Ramabanta to Roma will take you on a gravel road, jeep track and single track through the back country terrain of the infamous Thabana Li Mele (translated Mountain with Nipples). This is also the route for stage 3 of the Lesotho Sky stage race. This section is a notorious route of the annual Roof of Africa Rally for motorbikes.

On your bike

After 5km on the main gravel road towards Semonkong, the path branches off into the scenic Makhaleng river valley. The trail will follow the river for the next 35km. Initially, it will be a bridle path/single track with 2 carrying sections, then aa comfortable gravel road to Nyakosoba. Oh, did I forget to mention the “3 Witches Pass” before Nyakosoba? It’s not the real name, but after riding it you understand why we’ve given it this special little misnomer.

There, you will cross the main road and follow another bridle path through the valley – up past the two Poppas (2 significant mountains with flat round peaks). This last section from Nyakosoba to Roma will require advanced riding skills – and even then, you may have to alight from your bike. This section is a notorious route of the annual Roof of Africa Rally for motorbikes and the descents are full of loose rocks. The rewards are scenic views across the lowlands and a blindingly fast run through a pine forest and across the plateau to Roma. After one last tricky descent, you finish your ride (and you say that you’ve finished the toughest stage of the Lesotho Sky event).

Off the bike

Ashley and Jenny will make you feel most comfortable at their Trading Post Lodges in Roma and Ramabanta, both sites have camping facilities available.

GPS: 29°39′56.9″South /  027°47′49.0″East