for the National park, stopping on the waterfall for lunch. Visit the Sehlabathebe Wilderness area and with a little luck we can see Rehbuck, Elands, Baboons and Jackals. There are numerous Rock Art Paintings at the National Park. Travel through awesome country site and arrive back at the lodge in the afternoon. Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: At Lodge, self-catering
Day 5: After breakfast we depart for Underberg, leaving Lesotho through the Ramatsaliso Border Post. Picnic lunch en route. Enjoy traveling through pictures farmland of East Griqualand with traditional decorated huts. Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner at the restaurant.
Day 6: Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we visit the Himeville Museum with its collection of local history, nature and culture. Proceed to Lotheni to meet the local Sangoma (traditional healer). The work of the Sangoma and the Zulu culture will be explained. Picnic lunch at one of the view points. The afternoon is at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: Departure at 08:00 and transfer to Bushmen’s Nek where we pack our horses. Today is a very scenic ride, climbing up to 2.500m. At some areas riders have to lead their horses, but generally fair riding. Picnic lunch en route. Dinner around a log fire at the lodge.
Overnight: At Lodge, self-catering
Day 8: After breakfast we ride into the Sehlabathebe Wilderness area, stopping for picnic lunch at the waterfall. This area is not permitted for 4x4 vehicles. We will be back at the lodge in the afternoon for tea and coffee. Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: At Lodge, self-catering
Day 9: After a hearty breakfast we depart via a different route back to Bushmen’s Nek. Picnic lunch en route. Transfer to the hotel in Thaba Tours vehicles. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 10: After breakfast departure for Durban (own expense). Please Note: If the number of Pax increase or decrease the cost will be revised accordingly.
