The Arrive Alive received the following email:
“I would just like to make sure that the trip we’re about to take in September is safe…We are 3 bikers and 1 4×4 going into Lesotho to Katse Dam and staying at the Katse Guest houses for 3 nights. Is it safe to travel into Lesotho these days, as I’ve heard some nasty stories before? Also, what do we need to go through the border besides our passports?”
We referred this to our quad bike friends for a response:
“We haven’t been to Katse lately but our previous trip was very pleasant. There is a small road fee payable when entering the Lesotho border but customs will inform you accordingly.
Be sure to take extra fuel which you probably already have on your check list. A visit to the Katse dam wall is highly recommended. If I remember correctly the tour takes about two hours. The
Botanical Garden just outside the hotel offers really nice walks and if you buy any plants from them (which I did and the flourish!), remember to ask for an “authority letter” to bring them back
to SA.
Just another thought, ensure that your driver’s licences are in order and wear seatbelts in vehicle at all times. We have encountered a few roadblocks before, not on the Katse road however but you never know.
We have been involved in distributing bibles to a community in the South of Lesotho and I have also occasionally handed out tack etc to horses in need. If you take interest in these
people their “friendly” side come alight with true gratefulness wish is most rewarding.
Enjoy and let us know how your trip was in due course.”
Also view:
Is your car insured when driving across the borders of South Africa
4×4 Off-Road Driving Techniques