Sani Lodge & Cottages

Molumong Village Hiking Tours

Hike through spectacular mountain terrain from village to village without having to carry a backpack

Basotho Culture Village Life Meals Included Passports Essential

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

These hikes can be 2, 3 or 4 day trips. They follow the same pattern as our Molumong Pony treks, but instead of riding, you traverse from village to village on footpaths. Since accommodation and food is provided in all villages, you only need to carry the bare minimum of luggage in a large day pack, making this an option for those not wanting to carry a large pack or pay for portered-type hikes. Enjoy soaring mountain scenery, picturesque and remote villages and friendly Basotho people! Open a window into a rich traditional lifestyle.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Experience Fair Trade in Tourism in action. Your tour price includes a contribution to the Sani Top Basotho community. Our ground-breaking approach to grass-roots tourism means that your tour price directly benefits a wide segment of the local community, preserving cultural dignity and ensuring fair remuneration for services rendered. “Sani Lodge is the Silver Award Winner of African Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Reduction 2018. Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa has made a major contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction over many years. By involving Basotho stakeholders, they have created opportunities for communities to proudly showcase their unique cultural practices, engaging with guests in an authentic manner, thereby earning their respect. They are the future of tourism in Africa". ~ Judges The Landrover is the vehicle which pioneered the Sani Pass back in the 1950's and 60's. We believe that for an authentic Sani Pass experience, it must be in one of our Landrovers!!

ITINERARY

2 Day Village Hike

Day 1: 6 km

Departure from Sani Lodge (9.00 am)
We meet in near reception ten minutes prior to departure for a quick briefing and introduction to your guide.
Travel up Sani Pass and into Lesotho
Travel up the only road through the Drakensberg cliffs in a 4×4 whilst hearing tales of the pioneering of the route. You will also learn about the natural history of the Drakensberg and see the beautiful wildflowers, wildlife and birds which inhabit the slopes.
Traditional Lunch
Enjoy a traditional (vegetarian) Basotho lunch in Skiring village
Drive over Black Mountain Pass at 3240m
Ascend Black Mountain (3240m), second highest road pass in Lesotho with stunning views. We will meet the shepherds who spend the summer months in the highlands tending flocks of sheep and goats and get a sense of the life they lead. Carry on down the Sehonghong river valley before turning off towards Molumong.
Arrive at Molumong Village where you will meet your guide for the next couple of days.
Set off on the hike to Libibing
The afternoon’s hike is around 6km and has an altitude gain of around 250m to the village of Libibing where we stay the night in traditional rondavel accommodation.

Day 2: 6 km

After breakfast, hike back to the starting point via a different route
Lunch with the Ntlhokis
Return Journey
We will then return via a stop at Sani Mountain Escape for a drink in the highest pub in Africa. We aim to have you back at Sani Lodge Backpackers between 5 and 5:30 pm.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in traditional rondavels (round African dwellings). There is no electricity or running water in any of the villages. A basin of water will be provided for bathing. Please bear in mind that given the remote location the toilet is a “long drop” (pit latrine).

3 Day Village Hike

Spend an extra day venturing deeper into the Lesotho highlands. Day 1 remains the same, however the itinerary for the following two days is below.

Day 2: 12 km

Full days hike
After breakfast, a full day’s hike awaits as you traverse a wide variety of stunning scenery including time along the legendary Orange River (known as the “Senqu” in the local language of Sesotho). This is the main river draining the Lesotho Highlands and South Africa’s longest river. We will descend around 500m from our starting point to the low point of the day, then climb another 550m to Malubelube village where we stay the night in traditional rondavel accommodation. This route may alter as the new Polihali Dam is constructed in the new few years.
Accommodation, dinner and breakfast in a second, more remote village.

Day 3: 9 km

After breakfast, hike back to the starting point via a different (shorter) route
A gentle final days hike with an altitude loss of 300m.
Lunch with the Ntlhokis
Return Journey
We will then return via a stop at Sani Mountain Esacpe for a drink in the highest pub in Africa. We aim to have you back at Sani Lodge Backpackers between 5 and 5:30 pm.

4 Day Village Hike

Spend an extra two days venturing deeper into the Lesotho highlands. Days 1 & 2 remain the same, however the itinerary for the following two days is below.

Day 3: 15 km

Full days hike
Today is a very special day as our route takes us over a high ridge and into the remote Bobatsi river valley. Our path goes through villages which are far from any road and seldom visited. We follow the Bobatsi valley upstream, staying the night in traditional rondavel accommodation in Bobatsi village. Whilst there will be various ups and downs during the day, overall we end the day just 50m lower in altitude.
Accommodation, dinner and breakfast in a third village.

Day 4: 8 km

After breakfast, hike back to the starting point via a different (shorter) route
A more gentle final days hike with an altitude loss of 200m.
Lunch with the Ntlhokis
Return Journey
We will then return via a stop at Sani Mountain Esacpe for a drink in the highest pub in Africa. We aim to have you back at Sani Lodge Backpackers between 5 and 5:30 pm.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that the price quoted above is for tours running with a minimum of four guests. If you wish to do this tour with a group of less than four, there will be additional charges due to the fixed nature of certain costs. Owing to the current fuel cost increase, there may be an additional fuel levy. Lesotho has a Tourist Levy of R50 per person entering the country which will increase to R100 per person from 1 November 2024.

SPECIAL DIETARY ITEMS AVAILABLE, JUST ASK.

GET IN TOUCH

Whichever method you choose, we will respond to you as quickly and informatively as possible.

Give Us a Call

Call our reception on +27 83 987 3071. Someone will be available between 7am and 7pm everyday. South African time is GMT+2

Send Us an Email

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Drop By and Talk

We'd love to share our detailed knowledge of the local area with you.

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