Trekking in the Drakensberg and Lesotho: nature, adventure and safaris

You will be met at Johannesburg airport by your guide, followed by a transfer to Soweto , South Africa's largest township and a symbol of resistance to Apartheid. Located southwest of the city, this historically rich area is best explored with a local resident who will share their experiences and stories. Enjoy a unique lunch in Soweto , then settle in for dinner and overnight stay at the home of Gugu Hlophe or one of his neighbors. You will be staying in a house designed to offer an immersive experience, just steps from Nelson Mandela 's former residence.

Departing from Soweto , you'll travel to Royal Natal National Park , renowned for its majestic scenery. From your accommodation, you'll set off on the Bread Loaf Trail , accompanied by a local mountain guide. This 5.5 km loop begins at the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge car park and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. This route is ideal for birdwatching, enjoying a leisurely walk, and taking in the breathtaking mountain landscapes.

After a short 4x4 transfer from your lodge to Sentinel Car Park , you'll begin a hike to the summit of the Amphitheatre , one of the most spectacular sights in the Drakensberg mountain range. This impressive rock wall, 4 km long and 1000 m high, stretches from the Tugela Valley to the highlands of Lesotho. From the summit, you'll admire Tugela Falls , which plunge 948 m , making them the second highest waterfall in the world. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge .

Departure for Lesotho , a landlocked country within South Africa, to reach the village of Semonkong . From your accommodation, you'll cross a bridge leading to the town to visit the home of 'M'e Masetho . She will introduce you to likobo , traditional Basotho blankets, passionately sharing their history and cultural significance since the 19th century. These blankets, woven from a blend of wool and acrylic, are much more than just clothing: they reflect the social hierarchy , profession , and tribe of the wearer. Enjoy her explanations of the colors, patterns, and designs to better understand this iconic tradition of the mountain people . Dinner and overnight stay in a lodge .

After breakfast, meet your guides for the start of a 3-day trek through the spectacular landscapes of Lesotho. Each day you will cover between 20 and 25 km , depending on the route, crossing steep mountains , open valleys and riverbeds.

Day 6: You reach a tented camp or village, depending on the route, where you can relax and settle in. For the more adventurous, a walk to the river offers the opportunity for a swim or a wash. Dinner, a home-cooked meal prepared by your guides, is followed by an evening under the stars.

Day 7: The hike takes you to Ketane waterfall , a rarely visited natural gem. In the evening, you camp at Thaba T'seou , in the heart of the mountains.

Day 8: You cross the Thaba Putsoa mountain range to reach Semonkong Lodge via a new route through mountains and rivers. Once at the lodge, enjoy some relaxation before sharing dinner and spending the night.

This morning, we depart from Lesotho heading south towards South Africa and the Drakensberg mountain range , which borders the kingdom from southeast to northeast. After crossing the border at Qacha's Nek , we descend into the valley to reach Underberg , a village nestled at the foot of the southern Drakensberg.

After a good breakfast, departure for a two-day hike to the summit of Rhino Peak , at 3,051 m altitude, in the southern Maloti-Drakensberg mountains.

Day 10: The trail begins gently, following a stream on its left side. Gradually, Rhino Peak appears on the horizon before disappearing behind closer mountains. You cross the river several times before reaching a cave where you spend the night, surrounded by nature.

Day 11: You continue your trek to the summit, emerging onto a plateau that marks the border with Lesotho , at an altitude of over 3,000 meters . A short 2-kilometer section on flat terrain leads you to the peak itself, offering a breathtaking, seemingly endless view. You descend in the afternoon to return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge .

Welcome to the Nambiti Reserve, unique in the region for being home not only to the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo), but also to more than 40 other animal species , including black rhinos and cheetahs , as well as 280 species of birds .

Day 12: Check-in at Springbok Lodge , full board. In the afternoon, depart for your first guided safari in an open 4x4 vehicle, exploring the reserve's diverse landscapes : bushland, savannah, dense vegetation, and vast plains. Return to the lodge for the night in a tented suite combining comfort and immersion in nature.

Day 13: In the morning, head out for a second safari to observe the wildlife in a different light. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and taking in the scenery around the lodge.

Departure from the Nambiti reserve to reach Johannesburg International Airport. You take your overnight flight , marking the end of your adventure.