This journey takes us to two of Africa's smallest countries and underrated travel destinations - Lesotho and Eswatini (former Swaziland). The landlocked Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa. It is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 metres above sea level. Its lowest point is 1,400 metres and over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 metres. Known as the Kingdom in the Sky Lesotho offers a magnificent opportunity to explore nature still little changed by man, still unspoilt by crowds of tourists. Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, is home to one of the last absolute monarchies in the world. The country offers stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive Maseru (Lesotho)
Arrive Maseru and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2. Maseru - Boqate
After breakfast drive to La Kome Caves, where cave dwellings have been carved out under towering rocks. The families still living there today are descendents of the original people who “built” the caves in the 19th century and the site is now a National Heritage Site. We drive to Thaba Bosiu village (an open air museum), where a guide will take us on tour and explain the history of the 1 st Chief Moshoehoe and how he was able to conquer the Zulu King Shakas warriors. Overnight Botleng Lodge.
Day 3. Boqate - Malealea
Our journey continues via Moitsupeli to Koro-Koro. A scenic drive through bushy landscape, small forests and farmland dotted with picturesque villages. We pass through a very rural part of Lesotho, exploring some of the villages on our way. Optional tour on horseback from Malealea Lodge where we will spend the night.
Day 4. Malealea - Semonkong
We head to Semonkong, the road ascending to Blue Mountain Pass, 2.620m, named after the 2.900m high Thaba Putswa (Blue Mountain), which dominates the range in the North. We drive past mountains of white sandstone to Roma. The city is the principal center of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and since 1964 the site of the National University. After lunch break another scenic drive through Thaba Putswa Range via Makheka’s Pass before we reach Semonkong Lodge. Visit Maletsunyana Fall (Place of Smoke) after we check in.The mighty Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single drop waterfalls in Africa! Creating a haze of smoke as the water plummets with savage splendour 204 meters down into a spectacular gorge. This is how Semonkong,The Place of Smoke, got its name.
Day 5. Semonkong - Underberg (South Africa)
Depart Semonkong lodge after breakfast and climbing back up into the mid highlands of Lesotho giving birth to the Senqu - Orange river, one of Africas longest rivers. We make stop at “Christ the King” view point at 2.080m with a beautiful view into the valley below and mountains around. We leave Lesotho crossing the border with S. Africa at Quachas Nek. Our journey continues through picturesque farmlands of East Griqualand with traditional decorated huts. Overnight Kar Michaels Lodge.
Day 6. Underberg - Durban -St Lucia
We leave Underberg heading to Durban, South Africa's third-most populous city. Here we make a lunch stop and on one of Durban beaches before continuing to Saint Lucia where we stay overnight.
Day 7. St Lucia - Lobamba (Eswatini)
St Lucia is surrounded by an estuary at the southernmost entrance to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Elephant Coast region of KwaZulu Natal. It is home to various ecosystems which includes swamps, lake systems, coral reefs, beaches, wetlands, woodlands and coastal forests. The town lies in the heart of unspoilt beauty with plenty of wild life. We take a boat trip after breakfast in St Lucia estuary viewing hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. Part of this area has been a game reserve since as early as 1895. Drive to Enswatini in the afternoon, 3 hours drive
Eswatini or former Swaziland is a tiny, independent kingdom inhabited by the Swazi tribe who revere their king and take great pride in retaining their culture and traditions. Our journey takes us through some spectacular scenery in the Ezulwini Valley and past numerous traditional homesteads and curio stalls. In the late afternoon we enter one of Swaziland's best wildlife reserves, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This secluded and beautiful sanctuary is a haven of tranquillity, located as it is in a natural bowl beneath the Nyonyane Mountains. Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 8. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, we visit Umphakatsi Cultural village - this is the local chief’s village where we explore authentic Swazi Culture with great photo opportunities
Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 9. Departure
Transfer to Mbabane airport for departure or to the bus station if you intend to continue your journey to Mozambique.
boat trip on day 7 in St. Lucia
Supplement pp. at 2-3 p. traveling together 450 EUR
1590 €, 9 Days
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