We had to take a few days off this week to go up to Lesotho on a road trip. I was definitely in need of a mini-break and the perfect excuse came up for it in trying to help Mike to extend his tourist visa as he's been 'grounded' by the volcano! By leaving the country and returning a few days later he could extend his time in South Africa without having to return all the way to the UK.
So Mike, Steve, and I set off with our English friend Kath to attempt the Sani Pass border from KZN into Lesotho. We made good time and the going was good until we got to the exit border from SA when the border police advised us we might not make it up the Sani Pass without a 4x4. However, they hadn't reckoned on my Hilux being 'indestructible' and, after a quick chat with a driver coming down the pass, we decided to attempt it anyway. The track was a little hairy in places but Steve managed to skillfully negotiate the hair pin bends. Once at the top we befriended an English guy who is travelling Africa by motorbike who had managed to fall off his bike twice on the same track! It was ok for us but for most of the winter the track is covered in mud and snow.
We stayed at the highest pub in Africa overnight, which was chilly as it's situated on the edge of a mountain!! After the tropical warmth of Monteseel, it was a bit of a shock to the system. The next day we travelled across the Maloti mountains to Botha Bothe which was a long drive through spectacular mountains. At pretty much the highest point, near an old diamond mine, my exhaust decided to split and from then onwards it was a noisy journey all the way home. We also passed the only ski resort on the African continent, it's all happening in Lesotho! It might be one of the poorest countries and be suffering heavily with the AIDS pandemic, but they still know how to welcome tourists (and skiers) to their land!
God looked after us and even provided us with a place to stay on the second night when we ended up without a clue where to stay. We came across a guest house called Naleli, in the small town of Leribe. The lady who worked there, Margaret, made us feel very much at home and proved how friendly the locals are! If you ever find yourself in Leribe, stay there! After a good night's sleep we crossed the border back to Free State and back home via the Golden Gate National Park.
Although we are all now much refreshed, unfortunately our mission failed as Mike was granted only another 7 days as there was no Home Affairs at the border. He's now trying to get home before he gets arrested, deported or something similar.. Pray that it gets sorted out, he only has a few days left...
