From frozen streams to raging torrents

When summer thunderstorms erupt over the Maloti Mountains, even the smallest stream becomes a raging torrent. In winter,the melting ice and snow trickle into freezing streams. Since the completion of the first phase of the Lesotho Highlands WaterProject, this water is transferred by gravity to South Africa.

Our journey, unlike life, starts at the end of the project.

Ash River OutletHere you will find a plaque with the words: “The Dream is now Reality”, which drawsto your attention the magnitude of the dreams of a handful of people.The Ash River Outfall, near Clarens in the Free State, has become a popular touristsite, offering displays and information on the LHWP. Here, the sparkling water fromthe LHWP reservoirs surges from the 22 km delivery tunnel outlet into the Ash Riverand onwards to quench the thirst of Gauteng. The upper reaches of the Ash Riveroffer exhilarating white water rafting year round. The lower reaches feed two wetlandsthat provide excellent birding opportunities.

We drive to Lesotho, crossing the border at either Fouriesburg or Ficksburg.

Muela Hydropower Station / Visitors’ CentreAt Muela — approximately halfway between Katse and the tunnel outlet in the FreeState — water in the transfer tunnel performs an additional feat — it drives the threeturbines of Lesotho’s main hydropower station before continuing on its journey viathe delivery tunnel north, to South Africa.

Liphofung (“Place of the Eland”)This sandstone dome is a cultural heritage sitedeveloped by the LHDA. Once a Bushman/Sanshelter and later, during the 19th century, it was usedby King Moshoesho I, founder of the Basotho Nation,as a stopover on hunting expeditions. It is situated 7km from the Muela turnoff.Tel: +(266) 22460 723

You will find:Rock Art • Stone Age Workshop • OvernightAccommodation • Traditional dancing, music and foodcan be arranged • Genuine Sotho craft items for sale

Likileng LodgeAfter a visit to the Muela Site, rest the weary bones atthe Likileng Lodge, home of exquisite cuisine andcomfortable accommodation.Tel: +(266) 2460 813

Ts’ehlanyane National Park (5,600 ha mountain park)Is situated in rugged mountain terrain and incorporates the largest mature che-che woodland in Lesotho. It alsoboasts magnificent stands of Berg bamboo along the rivers and streams, and a large variety of indigenous mountain“fynbos”. It provides an ideal habitat for an endangered butterfly species, Metisella syring.Tel: +(266) 22460 813

Ha Lejone Fish FarmsThe communities around the Katse Reservoir are participants in the operation of a Fish Farming Project. TheFisheries project is aimed at improving and sustaining the livelihoods of communities living around the reservoir andof preserving the indigenous Yellow Fish.

Bokong Nature ReserveLies at the head of the Mafika-Lisiu Pass en route to the Katse Dam. It is the highest nature reserve in Africaaccessible by motor vehicle. An attractively-situated visitors’ centre is located next to the spectacular LepaqoaWaterfalls. The Bokong Nature Reserve includes wetlands, grasslands and limited heath-lands where Grey MountainRhebuck occur. While enjoying refreshments at the tearoom and in the comfort of the well- camouflaged visitors’centre, bird-watchers can spot the endangered Bearded Vulture, as well as other raptors, as they swoop across theskies. Hikes may be taken from Bokong across the “Roof of Africa” into the Tsehlanyane National Park Thischallenging three-day trail covers 40 km.Tel: +(266) 22460 813

Mafika Lisiu (Silo of Stones)The LHWP broke through the basalt barriers by building impressive roads,installing telecommunications and providing electricity to the various constructionsites. The Katse and Mohale Dams are accessible via breathtaking mountainpasses. The award-winning Mafika Lisiu is one of the most impressive passes inAfrica, rising to more than 3000 m above sea level at the entrance to the BokongNature Reserve. Be on the look-out for the rare Drakensburg Rock Jumper.

Malibamatso Bridge (90 m above the valley floor)At the Intake Tower (98 m high), the water enters the transfer tunnel tobegin its 82 km-journey to the Ash River.

The Matsoku weir delivers storm water to Katse Dam

Maluti Minnow

Katse Information CentreTel (+266) 22910377 / 22910806/7/8/9Fax (+266) 22910002

Katse DamKatse Dam is situated at 2,000 metres above seal level, Katse Damis described as “a striking piece of modern engineering”. The Damis one of less than 30 double curvature concrete arch dams in theworld; one of the world’s 10 largest concrete arch dams in terms ofits volume; and the highest dam in Africa. The Dam attractsthousands of people who come to see this engineering marvel. Thedam is the transfer reservoir for the entire LHWP, with all the watercaptured by the different project structures flowing from it to SouthAfrica. It is the best-known reservoir in Southern Africa and hasreceived more accolades for its engineering and constructionexcellence than any other project in Africa.

