Traces of Africa

4 days, 3 nights

What it is

Lesotho, the ‘mountain kingdom in the sky’, is a land-locked country situated almost in the heart of South Africa. It is famous for its breath-taking scenery and traditional Sotho-culture. The spectacular Katse Dam is the start of the ambitious Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The bordering Eastern Free State, with its quaint towns such as Ficksburg and Clarens, is beautiful in its own right. With its glowing sandstone formations, quaint towns, fascinating farm tours and famous Free State hospitality, it is a place like no other.

Day 1: Eastern Free State: Basotho culture and Farm stay

The tour starts in Johannesburg (4-5 hours drive) andour first stop is at the Basotho Cultural village, close to Harrismith. In this traditional village with its brightly painted houses, we learn more about the Sotho-culture (one of the main South African tribes) during a guided tour and meal. 
We continue to Ficksburg, the largest cherry-producing area in South Africa.

We visit one of the prominent cherry-farms in the area where we learn more about cherry-farming,
tase the famous cherry-liqueur and go on a tractor-ride through the orchards. During the evening barbeque we experience Free State hospitality at its best with typical regional delicacies on the fire under the starry skies. Overnight on the farm or neighbourind lodge.

Day 2: Lesotho: Katse Dam

We depart early through Ficksburg border post for a scenic drivethrough Lesotho to Katse Dam, the flagship of the LHWP (Lesotho Highlands Water Project).

This is an ambitious engineering project where South Africa supplies electricity to Lesotho in exchange for water. Enjoy the spectacular setting of Katse Dam and the impressive Dam Wall-tour. We overnight in Lesotho. Dinner included.

Day 3: Eastern Free State: Clarens

We head back to the Free State to visit the picturesque town of Clarens with its wonderful array of art galleries, shops and restaurants.

Overnight in Clarens. Dinner own account.

Day 4: Golden Gate

Depart from Clarens for a scenic drive through Golden Gate National park. Time permitting, we might go on a short nature drive or hike.

General information:

Lesotho & Free State comes in 3-, and 4-star packages.
It includes accommodation B&B (3 nights), transport,
registered tour guide, meals (3 breakfasts, 1 lunch; 2 dinners);
cherry-farm tractor ride, liqueur-tasting and BBQ, and Katse Dam

wall tour in Lesotho. Tour can be adapted according to your needs.

Optional activities:
-    Dinosaur walk and talk by scientist
-    Dinner in a sandstone cave
-    Quad-bike-rides through Maluti mountains
-    Pony-rides through Lesotho
-    Snow-skiing in winter in Lesotho