We had a great dinner with Lauren and Pete and left this morning with still more ski instructors and staff arriving eager to start the upcoming ski season. I was sad to have missed a day of skiing.
Our first stop on the Maloti Route was shortly after we left, at a cell phone beacon on the top of one of the mountains. The 360 view was spectacular, we were at 3320m, it was 8deg, windy and chilly as there was still snow about. The vegetation up there reminded me of Cape fynbos. We were a bit short of breath after walking around, I guess it was the altitude.
I was expecting an easy day of traveling as we only had 224km to travel to our next destination, Katse Dam. OMG I was so wrong, the journey took us 6 hours, with a quick fuel stop, on really good tarred roads.
The road infrastructure in this country is insane, it must be worth as much as the country itself. We have been on some pretty hairy and scary passes during our travels and today rivals them.
It appears the Chinese, as well as the Italians, have been involved in road constructions around Afriski. The Letseng Diamond mine, found the biggest diamond ever (640 carats) last year, use the road infrastructure in the area. The passes leading up to the dam were built for the construction of the dam in the 1980s and are still in excellent condition.
The trip was basically divided into three sections. The scary descent of the Maloti Route from the rural highlands, we descend rapidly along cliff hugging curves to the town of Botha-Bothe. In the rural areas the Basotho herdsmen and shepherds dress in the traditional blankets, balaclavas and boots. Farming is all done by hand.
The next section around Botha-Bothe was a reprieve from the mountain passes but we had to fight our way through some busy towns. The people here wear western clothes and have all the modern amenities. Very different to their rural brothers.
We were stopped in 4 road blocks today. Obviously not for speeding. The police were really friendly, all asked the same questions; where have you come from? Where are you going to? Can I see your drivers license?
From Leribe , we took the Nelson Mandela Drive, some drive, to Katse. We ascended and descended over many Maluti Mountains till we arrived exhausted at Katse Lodge, the only place to stay in the area. It was formerly part of the construction camp for the dam and was probably the single quarters. It boasts 2 ½ stars, lucky Kirst isn't with us. It needs a little TLC, but the the rooms are big and clean, the bed is comfortable, we have hot water and a beautiful view of the dam - It's perfect. After three days days of travel, we booked in for 2 nights, so we can explore the area tomorrow.
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