Katse village offers the following facilities- Visitors’ Centre for dam visit- Lodge — Orion Katse Lodge and self-catering accommodation- Restaurant —Fuel—Hiking- Access roads around the dam provide 4 x 4 and mountain biking- Fishing: Trout and Yellow Fish

Botanical Garden

The LHDA launched a plant rescue project, which in turn was the start of theKatse Botanical Garden. Mass stands of hundreds of different flowering speciescreate a unique summer spectacle in Southern Africa’s first botanical gardendedicated to featuring mountain species. The garden recently received a goldaward from the German Botanical Society for protecting the enviroment. TheSpiral Aloe— Aloe polyphylla is the national flower of Lesotho

Katse Botanical GardenTel: (+266) 22910 315Cell: (+266) 6307 1081

Mohale DamImagine moving a mountain to build a dam! The construction of Mohale Dam requireda huge mass of basalt rock to span the Senqunyane River. A large basalt hill inside thedam basin was crushed to provide the material required. At 145 m, it is the highestconcrete-faced rockfill dam in Africa. Mohale has set a new standard for environmentalresponsibility and pioneered new design concepts and construction techniques.

The Mohale village has:A Lodge: the Orion Mohale Lodge — a perfect base from which to explore Lesotho’smountains, valleys, dams, rivers and rich cultural heritage, either by road, water orhorse/pony trail.

Visitors’ Centre • Fishing & Boat Trips • Mountain Biking • Kayaking •Restaurant

Mohale Information CentreTel: +(266) 22936217Fax: +(266)22936219

Directions to Mohale

To get to Mohale follow the tarred road from Maseru to Roma-Mohaleintersection. Turn left and follow the road over Bushmen’s, God-help-me andBlue Mountain passes to Mohale village. Drive past the village for 11km tothe Mohale Information Centre and access the dam site.

Directions to Muela Visitors Centre

‘Muela Visitors Centre is situated below the Operations Building of ‘MuelaHydropower Station. The centre is about 30 km from Butha-Buthe and35km from Caledonspoort border post. Off the main road to Oxbow andAfroski, the centre is 6km.

Directions to Katse

From Ficksburg border post, follow the tarred road to Hlotse. Turn to theright and enjoy a comfortable 120km Nelson Mandela, through theimpressive hair- pin bend situated at more than 3000 metres above sea levelto Katse dam site.

Info Office NumberFicksburg 051 933 3531 / 6486 — 082 798 5052Fouriesburg 058 223 0925Ladybrand 051 924 5131

Facts of the Project

Katse Dam- 185m high double curvature concrete arch- 1 950 million – m3 capacity-38,5km2 surface area.-Completed in May 1997

Intake Tower-99m high, standing 77m deep in the water-16km upstream in Katse Dam-88m3/sec intake capacity

Transfer Tunnel-45km ling concrete-lined tunnel-4.35m internal diameter

Hydropower Station-Three 24MW turbines-Longest headrace in the world

Muela Dam-55m high double curvature concrete arch-6 million-m3 capacity-Intake for Delivery Tunnels

Delivery Tunnel South-15km long-Contains flow-measuring devices

Delivery Tunnel North- 22 km long-Lined with pre-cast concrete segments

Ash River Outfall-Concrete outlet structure to channel and dissipate water energyCompleted – water delivery started in January 1998.Hydropower delivery – January 1999

USEFUL INFORMATION

To enter Lesotho you need a valid passport:

Visas are required, except for citizens of countries which have visa abolitionagreements with Lesotho and some Commonwealth countries.

Currency

The Maloti (plural), which is equivalent to the South African Rand. Travellers’cheques and credit cards can only be used in major centres. The three mainbanks in Maseru offer exchange services. (Standard Lesotho Bank, Nedbankand First National Bank). The South African Rand is accepted throughout Lesotho.

Border Posts:

Caledonspoort — 06:00-22:00. The Maseru Bridge and Maputsoe/FicksburgBorder Posts are open 24-hours-a-day, while the others open at 08:00 andmostly close at 16:00. Sani Top — 06:00-18:00. There is a toll fee on enteringto Lesotho and this is determined by the weight of your vehicle.

Clothing

It is advisable to take extra warm clothing when travelling into the mountains, astemperatures are known to plummet to well below zero even in summer.

Vehicle Requirements

Emergency triangles are compulsory- ZA-stickers are not compulsory- Check that passports are endorsed on entering and exiting Lesotho.

Customs regulations

The following items and quantities to a total value not exceeding M500.00 perperson are allowed under rebate duty: one litre each of wine, spirits or any otheralcoholic beverage; 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 300ml perfume. Domestic pets,livestock, seeds, bulbs, plants and trees may not be imported without paymentof customs duty and are subject to quarantine.