Around Lesotho in 18 Days - Introduction

introduction mtb around lesotho

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The Plan

The idea is to cycle (mountain bike) around Lesotho and hug the border as close as possible. The idea is not to hike your bike around Lesotho, but to ride it. (But we are using our mountainbikes and not our road bikes. So be prepared for a bit of technical riding and some pushing.) This is not an endurance test, but a tour with the emphasis on seeing and enjoying a very remote part of South Africa. Not only seeing it but to experience it in your marrow. (Normally we do have support, so you do not have to do ALL the boring gravel bits or ALL the technical bits. Ride to your ability!)

Basics

  • The route can start and end anywhere along the circumference of Lesotho.
  • The complete circumnavigation is approximately 1 300km long.
  • It can be ridden in 17 to 21 days. (Even less, but rather take a car then. You will miss out.)
    • 17 Day distances will vary from 55 km to 108 km.
    • 21 Day distances will vary from 44 km to 97 km with an average of 70 km.
  • It is possible to break it up into 2, 3 or more sections that can be ridden as time is available.

Accommodation

Either self catering with some exceptions or fully catered with some exceptions. Accommodation varies from rustic cottage style self catering through rural village accommodation to luxury fully catered guest houses. A camping variation is being investigated but does not seem to be an option at this stage for the bigger part of the route.

Support

It is possible to do the route unsupported, but a support vehicle just adds to the enjoyment value of the trip.

The Route

The idea is to stay as close to the Lesotho border as is possible on a mountain bike and ride around Lesotho. The route covers district roads (normal gravel), some more remote than others, jeep tracks (in varying stages of repair/disrepair), cattle tracks and single track. (Bundubashing is not normally necessary) Gravel as far as possible with the odd stretch of tar when unavoidable. There are three major and some minor hike-a-bike sections but that is also kept to a minimum. Some sections run over private land and special permission is negotiated from the owners. In places where the old border patrol road is still in existence, the route literally hugs the border and you are riding a few meters inside the RSA border. A good level of fitness will add to the enjoyment value of the adventure. Total ascent is still being measured and the measured portions vary from 500m to over 2 000m per day.

Investment

A good figure to use for budget purposes would be R750 per person per day. Luxury and budget options are available at some of the overnight stops.

This includes:

  • Dinner, Bed and breakfast.
  • A support vehicle.
  • Maps.
  • Tracks.
  • Guide.
  • Lunch "Padkos"

Excludes:

  • Any medical costs, evacuation fees, etc.
  • Transport to and from starting and finishing locations.
  • Alcoholic beverages.