Booking at Ramabanta Trading Post

This is an excellent spot. One of the best in the country, in my opinion. If you're traveling with a group, the best choice is one of the front chalets for the mountain views. Did you try activating them via Facebook? You can also follow up with Roma Trading Post (in Roma)—it’s the same place.

I’ve never booked ahead before stopping by; there’s always space, except for that one time when the King of Lesotho had privatized the place.

Hi there,

Thanks for the reply—I think I’ll give it a go without booking.

I’ve got a few more questions about the rest of our route: We’re planning to head up to the top of Sani Pass via Thaba-Tseka and Mokhotlong. Along the way, we thought we’d take a detour to Katse (staying overnight in Thaba-Tseka and Mokhotlong—Sani Mountain Lodge is under renovation and won’t be open during our visit). Is this detour worth it? What’s the condition of the roads like (I’m finding very little recent info...)? Which route should we take between Katse and Mokhotlong (we’ll have a Jimny)?

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi, Before heading to Ramabanta, stop by Roma Trading Post—it’s on your way from Maseru—and ask them if there’s space at Ramabanta Trading Post. Another option, a bit farther out, is Semonkong for the Maletsunyane Falls.

The detour to Katse Dam is worth it—it’s quite spectacular—but it’s accessed via a gravel road. You’ll need to return to Thaba Tseka because the cross-country tracks to the east are rough (see photo). Also, if it’s a rental car, driving on them might not be allowed.

Up to Thaba Tseka, the tar road is in decent but average condition. From Mokhotlong to Sani Pass, it’s now paved and in great shape. The longest stretch, though not difficult, is between Thaba-Tseka and Mokhotlong: It’s a gravel road that may have been damaged by rain. Plan for half a day. Will your Suzuki be a 4x4 or a 4x2? (In the latter case, watch out for skidding—the ravine is often close by.)

If Sani Mountain Lodge is closed, there’s been an alternative for about ten years a few kilometers before the Sani Pass. It’s the Sani Stone Lodge, made up of a few rondavels; the place is pretty, but I haven’t stayed there. Once at Sani Pass, are you heading down into South Africa or going back via Mokhotlong?

Good evening,

Great idea to check in Roma for spots at Ramabanta—it’ll give me a backup plan to get to Maseru without losing too much time if needed... Semonkong is fully booked for my dates, but I’m still planning to visit for the day. From what I understand, to get to Katse, you have to take the same track for the round trip. Not ideal... The Suzuki will be a 4x4 (with L4) automatic. After that, we’ll head toward South Africa—St. Lucia, Kruger, etc. Everything’s already booked for the rest of the trip (we’re staying a full month). Thanks a bunch, and have a great evening! [:)]