Mahlasela Pass

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Mahlasela Pass

Mahlasela Pass

The Mahlasela Pass is a 3,322-metre-high tar pass in Lesotho's Maloti Mountains, one of two passes linking the town of Butha-Buthe and the diamond-mining town of Mokhotlong. It is a beautiful pass, but in winter it becomes dangerous because the road becomes very slippery. The other pass being the Moteng Pass, which is often closed in winter by heavy snowfalls. Lesotho's only ski resort, Afriski, is found here. It is said to be the highest road pass in South Africa. The route can take between 1.5 and 2 hours without stopping. The views from the summit are incredible, and the road is wonderfully scenic with frozen rivers, beautiful views and spectacular vistas. The road offers a gateway to this largely unexplored world of high mountain adventure.