See Lesotho
The Kingdom in the Sky

Quthing to Qachas Nek

Although the road has been improved, this 179km journey still takes about 6 hours. It is a very beautiful journey. The first and last parts follow the twists and gorges of the Senqu River. The middle section takes one high into the mountains.
The road from Moyeni follows the Senqu valley, past the old store at Fort Hartley to the village of Mt. Moorosi. The actual mountain Mt. Moorosi is located further on, and access to the summit is from the village on the old dirt road to Makoae, at the pass over into the next valley.

Moorosi was a local chief who, in 1879, rebelled against the harsh laws applied by the Cape colony, and held on against the might of the British Army for 8 months from the summit of the mountain. It is a worthwhile climb to the top, with the remains of the defences still visible, and superb views of the Senqu valley. The old road follows the Quthing valley to the village of Makoae, a lovely trip with a bubbling river and aloe covered slopes, but traffic is sparse. The road to the border at Ongeluksnek branches off this road. The new tar road crosses the Quthing River and climbs high into the mountains. After about 40km, it reaches the village of Mphaki, where the old road rejoins. From here, the road rises and falls, twists and turns through the mountains until rejoining the Senqu valley at Christ the King mission. It is well worth stopping here and walking out to the edge of the plateau where there are superb views of the Senqu valley where it has carved a large horseshoe curve in a deep gorge.

It is possible to walk down to the bottom, and there are Bushman paintings in the area. Enquire at the mission, which also has a guest cottage where you may be able to stay. From here it's a further 53km to Qachas Nek, much of it right down next to the Senqu in great scenery. The last 11km take you out of the Senqu valley and up to the town of Qachas Nek.