Lesotho Trips from Durban
They call Lesotho the "Kingdom in the Sky," a peaceful and independent monarchy protected in the peaks of the dramatic Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains. This is Africa's windswept and waterfall-streaked granite crown; Lesotho is the world’s highest-altitude nation, at its lowest point a dizzying 1,400 meters (4,592 feet) above sea level. Though entirely surrounded by the hazy heat of the South African lowlands, its defensible position and determined populace kept it autonomous through the last tumultuous decades of apartheid.
Many travelers begin their trip in sunny, seaside Durban, South Africa, some 600 kilometers (372 miles) from Lesotho's capital, Maseru. While it’s certainly possible to travel through the poor but quite safe kingdom on your own, Lesotho's rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure make this a time-consuming proposition. If you're in a hurry, consider making the spectacular ascent into the deep blue sky as a 13-hour day trip from Durban, rated by David Whitley as one of the region's best.
Climb to the kingdom through steep and spectacular Sani Pass, threaded with an unpaved, 4WD-only road of stunning views and hairpin switchbacks. Head to a traditional Lesotho village, where you'll enjoy learning about traditional Basotho culture. Other destinations include waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and Sani Top Chalet, "the highest pub in Africa."
If you've got a few days to explore Lesotho on your own (really worth it
for hikers), you'll find natural treasures such as Semonkong Falls,
which drops some 200 meters (656 feet) from the cliffs; and man-made
wonders including the massive Mohale Dam Project; Lesotho is southern
Africa's most important watershed.
If you particularly enjoyed
your introduction to Basotho culture on the Mountain Splendor tour, you
may also appreciate a visit to the Shakaland-Zulu Cultural Center, also
easily accessible from Durban on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.
Latest Replies All Lesotho Trips from Durban Reviews »
This was a great trip it does take 12-14 hours and the road is rough,but the scenery is wonderful you feel like you have been transported to another time when you reach Lesotho.
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One of the most interesting travel experiences of our lives! - opened our eyes to how the shepherd tribes of Lesotho live. The travel up to almost 3000m is over beautiful mountainours landscape, many photo opportunities. The guide was very well informed and friendly.
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Fantastic trip. The journey up was great and the guide really good. And at the top in Lesotho was superb too. Well worth doing if you're ever staying in Durban.
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