3–4 Day Adventure: KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Golden Gate Highlands, Lesotho & Sani Pass
Get ready for a 3–4 day journey through some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular landscapes, history, and culture! This tour is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to experience the real heart of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Lesotho.
Departure & Collection:
The tour starts from Pietermaritzburg or Durban (or another KZN town if arranged beforehand). Collection points will be agreed upon before departure. We usually leave at 8:00 am from Pietermaritzburg (or 7:30 am from Durban) and begin our adventure along the scenic “Old Road” via Hilton.
Day 1: Midlands Meander & Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Our first stop is Nelson Mandela’s capture site, a moment in history you won’t forget. We enjoy breakfast of your choice at Rawdons Hotel before traveling via Nottingham Road, stopping at points of interest along the way.
Next, we pass the Battle of Willow Grange site, the most southerly Anglo-Boer War battle in Natal, then through Estcourt, visiting Fort Durnford, and past Colenso, site of the infamous 2nd Anglo-Boer War Battle of Colenso, a battle that saw the British forces suffer a humiliating defeat.
From here, we travel up Van Reenen’s Pass along the N3 highway to Harrismith in the Free State, where lunch awaits at the smallest church in South Africa, a charming, quaint spot full of character and local history.
After lunch, we take a scenic route to Golden Gate Highlands National Park, staying in cozy self-catering bungalows inside the park.
Day 2: Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Golden Gate is famous for its stunning golden sandstone cliffs and dramatic rock formations, which glow warmly at sunrise and sunset, a photographer’s dream! The park is also home to fascinating wildlife, including Burchell’s Zebra, Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Mountain Reedbuck, Grey Rhebuck, Black-Backed Jackals, and Eland. Bird enthusiasts can spot the Ground Woodpecker and the majestic Bearded Vulture, and don’t miss the Vulture Restaurant, where these incredible birds gather.
A short drive in the park is the Basotho Cultural & Dinosaur Museum, where you can explore the rich heritage of the Basotho people and learn about the incredible dinosaur fossils discovered in the area. Kids and adults alike love seeing the prehistoric footprints and fossils, offering a fascinating glimpse into life millions of years ago.
As the sun sets, we’ll treat you to a traditional South African Potjiekos (beef or chicken stew cooked in a three-legged pot over an open fire). Sit back, relax, and soak in the peace of this beautiful wilderness.
Day 3: Lesotho – The Roof of Africa
After an alfresco breakfast, we cross into Lesotho via Calendonspoort. Welcome to the Roof of Africa, a land of dramatic mountains and high-altitude beauty, averaging 3,000 m above sea level. We journey through remote hamlets like Oxbow, Tlkoeng, and Mokhotlong, seeing the rural life of the Basotho people, which has changed very little over centuries.
We stop for a light alfresco lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery before spending the night at Oxbow Lodge or similar accommodation.
Day 4: Sani Pass & Return Home
On the final day, we reach the summit of Sani Pass and enjoy lunch at The Highest Pub in Africa, yes, you can literally toast with a beer at the roof of KZN! Then we carefully descend this thrilling mountain pass, stopping for photos and to drink in the stunning views.
On the way back, we pause at The Sani Pass Hotel for tea or coffee and travel through the charming towns of Bergville and Himeville, finishing with a stop at the 365-ft high Howick Falls before returning to Pietermaritzburg or Durban.
Important Notes:
- Sani Pass is weather-dependent. Snow (usually Aug–Sept) or heavy summer rains can make it impassable.
- If needed, an alternative route via the Royal National Park’s Amphitheatre in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site can be arranged at short notice.
This is more than a tour… it’s an adventure filled with history, wildlife, culture, and landscapes that will stay in your memory forever.