SELF GUIDED TOUR
7 Day GS tour of Lesotho and Sani Pass
SOUTHERN AFRICA
7 Day Epic GS Ride through South Africa and Lesotho
This tour is a great adventure for GS enthusiasts OR anyone who likes to explore gravel roads.
This tour is all about exploring Lesotho – The kingdom in the sky. This whole country is situated in the mountains, which makes for amazing riding. After you enter Lesotho, the roads become steep and twisty as you make your way up to Afriski for your first nights stay in an Alpine style chalet.
The next few days are spent riding the best gravel and tar roads through the Heart of Lesotho. Wind your way up over mountains and down through valleys, past small african villages. Along the way you will see Lesotho Cowboys on horse back, children playing in the rivers and donkeys pulling heavy loads. The Basotho people live like their ancestors did thousands of years, so it really feels like stepping back in time. The scenery is just spectacular: see the breathtaking Katse Dam, Maletsanyune falls and countless beautiful mountains along the way.
On day 4 you make your way back into South Africa again, to Underberg for 2 Nights. This small village is situated at the foot of Sani Pass in the Drakensberg Mountains. Here you have a rest day to explore Sani Pass- the most famous famous gravel pass in Africa. Sani Pass rises from 1,500 meters above sea level to 3,000 meters, in just 7km! It is a bucket list ride for GS enthusiasts the world over, however it is only suitable for very advanced and highly skilled riders. For those that are not advanced we have included a 4 x 4 day tour to take you up to the top so that you too can enjoy a BEER at the highest pub in Africa.
From Sani, you make your way through the Drakensberg mountains and Golden Gate National Park to the artist village of Clarens, surrounded by Golden Sandstone cliffs. The tour ends with a relaxing ride back to Pretoria on Day 7.
| Day 1 | Pretoria to Afriski, Lesotho |
| Day 2 | Afriski to Thaba Tseka |
| Day 3 | Thaba Tseka to Semonkong |
| Day 4 | Semonkong to Underberg, South Africa |
| Day 5 | Underberg Rest Day- 4 x 4 Tour up Sani Pass |
| Day 6 | Underberg to Clarens |
| Day 7 | Clarens to Pretoria |
Day 1- Pretoria to Afriski, Lesotho (+- 460km)
Highlights: Ride the Alps of Africa
Today you make your way into the Kingdom of Lesotho. This whole country is situated in the mountains, giving it the title: "The alps of Africa" After you enter Lesotho you will notice the scenery changes. The roads get steeper and steeper as you make your way up to Afriski Lodge at 3000 Metres. In wintertime, this lodge is Lesotho's Premier skiing destination, but in Summer it is a bikers' playground- with amazing roads, trails, and routes to explore. Enjoy a dinner around the fire in the Sky View Restaurant and sleep in alpine style chalets.
Alps of Africa
Day 2: Afriski to Thaba Tseka via Katse Dam (+-250km)
Highlights: Katse Dam, riding the "Heart of Lesotho"
Lesotho feels like a country that has stood still in time. Most of the population lives a simple Subsistence farming lifestyle. The main form of transportation here is Horse or donkey back. As you ride along you will see "Lesotho Cowboys" riding horses, young boys in the mountains taking care of their sheep, and others riding into town with their trusty donkeys to trade corn and livestock. Today's Ride will take us right into the heart of Lesotho as we ride through small mountain villages, crossing over streams, through valleys, and up escarpments. We will enjoy lunch overlooking the breathtaking Katse Dam, a huge man-made dam in the Lesotho Highlands before continuing to the small village of Thaba Tseka- our home for the nigh t(B,L)
Basotho Cowboys
Day 3: Thaba Tseka to Semonkong (+- 220km)
Highlights: Mountain Passes, Semonkong Lodge
Today you continue further into Lesotho. Enjoy more amazing mountain passes as you make your way to Semonkong. This village is a lively Trading post- all the Shepard's who live in the mountains come into Semonkong to trade livestock and buy supplies. Your lodge for the night is situated right on the Maletsunyane River overlooking the bridge that leads to the Village. It is a hive of activity hiding away in the Maluti Mountains. Here you sleep in Traditional Sotho Huts with a luxurious twist- just the right balance between civilization and rustic elegance. Tonight, enjoy a delicious meal and cold Maluti beer in the famous Duck and Donkey Tavern
Note: There are so many exciting optional activities available at Semonkong- You can do the worlds highest Abseil, enjoy a donkey pub crawl, hike, horse ride, fly fish or enjoy a village Tour. If you would like to spend an extra night or two at the beautiful lodge, please let us know- Our Self Guided Tours are completely customizable. (B)
Semonkong - Maletsunyane Falls
Day 4: Semonkong to Underberg (+- 330km)
Highlights: Rolling foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains
Today we make our way down South through Lesotho and through the Qachas Neck Border post into South Africa again. We make our way to Underberg at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains. Our accommodation for the next two nights is surrounded by rolling green hills and amazing vistas. (B)
Explore the Drakensberg
Day 5: Rest Day Underberg- 4 x 4 Tour up Sani Pass (0-100km)
Highlights: The infamous Sani Pass, Beer at the Highest Pub in Africa
