10 days riding the awesome trails and sweeping tarmac roads in this unknown Magic Mountain Kingdom, totally landlocked within South Africa. Clock up 2,500 km – of which about 60% is off-road – in this biker’s heaven. Lesotho and its notorious Sani Pass must be on your bucket list…
By special request only, for groups of around 8 to 10.
The riding in and around Lesotho is exceptional, both on and off road. In fact, it comprises some of the best the Motor Adventures team has ever done. The new Chinese asphalt from Sani to Butha Buthe is some of the most incredible road riding anywhere in the world, no question. The off-roading is perfect for adventure bikes; challenging, yes, but that’s all part of the fun!
Scroll down to find out more about Lesotho and to read through our carefully crafted sample itinerary. If you have any questions about this private Lesotho adventure bike tour, please just contact us for the answers you need.
If you prefer the idea of a small-group adventure rather than a private experience, check out our range of South Africa adventure Tours.
Get to Know Lesotho Before Your Private Lesotho Adventure Bike Tour?
The Kingdom of Lesotho is an enclaved, landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around two million. Previously known as Basutoland, Lesotho declared independence from the UK on 4 October 1966 and, over numerous decades, was ruled by the BCP political party with King Moshoeshoe II as a ceremonial monarch. In 1987, he was forced into exile, and his son, Letsie III, was installed as ceremonial monarch. He reigns to this day, though mainly for ceremonial functions, as he no longer possesses any executive authority and is prohibited from actively participating in political initiatives.
The name Lesotho translates roughly into “the land of the people who speak Sesotho”, which is the country’s official language. People in Lesotho also generally speak English as it is taught in schools.
Thaba Ntlenyana (3482m), the highest peak in Southern Africa, is found in the north of Lesotho, and, geographically, most of the country consists of high mountain ranges, which have been carved out by rivers. All these rivers flow into the Senqu River (Orange River) and then on into the Atlantic Ocean.
A substantial percentage of the population lives on the flat plateau referred to as the Lowlands, leaving the Highland areas sparsely populated.
The Chinese agreed to rebuild the main highways in exchange for diamond mining rights. As a result, the freshly laid asphalt sections are now exceptional motorcycling roads with wide sweeping corners and tighter mountain bends. The off-road sections, which really get you “off the beaten track” and show you the true Lesotho and its highland areas, are challenging but not far from impossible, and the adventure bikes we use are the ideal vehicles for this.
Highlights of Our Private Lesotho and South Africa Adventure Tour
You won’t hear traffic here, you will hear singing.
“You will hear birds who wake early and crickets who stay up late. On the trails, you will hear the clanging of bells fastened to the necks of grazing sheep and the steady trickle of valley creeks. You will see vast and endless rolling hills, aloe plants as tall as you are, growing out of the dry ground, the russet glow that shines over the mountains as the sun slips behind them, and a people who have known laughter as well as they know struggle. You will taste the richness of authentic Basotho cuisine and smell the sweet, smoky bonfires that burn each night. And soon, you will feel the magic.”
– As described by the Malealea Lodge.
Private Lesotho and South Africa Adventure Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation: 11 nights twin shared accommodation in quality lodges.
- Transfers, to and from Bloemfontein Airport.
- All breakfasts and two to three-course evening meals in the lodges.
- A Triumph Tiger Rally Pro 900cc for 10 days with third party insurance. Bikers will leave a deposit to cover excess.
- GPS installed on every bike, with our daily routes.
- Dual purpose tyres.
- Assistance vehicle equipped with first aid equipment, fridge, compressor, spare tyres etc., and carrying personal luggage.
- Qualified medical assistance provided during the tour.
- Guiding staff, a motorcycle guide, plus two staff driving the assistance vehicles. All have a good local knowledge of the areas we visit.
Private Lesotho and South Africa Adventure Tour Requirements
A full biking license is needed – so, bring it with you! Sorry, if you don’t have it with you, you won’t be allowed to bike.
- All airfares to/from Bloemfontein Airport.
- Personal medical insurance with repatriation (Obligatory).
- Fuel, anticipate about 350 euros for the entire trip following the itinerary.
- Tourist visas for South Africa and Lesotho (if your nationality dictates it).
- Any vaccinations required for entry into RSA.
- Soft drinks, alcohol and snack lunches.
- All other optional activities on offer during the tour.
- The excess deposit, which is arranged directly with the supplier of the bike, Triumph Tiger Rally Pro 900cc is 1300 euros, held against your credit card but not charged.
- All your personal riding gear for the duration of the tour, comprising biking jacket with body armour incorporated, biking trousers, strong boots – enduro or Timberland style, gloves, helmet with visor or goggles. 2-piece lightweight waterproofs if your gear isn’t good for possible rain. We recommend a “Camelback” or similar 2-litre drinking system.
On this adventure, please bring with you:
- Trousers & jacket – textile, breathable off-road rally style. eg: Hein Gericke, BMW or KTM with inbuilt armour and protection.
- Thermal clothing – lightweight recommended for protection against chaffing and higher mountain areas. Don’t forget a dust scarf too!
- Boots – Tough pair of riding boots.
- Gloves – MX or enduro type.
- Rainwear – Lightweight, waterproof pac-jac combo. (if your gear is not waterproof)
- Hydration/Rucksack. 1.5 to 2 litres water capacity ideal. For e.g: Kriega, Camelbak.
- Helmet – An MX off-road type helmet with a chin bar and visor.