Lesotho and Eswatini - A Journey Through Twin Kingdoms

Embark on a captivating journey through two of Southern Africa’s most enchanting and lesser-explored destinations, Lesotho and Eswatini. This carefully designed itinerary combines stunning natural scenery, rich cultural traditions and remarkable wildlife encounters. From the craggy heights of the iconic Sani Pass to the misty cascades of Maletsunyane Falls, and from the historical strongholds of Thaba Bosiu to the serene wildlife haven of Mkhaya Game Reserve, each day reveals a new facet of the landscape and culture.

Whether you’re hiking to see ancient dinosaur footprints, visiting jostling markets, or encountering rhinos in their natural habitat, this tour offers immersive encounters with the people, places, and traditions that make these mountain kingdoms so remarkable.

Spanning ten days, we hike in Lesotho’s highlands, discover Basotho heritage and track rare wildlife in Eswatini’s protected reserves. Designed with the Africa enthusiast in mind, this trip offers an authentic and meaningful glimpse into two of the continent’s smallest and under-the-radar destinations.

Highlights

  • Conquer the epic Sani Pass
  • Step into Basotho history
  • Close encounters with Eswatini's iconic wildlife
  • Africa's tallest single-drop waterfall
  • Watch skilled artisans weave their magic

Day 1 – Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesberg and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Protea Hotel or similar.


Day 2 – Underberg – Sani Pass – Tsehlanyane National Park

Fly to Oribi and transfer to Underberg. From here we transfer over to 4wd vehicles for our trip over the iconic Sani Pass. We stop in a small shepherds’ village en route to see the baking of traditional bread and the fascinating structure of the huts that the community live in. After crossing the highest point on the pass, Black Mountain, our final stretch takes us along the corkscrew Moteng Pass and into the lush Lesotho lowlands. We spend the night on the outskirts of Tsehlanyane National Park. Overnight Maliba Lodge or similar. (D)

Sani Pass

Sani Pass is a picturesque mountain road connecting South Africa to Lesotho through the Drakensberg Mountains. It’s steep, rugged, and very scenic, making it a great spot for adventure seekers. The road climbs from 1,544 meters to 2,876 meters and needs a 4WD vehicle to navigate its sharp turns and rough gravel tracks. Once a trade route, it’s now popular for 4WD tours, hiking, mountain biking and taking in the breathtaking scenery from the highest point.

Day 3 - Tsehlanyane National Park – Thaba Bosiu - Semonkong

After breakfast we take a short hike to see dinosaur footprints on the roof of a cave. We then continue to Thaba Bosiu where we visit a cultural centre for an insight into the fascinating history of the Basotho. Reaching Semonkong, The Place of Smoke, we check into our lodge for the night. Overnight Semonkong Lodge or similar. (BD)

Thaba Bosiu

Thaba Bosiu is a historic plateau in Lesotho, about 24 km from Maseru. It was the stronghold of King Moshoeshoe I, who founded the Basotho nation. Its name means “Mountain at Night,” based on the legend that it grows taller after dark to intimidate enemies. The plateau was a natural fortress during conflicts, including the Lifaqane Wars. Today, it’s a national monument featuring a cultural village, museum, and royal cemetery where Moshoeshoe I is buried.

Day 4 – Semonkong

We take an early morning hike to the world famous Maletsunyane Falls, where water crashes into the pool below, known as the ‘Place of Smoke’. In the afternoon there are optional activities to choose from such as a tour of the small local trading town or hiring a bicycle. Overnight Semonkong Lodge or similar. (BD)

Semonkong

Semonkong, meaning “Place of Smoke,” is a small town in Lesotho located in the Maseru District. It is home to Maletsunyane Falls, the highest single drop waterfall in southern Africa at 192 meters, which creates the ethereal mist that gives the town its name. It is a popular spot for pony trekking, hiking, and abseiling, holding the Guinness World Record for the longest single drop commercial abseil. Founded in the 1880s by Basotho refugees from the Basuto Gun War, it continues to showcase Basotho traditions. Visitors can stay at Semonkong Lodge, where you can enjoy activities like fly fishing, mountain biking, and cultural tours, all while taking in the stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

Day 5 – Mateka – Leribe – Clarens

Leave Semonkong behind and head to Mateka to visit the Ha Kome Cannibal Caves, stopping in the small town of Roma on the way. We also visit the Leribe craft market where local women weave mohair on ancient looms and spin it on bicycle tyres. Later we head into South Africa and the quirky little town of Clarens. On arrival we have time to wander around the art galleries and quaint shops at leisure. Overnight Patcham Place or similar. (B)

Leribe

Leribe is a district in northern Lesotho, with Hlotse as its capital, bordering South Africa’s Free State Province. It was founded in 1876 by British missionary John Widdicombe and played a role in the Basuto Gun War, with remnants like Major Bell’s Tower. The district is also home to the Leribe Craft Centre, famous for its mohair products made by local artisans. Nearby, the Subeng Dinosaur Footprints display preserved tracks from multiple dinosaur species. With its fertile farmlands, Leribe remains a key agricultural hub in the country.