Underberg lies at the foot of the famous Sani Pass. Today we have organized a day tour by 4 x 4 up this beautiful pass and into Lesotho where you can drink a beer in the Highest Pub in Africa. Sani Pass rises from 1,500 meters to 3,000 meters in just 7km, with steep hairpin bends. Advanced riders used to be able to ride their motorcycles up Sani Pass, but the road has really deteriorated over the last few years- making it no longer suitable for rental bikes (Unless you are willing to pay US$3000-4000 to fix the damaged bike!!). The 4 x 4 tour is a very enjoyable experience, as we journey high into the clouds past waterfalls and rolling hills to the top of Lesotho. (B)
Sani Pass
Day 6: Underberg to Clarens (+-370km)
Highlights: Riding the backroads of the Drakensberg, Golden Gate National Park, Clarens
Leaving Underberg behind, you make your way through the heart of the Drakensberg mountains along the beautiful Lower Loteni Road. There is an optional stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture site museum and then you ride the picturesque Nottingham road as you make your way up to Clarens through Golden Gate National Park- famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and wildlife sightings. Clarens is popular village is surrounded by amazing mountains and beautiful rivers. Your accommodation for the night is right in the center of town and you can spend hours walking around. You can visit the Clarens Brewery to taste some local beer, visit the numerous art galleys in town, or shop for unique curios to take home. There are several bars and restaurants to choose from and you will meet up with Bikers from all over South Africa. (B)
Golden Gate National Park
Day 7: Clarens to Pretoria (+-405km)
Highlights: Free State, Historic Motorcycle Museum
It’s time to make your way back to Pretoria. Enjoy the backroads of the Freestate. Along the way you may wish to stop in Deneysville to see “The historia Motorcycle Museum” which showcases race bikes and classic machinery. The Museum showcases a full history of the greats! You should arrive back in Pretoria in the late afternoon and transfers will be arranged to your hotel or the airport (B)
2022 Pricing
- Riding 1up sharing on a Honda CRF300L: ZAR 20,450
- Riding 1up sharing on an F750GS: ZAR 27,250
- Riding 1up sharing on an F850GS: ZAR 28,210
- Riding 1up sharing on an R1250GS: ZAR 31,450
- Riding 1up sharing on an R1250GS ADV: ZAR 31,710
- To bring a pillion, add: ZAR 10,060
- For Single supplement, add: ZAR 3,000
- Prices quoted in South African Currency- ZAR.
Understanding the pricing:
All prices are quoted per motorcycle based on riding 1 up and sharing accommodation. If you would like to bring a passenger add the "Pillion price" to the base price OR if you would like your own room, add the "Single Supplement price" to the base price to get your total.
Prices are quoted on a per person basis in South African Currency (ZAR). For up to date exchange rates, please visit www.xe.com
Price includes:
- 7 Days Motorcycle Rental- Fitted with "Knobbly Tyres"
- 6 Night Accomodation in 3-4 Star Lodges
- 6 Breakfasts
- Side Panniers and top box for Luggage
- GPS fully loaded with route maps
- 4 x 4 Tour up Sani Pass into Lesotho
- 24 Hour Back up support
- Spot Tracker Rental with S.O.S function
- T-shirt
- Guide Book
- Map of South Africa
- Free Transfers from the Johannesburg International Airport
- The most amazing motorcycle adventure you have ever had
- All Taxes
Price does not include
- Petrol and toll fees
- Tour Guide
- Back Up vehicle
- Local and International Flights
- Visas
- Drinks
- Items of a personal nature
- Activities and meals not listed in "Tour Includes"
TOUR DIFFICULTY?
This tour takes places 50% on tar roads and 50% on dirt roads. You need to be an experienced rider both on and off the pavement and have completed at least an intermediate riding course on a big Adventure bike- or have a lot of experience riding adventure bikes in your own country 
90% of this tour takes place on tarmac roads. The dirt roads are good hard-packed dirt. However, there are some long riding days and long border crossing. Some areas we visit are very rural and the roads sometimes have lots of potholes and other hazards. Need to be a confident rider. 
This ride is suitable for most motorcyclists. 99% of the ride is on good tarmac roads. There are also some exciting off road options on good hard packed gravel roads. Daily distances are relatively short there are rest days scheduled regularly and there are no long border crossings.
PICTURES OF THE LESOTHO AND SANI PASS GS TOUR
TOUR INFO AT A GLANCE
DATES:
Choose your own- Self Guided Tour
START/END:
Pretoria (Fly into Johannesburg)
MILEAGE:
+-2,100km
Daily Distance:
200- 550km (Avg of 300km)
REST DAYS:
On request
RIDING DAYS:
6 Days
COUNTRIES:
South Africa and Lesotho
ROADS:
40% Dirt, 60% Tar
DIFFICULTY:
Advanced
MEALS INCLUDED:
6 Breakfasts
You may also be interested in one of our other Self Guided Tours:
5 Day TAR tour of Lesotho
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So aren’t a fan of gravel? Check our on-road tour of Lesotho where you will spend days riding exciting mountain passes in the ALPS of Africa
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Ride the best roads in Lesotho, explore the Drakensberg and ride the world famous Garden Route in South Africa. Brilliant Mountain Passes and Exceptional Scenery.
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Short on time? You can ride the best roads in South Africa on this 3 day tour that takes you to Bikers Paradise. Waterfalls, view sites and amazing roads.
