Frequently Asked Questions About Lesotho Tours
WHERE DO WE MEET?
Our tours typically depart from our office in which is located in Underberg next door to The Grind Cafe (view map). The restaurant only opens at 9:00 so if you would like to grab a coffee or some breakfast before your tour we recommend checking out the Lemon Tree Cafe just up the road.
Alternatively, we can pick you up from your accommodation depending on your location’s distance from the towns of Underberg and Himeville. Please feel free to contact us when making your booking if you do not see your accommodation listed under our pick up locations and we’ll let you know if a complimentary pick up will be possible.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Kindly note these ‘What To Wear’ recommendations apply to our 4X4 Tours. For recommendations on what to wear for our cycling tours CLICK HERE and for more on what to wear on our combo tours CLICK HERE.
Warmer Months (October – March): Opt for lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. We also always recommend carrying a warm jacket, as temperatures may drop suddenly.
Colder Months (April – September): Dress in warm layers, with outerwear suitable for snow, closed shoes, and accessories like a beanie and scarf.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Your passports (VISA if required – please click here to check beforehand)
Copy of Unabridged Birth Certificate for children under 18
Parental Consent Affidavit – (If one parent is traveling with a minor, the non-traveling parent listed on the birth certificate must sign a parental consent affidavit. The same will apply to official guardians.)
Something warm as the weather can often change unexpectedly.
Cash (Rands are accepted in Lesotho)
Water bottle
Camera
Sunblock
DO YOU ALLOW KIDS ON THE TOUR?
Unfortunately our cycling and combo tours are not available to any children U18 however we do welcome children of all ages on our 4X4 tours. Kindly note that due to spacing and logistics on our standard 4X4 day tours we are unable to accommodate car seats. You are however welcome to bring along your own car seats for you children should you be booked on a private 4X4 tour with us.
Important to Note – If one parent is traveling with a minor, the non-traveling parent listed on the birth certificate must sign a parental consent affidavit. The same will apply to official guardians.
WILL THERE BE CELL COVERAGE OR WIFI?
Cell coverage will be very sporadic once you reach the South African Border. WiFi however is available at Sani Mountain Lodge – The Highest Pub in Africa.
ARE THERE ANY EXTRA FEES THAT I WILL NEED TO PAY OVER AND ABOVE THE LISTED TOUR PRICE?
If you would like us to pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation either within the town of Underberg or Himeville or directly on our route to the Sani Pass there will be no additional charges. However, if your accommodation falls outside of the above and you would still like to be picked up then additional fees will apply. These extra charges will need to be payable either in cash or by card on the day of your tour. Please contact us at the time of your booking and we will provide detailed information about these charges should your accommodation fall outside of our pick up zones.
Depending on which tour you are joining additional fees for your own account may include:
Entry Fee to the Highest Pub (This fee is however redeemable and will be deducted off your food and drinks bill)
Meals
Drinks
Tipping
Curios & anything else you might spend on
(A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions for each tour is provided under the ‘Important Info’ section on each tour page)
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY?
Cancellation Policy
50% Cancellation Fee: Applicable if you cancel more than 14 days before the tour date.
100% Cancellation Fee: Charged for cancellations made within 14 days of the tour date.
In the Event of Snow
If it is uncertain whether or not we will reach the top of Sani Pass we will offer you the following options:
1. Proceed with the tour regardless of how far we can travel, based on safety and snow conditions. No refund will be provided in this case.
2. Reschedule your tour to a later date. No refund will be issued.
If the Pass is closed by border officials before the tour departure time, you may choose either a 90% refund (10% charged for admin fees) or a rescheduled tour date.
Passport and Visa Requirements
If you join the tour and are denied entry into Lesotho due to not having the required visa or valid passport, you will need to wait at the South African Border Post either until the tours returns, or a transfer at your own expense is available. No refund will be provided.
Weather Policy for Cycling and Combo Tours
Our cycling and combo tours operate rain or shine – adventure awaits in all conditions! Please come prepared for the weather, as we do not offer refunds for unfavorable forecasts. Rest assured, your safety and comfort are our priority: every tour includes a dedicated support vehicle, available at any time to jump in if you need a break from the elements. Should the pass be closed by border officials due to weather related concerns the refund policy above will of course apply.
IS IT SAFE?
Your safety is our highest priority. Our tours are guided by some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, allowing you to sit back, relax and fully enjoy the adventure while we handle the details. We also take the maintenance of our vehicles and bicycles very seriously, ensuring they are consistently and thoroughly maintained to provide top-notch safety throughout your journey.
While we strive to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, we also want to clarify our liability coverage. Lesotho On Track has full passenger and public liability insurance, which covers any accidents or injuries that may occur while inside our vehicles during the tour.
However, we are not responsible for any injuries that happen outside of our vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to, any slips, falls, or other injuries you may sustain while exploring, cycling, hiking, or participating in activities outside the vehicle during the tour. Additionally, we cannot be held responsible for any loss of personal belongings during the tour.
CAN WE USE RANDS TO PAY IN LESOTHO?
Yes, Lesotho accept South African Rands if you prefer to in cash, some places are also able to accept cards.
Interesting fact: The loti (plural: maloti) is the currency of the Kingdom of Lesotho and is pegged to the South African rand on a 1:1 basis through the Common Monetary Area, so both are accepted as legal tender within Lesotho.
TIPPING THE GUIDES?
The guides tip is not included in our listed tour price however we do encourage tipping if you have had a great experience.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS OR SNOWS OR THE WIND BLOWS?
Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, our 4X4 tours operate every day of the year, rain, snow or sunshine. We only cancel tours in the rare event that the pass is closed by border officials because of impassible snow conditions or severe flooding that has damaged the road. In this event please check our refund and cancellation policy above.
Weather Policy for Cycling and Combo Tours
Our cycling and combo tours operate rain or shine – adventure awaits in all conditions! Please come prepared for the weather, as we do not offer refunds for unfavorable forecasts. Rest assured, your safety and comfort are our priority: every tour includes a dedicated support vehicle, available at any time to jump in if you need a break from the elements. Should the pass be closed by border officials due to weather related concerns our refund and cancellation policy will of course apply.
DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER LESOTHO?
Any visitor entering the country must get a visa unless their nationality exempts them from requiring one.
(please click here to check)
If you are eligible for a visa exemption, you can enter and stay in Lesotho for 90 days or 14 days per visit, depending on your nationality.
CAN YOU PICK US UP FROM OUR ACCOMMODATION?
We may be able to pick you up from your accommodation depending on your location’s distance from the towns of Underberg and Himeville. Please feel free to contact us when making your booking if you do not see your accommodation listed under our pick up locations and we’ll let you know if a complimentary pick up will be possible.