Clarens

Clarens is a scenic town in South Africa’s Free State Province, tucked into the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Known as the “Jewel of the Free State,” it offers picture-perfect views, a thriving art scene, and plenty of outdoor activities. Founded in 1912 and named after the Swiss town where Paul Kruger spent his final years, Clarens is a hub for artists, with galleries, craft shops, and studios championing local talent. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and horseback riding, while nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park boasts breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. The town’s cosy accommodations, lively restaurants, and famous Titanic Rock make it a favourite to visit.

Day 6 - Golden Gate Reserve – Ladysmith – Ezulwini Valley

Drive through the majestic sandstone mountains of the Golden Gate Reserve to Ladysmith, where we meet our guide for Eswatini. We cross the border and continue to Matenga Lodge in the Ezulwini Valley. Overnight Matenga Lodge or similar. (BD)


Day 7 – Ezulwini Valley

This morning we visit the Ngwenya glass blowing factory to learn about this age-old art, as well as the Swazi Market and Sibebo Rock. The afternoon is free to relax or we can sign up for additional activities such as hiking or canopy tours. Overnight Matenga Lodge or similar. (BD)


Days 8-9 – Mkhaya Game Reserve

We leave early this morning (day eight) and drive to Mkhaya Game Reserve, where we will spend the next two nights. We drive through the African bush to our camp and head out for another game drive in the afternoon, and again on the morning of day nine. There will also be time for a guided bush walk and birdwatching in the forests along the Ngwenyane River. Overnight Stone Camp or similar. (BD)

Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya Game Reserve, a private wildlife sanctuary in southeastern Eswatini, was founded in 1979 to protect endangered species. Originally established to save the country’s last Nguni cattle, it has expanded to include black and white rhinos, buffalo, sable antelope, and tsessebe. Visitors can experience close encounters with wildlife through guided safaris in open 4wd vehicles or on foot, with rhinos being a highlight. Accommodation is available at Stone Camp, a rustic lodge offering an immersive bush experience and known for its strict conservation security. Mkhaya is one of the best places to see black rhinos in the wild and is self-financed through tourism to ensure its sustainability and conservation efforts.

Day 10 – Mkhaya Game Reserve

Final game drive in the early morning before transferring to the main international airport in Eswatini for departure. (B)


Please note: it’s also possible to end the tour in Maputo, Mozambique, as this trip runs in conjunction with our South Mozambique Explorer trip.

What's included?

  • Airport transfers

    We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you’re booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere. Please note that while we prefer to use centrally located hotels where possible, this is not always practical and in some locations they may not be the best option in terms of standards or reliability.

  • Guides

    You will be accompanied by English-speaking guides.

  • Meals

    As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip – in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to ‘do their own thing’ now and again. Please note that when meals are included, sometimes these will be in hotels, as often these are the most appropriate option, and will sometimes be set menus. Local restaurants are often lacking in variety, as well as the capacity to cater for groups. Drinks are not included and are at your own expense.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.

  • Internal flight

    One internal flight, from Johannesburg to Oribi, is included in the cost of the trip.

What's not included?

  • Visas

    We don’t arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then just give us a call, or alternatively a visa agency such as Travcour (www.travcour.com) can assist.

  • Airport taxes

    If there are any departure taxes to pay that are not included within the cost of your ticket, you’ll need to pay these yourself.

  • International flights

    Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours. If however you would like us to book flights for you, then just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

  • Travel insurance

    If you need any assistance with this, then let us know – although we can’t arrange it ourselves we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.

Visas
UK citizens can enter Lesotho without a visa for stays of up to ninety days, American citizens for stays of up to 180 days, and Australian and Canadian citizens for stays of up to 14 days.

UK, American, Canadian and Australian citizens can all enter Eswatini for stays of up to 30 days.

You should ensure that your passport has at least six months’ validity after the end date of your trip. We also strongly recommend that your passport has a minimum of two blank pages next to each other (per country visited) – on rare occasion it may lead to problems with visas and immigration authorities if it does not.

Health and vaccinations
We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. However, there are no compulsory vaccinations needed to enter either country. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.

Insurance
It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.

Money
In Eswatini the currency is the lilangeni / emalangeni, which is tied to the South African rand. The rand is legal tender in Eswatini, but note that emalangeni are not convertible outside Eswatini. Most ATMs in Eswatini accept international cards.

Lesotho’s currency is the maloti, also tied to the South African rand which we would recommend taking with you. Credit cards are of limited use and outside of the capital it is difficult to exchange money, so it is best to bring enough cash with you.

Local conditions
When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.

Travel advice
We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travel to Lesotho or Eswatini.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Date(s)
Price (PP) Exc. Flights
Single Supplement
Trip Status
Date -
09 July 2026
Price (PP) -
£2,999
Single Supplement -
£430
Trip Status -
Available
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Date -
15 July 2027
Price (PP) -
£3,429
Single Supplement -
£475
Trip Status -
Available
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