TRAVEL TIPS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP CAREFREE JOURNEY
With a little advance planning – and packing just the right things – your journey to Afriski will be the perfect start to your Maluti Mountains experience. While you’re with us, we can ensure that you have a wonderful time – by following this travel advice, that can start the minute that you pull out of your driveway.
WHAT TO BRING
Lesotho may not be all that far away, but it is its own country (in every way). That means you’ll be crossing a border each way, and you’ll need to get used to things being a little different.
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You’ll definitely need your passport and all the insurance, ownership and registration papers for your vehicle. If you’re travelling with children under 18, don’t forget their full unabridged birth certificates and consent letter if only one parent travels to be able to cross the border out of South Africa. To comply with Lesotho law, be sure that your vehicle is roadworthy and that you have 2 emergency warning triangles. If you don’t have a South Africa, Botswana or Lesotho driving licence, you’ll need an International Drivers Permit to back up your licence.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Along with alcohol, certain foodstuffs (including eggs, maize and meat) cannot be brought into Lesotho. If you’re self-catering, rather buy these items once you’ve crossed the border and help support local entrepreneurs.
PASSPORTS plus BIRTH CERTIFICATES FOR KIDS
You’ll be crossing a border in each direction, so this is vital!
YOUR DRIVING
LICENCE
Plus, your International Driving Permit, if from outside SADEC.
YOUR CAR REGISTRATION, VEHICLE OWNERSHIP & INSURANCE PAPERS
The Lesotho Police may want to check these. Request from your Insurance and/or Bank and travel with this.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Unabridged birth certificates for any under-18s may be requested. Generally, passports is all that is required.
CASH
Afriski would like to remain cashless. You can use bank debit or credit cards at Afriski.
WARNING TRIANGLE
It’s a legal requirement on the roads in Lesotho to 2 triangles
ROAD CONDITIONS
If you’re traveling to Lesotho in winter, we recommend checking road conditions regularly and avoiding driving at night. During or right after heavy snowfall can also be dangerous.
4x4 recommended
SPARE FOOD, WATER AND BLANKETS
Just in case you break down or have to wait out a storm.
CAR LICENCE VALID
There is no grace period for licence expiry in Lesotho. Check that your license date shows valid up to the day you intend to stay.
IMPORTANT INFO
HOW TO GET TO AFRISKI
Afriski isn’t nearly as far as you might imagine, and the journey gets better and better as you head into the mountains. Whichever direction you’re travelling from, you’ll definitely get a sense that your going up in the world as the road begins to rise. Here’s some advice based on years of driving that same road.
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*NB: Be Mindful of the Potholes Throughout Your Journey*
FOLLOW THE RULES
Lesotho laws may be different to what you’re used to.
WHAT’S THE HURRY?
Obey the urban and rural speed limits.
WATCH OUT FOR DONKEYS
And sheep, and goats, and children.
WAVE BACK & SMILE
Greetings cost nothing – you’ll be made to feel extra welcome.
CHECK THE BORDER TIMES
Plan your trip to avoid mountain driving in the dark.
DON’T GIVE TO KIDS
Handouts of sweets or pens encourages begging.
LET US KNOW WHEN TO EXPECT YOU
Or if you’re running late for any reason.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Check our live road updates online during your drive.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STUCK IN SNOW
If you are stuck with a vehicle in the snow, here are the steps you can take:
1
Stay Calm​​
The first step is to stay calm and avoid panicking. Panic will only make things worse and could cause you to make poor decisions.
2
Assess the Situation
Take a look at the surroundings and evaluate the depth of the snow, the direction you are facing, and the condition of the road.
3
Clear the Snow
Take a look at the surroundings and evaluate the depth of the snow, the direction you are facing, and the condition of the road.
4
Use Traction Devices
If you have them, put on tire chains or use sand, gravel or kitty litter to gain traction. Place them under the tires.
5
Rock Your Vehicle
Use the gas pedal and the brake pedal to rock the vehicle back and forth to create momentum.
6
Turn Off Traction Control
Turn off any traction control in your vehicle, as it can sometimes make things worse in these situations.
7
Call for Assistance
If you are still stuck, and cannot get your vehicle out, call for assistance from a tow truck or emergency services.
It is important to note that if you are stranded in a remote area and do not have access to a phone, you should stay with your vehicle and try to conserve heat by running the engine for short periods of time, and only when it is safe to do so. You should also make sure that your vehicle's exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, as this can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside the vehicle. It is also a good idea to keep blankets, food, water, and a flashlight in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
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If phones work, you can call the Afriski Resort number and select 999 Emergencies.
MOST IMPORTANT - Wait in your vehicle, keep warm. Help will come. Afriski and the Mines will send rescue vehicles to assist.