FAQs - How do I get to Malealea Lodge

You can reach Malealea Lodge by self-drive  or public transport.

For self-drive, the road  is tarred all the way except for the final 7 km, which is a gravel road. A 4×4 vehicle is not essential, but a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for a more comfortable drive — along with a good spirit of adventure. Local residents regularly travel this road in standard vehicles. The final stretch typically takes 35–45 minutes.

We also recommend not relying on Google Maps, as mobile data coverage is usually lost shortly after crossing into Lesotho. Please follow the written directions provided on the link below.

👉 You can also view our full directions and travel advice here: [Getting Here}

For public transport, minibus taxis run daily from Maseru and Mafeteng.  Please contact Bob on +266 5883 9646 and he can assist you with where you need to go to catch the minibus taxis. 

👉 You can read here for more info on public transport 

No, you don't need a 4x4, but , pease note that the final 7km to the lodge is a gravel road. While a 4 x 4 is not required, we highly recommend a high-clearance vehicle for a smoother journey - and a "spirit of adventure".  You can expect the last 7kms to takes approximately 35-45 minutes.

If you are coming from Bloemfontein or the south, we recommend using the Van Rooyens Hek / Wepener border post, which is open from 06:00 to 22:00 and is generally quieter and easier to navigate.

If you are travelling from the north, the Maseru Bridge border post is the most direct option. Please be aware that this border can experience long queues at peak times, and traffic can be heavy when driving through Maseru city. Maseru border is open 24 hours

There are other points for entry coming from the North.  

• Caledon's Poort
• Ficksburg
• Peka Bridge (8am - 4pm)

The borders are quiet, but driving through Lesotho is very slow and takes a long time. The speed limit is 80kms/hr and there are small towns and villages almost all the way from the north to the south where you need to reduce your speed to 50kms/hr

🛣️ Suggested Route (Recommended):

We recommend taking the N1 south from Johannesburg toward Bloemfontein, then turning onto the R701 in the direction of Dewetsdorp and Wepener, and entering Lesotho at the Van Rooyenshek Border Post. This route offers better road quality by avoiding pothole-prone sections found on alternative roads, provides a quicker and less stressful border crossing by bypassing the often busy Maseru Bridge Border Post, and reduces travel time by avoiding traffic congestion in Maseru.