Lesotho: Day Trips and Tours from Durban

Although it is often overlooked, the tiny nation of Lesotho is well worth a visit. Just a few hours from Durban, Lesotho is a land of towering peaks and verdant valleys, where traditional life continues much as it has for centuries.

Lesotho day trips from Durban enable you to explore the world-renowned Sani Pass, as well as discover the customs of the Basotho people.

You will find below everything you need to know about Lesotho, one of the most interesting destinations for day trips from Durban.

How to get to Lesotho from Durban?

Lesotho is a land-locked country in Africa that is entirely surrounded by South Africa. Its border is located approximately 250 kilometers from the city of Durban. Despite the significant distance between the two destinations, it's possible to take a day tour to Lesotho.

From Durban to Lesotho by car

It takes approximately 3.5 hours to make the jaunt to Lesotho by car. You'll follow the N3 out of the city and take exit 99 for the R617. You'll continue along this stretch of road until you reach Sani road, which leads to Sani Pass — the road that connects South Africa and Lesotho.

Guided tour to Lesotho from Durban

The easiest way to make the trip to Lesotho is on a guided excursion. Most tours will pick you up from your accommodation in Durban at approximately 6 AM. If your tour doesn’t offer a pickup service, you'll meet at a centrally located spot in the city around the same time.

Lesotho day tours last between 12 and 13 hours and return to Durban in the early evening.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Lesotho from Durban?

Once you've met your tour guide, you'll begin your journey to Lesotho, often via the city of Pietermaritzburg. Here, you'll participate in a walking tour to discover its multi-cultural heritage.

Next, you'll wind your way through the Drakensberg Mountains towards Sani Pass, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll travel along the path, which features dramatic bends and corners, until you reach the border of Lesotho.

Once you cross into the country, you'll have the opportunity to purchase lunch at Africa's highest pub and meet local Basotho people in a nearby village.

If you choose a multi-day trip, you'll also visit several other sites in Lesotho, such as Moteng Pass and Maletsunyane Falls, before returning to Durban.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lesotho?

There are several different tours to choose from, depending on how long you have available to spend in Lesotho.

4x4 tour to Lesotho plus Sani Pass from Durban

On this Lesotho 4x4 tour, you'll stop at Pietermaritzburg for a speedy walking tour of the city. You’ll continue traveling along the mountainous Sani Pass, which reaches heights of over 2,870 meters, and gain panoramic views over South Africa and Lesotho.

Once you enter the small country, you'll visit a traditional Basotho village where you can learn about the local culture. You may also choose to enjoy a drink or meal at the highest pub in Africa.

3-Day tour to Lesotho from Durban

On this 3-day trip from Durban, you'll see dinosaur footprints from prehistoric times, interact with Basotho people and discover the lively cities of Lesotho over three days. You'll also visit Kome Caves, where you'll hear chilling tales of cannibals during the 19th century.

No trip to Lesotho is complete without a hike up the roaring Maletsunyane Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Lesotho at almost 200 meters.

5-Day tour to Lesotho plus Drakensberg from Durban

A 5-day tour allows you to explore Lesotho in greater depth. You'll experience the Basotho culture and discover the artsy town of Clarens. You'll also drive through the Golden Gates Highlands National Park, which boasts dramatic scenery, and is home to many species of antelope, including black wildebeests.

Lastly, you'll enjoy a safari through Nambiti Private Game Reserve, which has over 40 species of mammals parading through its plains, including the big five.

How much does a tour to Lesotho from Durban cost?

Lesotho day trips from Durban on a 4x4 vehicle cost from US$60 per person for a minimum of two people. Lesotho tours that include Sani Pass and Zulu safaris, as well as food and drinks, cost around US$200 per person for a group of two people.

You can expect to pay between US$650 and US$780 for a 3-day Lesotho excursion. This includes your accommodation, entrance fees and meals for the entirety of the guided tour.

Five-day tours of Lesotho cost around US$1,600 and include all meals for the duration of the trip.

What will you see and do on a Lesotho day trip from Durban?

Sani Pass

Sani Pass is a 33-kilometer mountain pass that connects South Africa to Lesotho. It is the only route between the two countries and is considered to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world, with hairpin bends and steep drops.

The pass is located in the Drakensberg mountains and is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles. Despite the dangers, the pass is a popular tourist destination, as it offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below.

Sani Mountain Lodge

Sani Mountain Lodge claims the title of the highest pub in Africa and towers over Lesotho from a height of more than 2,870 meters. It is a popular stopping point on a Lesotho day trip due to its novelty value. You can sit outside and witness the sheer magnitude of the surrounding mountains from your position above the clouds.

The Sani Mountain Lodge also makes a great starting point for hikes in the area, as well as an ideal place to end a tiresome walk and enjoy a hearty meal. The pub sits directly next to the border, which provides you with a unique opportunity to enjoy a brew in two countries at once.

Basotho culture

The Basotho people are an ethnic group native to the country of Lesotho. The Basotho people have a long and rich history, dating back to the days when the country was known by its former name — Basutoland.

The Basotho culture is renowned for its rich traditions of folklore, proverbs and poetry. Music is a large part of the traditional culture and the Basotho enjoy singing and dancing. They also use traditional instruments, including the lekolulo, which is a type of flute.

When is the best time to visit Lesotho?

The best time to take a day trip to Lesotho is during the summer season, which is between October and April. During these months, you'll experience high temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius. However, you should be prepared for colder conditions in the mountains.

Travel tips

• Bring your passport on a Lesotho day trip, as you'll cross the border from South Africa.
• Pack an extra layer in case you get cold in Sani Pass.
• There is a lot to see in Lesotho, including its world-class game reserves. If your itinerary allows, consider booking a multi-day trip.