The Park is know for it's

• Spectacular Landscapes:
  • Situated in the Maloti Mountains and features a rugged terrain with rolling highlands, sandstone cliffs, and deep valleys.
  • High-altitude grasslands are interspersed with wetlands, streams, and pools, creating a serene and pristine environment.
• Biodiversity:
  • Flora: The park is home to unique plant species, including several endemic and rare alpine flowers adapted to the harsh mountainous climate.
  • Fauna: It supports various species of birds, such as the endangered bearded vulture and the Cape vulture. Mammals like eland and small predators can also be found.
  • The wetlands are vital for amphibians, including the rare Maloti River frog.
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
  • The park contains ancient San rock art sites, which provide a glimpse into the history and spiritual beliefs of the indigenous San people.
  • It holds cultural value for the Basotho people, reflecting their connection to the land.
• Adventure and Tourism

Climbing:

To date the exploration focused on bouldering with the area offering many boulder fields from which to choose. Rock is soft sandstone from the sedimentary portion of the Late Carboniferous and requires care to find the good sections - of which there are many, they just need finding.

Getting There:

Road access to the park gate from Maseru via Qacha's Nek is good and can be done in a two-wheel drive. However, access to Sehlabathebe Lodge and Old Lodge is along a dirt track and will require at least ahigh clearance vehicle, possibly a 4x4 depending on conditions.

Driving From:

• Durban:
  • Via Sani Pass: A 4x4 is required
  • Via Ramatsediso: 4x4 advised
  • Via Qacha's Nek: 4x4 advised (may not be necessary)
• Port Elizabeth:
  • Via Ramatsediso: 4x4 advised (quickest)
  • Via Qacha's Nek: 4x4 advised (may not be necessary)
• Colesburg:
  • Via Telle Bridge: 4x4 advised (may not be necessary)
  • Via Van Rooyens Gate:
    • Via Thaba-Tseka: 4x4 advised
    • Via A2 to the South: 4x4 Advised (may not be necessary)
• Bloemfontein /Johannesburg:
  • Via Maseru
    • Via Thaba-Tseke: 4x4 advised
    • Via A2 to the South: 4x4 advised (may not be necessary)

Tar (asphalt) roads are being steadily constructed in Lesotho so it is more and more common for skilled drivers in high clearance vehicles to travel with limited options. However the central and Eastern mountains form significant natural barriers which often require 4x4 (Sani Pass will not allow you through in a 2x4 from the KZN side).

The most direct/fastest access to Sehlabathebe is via Matatiel and up Ramatsedoso Pass. When dry this can be done in a 2x4 with higher clearance (and a half decent driver). Even if driving from Johannesburg, this may be the fastest.

The most adventurous route is certainly via Thaba-Tseka and over The Matabeng Pass (often closed due to snow in winter, or wash-aways in summer), either via Sani Pass or Maseru/Clarens.

The option most likely (though not guaranteed) to offer access with 2x4 is through Maseru and South along A2. Quachas Nek can be driven in 2x4, depending on conditions. It is a long way to drive to find bad conditions.

Supplies:

• Petrol/Diesel is irregular and never guaranteed -travel with an extra jerry can. Fill up whenever possible.
• Basic food stuffs (incl beer) can commonly be found at small shops
• NO hiking gas is available
• NO benzine
• Meat supply is irregular and not controlled

Safety:

As a general rule Lesotho is significantly safer than South Africa.

Accomodation:

At the time of writing (November 2024) the Sehlabathebi Lodge was disappointingly run-down (yet exorbitantly expensive). Camping is permitted in the reserve, it is recommended to plan for this and if you find lodging at acceptable cost and condition, treat that as a bonus.

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