The Kingdom of Lesotho
Arrival 2014-Jan-25 - 9.30 Departure 2014-Jan-26 - 9.30
Lesotho turns out to be an amazing little kingdom: The plan is to pass through it in one day to then approach the Sani Pass the next, heading back to South Africa. The north of Lesotho consists of mountains and highlands with breathtaking views. From the South African boarder close to Fouriesburg (at 1200m altitude) the car is slowly but steadily creeping up the gravel roads, moving through steep serpentines, passing small villages and settlements. To reach the boarder post on the other side of the country it is a 160km long ride, which shouldn't be a problem for one day, should it? But traveling on a gravel roads up to 3000m altitude is different then driving on a motorway - leaving at 9 AM I barely arrive at my destination at daytime!
It takes the whole day to make it through Lesotho, mostly because the last 30km are a construction site of Chinese people building a motorway! I am struck by surprise when I see the first excavator with a Chinese worker inside and a group of Lesotho's workers hanging out around it.... Chinese expats in Lesotho?!
Why would they (as in China) be interested in building a road here - maybe diamonds in exchange? Hmmmmmm.....
Finally the end of the road appears - it has gotten foggy and dark by the time I get to the boarder posts. The visibility is down to 2m and there is no way in the world the Sani Pass can be driven down under these conditions. Luckily, at the very top, right next to the boarder, is a bar and a hostel where the night can be spent and the tent can be pitched. In the mist I have the feeling of being on a different planet, far away from anything I know. Is this the same country I have entered in the morning - bright sunshine, blue skies and white clouds with crisp air the further up I drove? At this very moment I am not sure... The night is cold and damp and over when the dawn sets at 5AM. To watch the sunrise I make my way out to the boarder of the cliff with a view on South Africa, which is still covered by a carpet of clouds.
After a long breakfast in the sun I make my way back into South Africa via the Sani Pass! This is a small road, wide enough for one car only, winding down the mountain, with steep cliffs right next to the car. Admittedly, I hold my breath the whole way down and only start relaxing when I can finally see the SA boarder post. Phiu...... Tick the box for an adventure that will soon be wiped away by Chinese construction works!
continue with ... EASTERN & WESTERN CAPE