The road into THABA TSEKA is a dramatic one, peaking in the heart of the Central mountain range at the Mokhoabong Pass (2880m) before descending to the town, which is over 2200m above sea level. Once here, though, you may wonder why you made the effort, as there is very little in this 1980s purpose-built administrative centre except buses to take you somewhere else. If you need somewhere to stay, try the Mountain Star Hotel , a locally owned place mostly used by civil servants and local contract workers. Otherwise, cheaper but more spartan accommodation is available at the self-catering Agricultural Training Centre (tel 90 0304; up to R100), a long prefabricated building that's often full during the week. The only restaurant in town is the very basic affair at the Mountain Star Hotel , though there are one or two stores in the centre of the town serving Sotho food to take away. There's no road south to Semonkong and the Sehlabathebe National Park, though there are hikeable trails. There's a spectacular road to Mokhotlong and Sani Pass from Thaba Tseka, but it's not one you should tackle in anything other than a 4WD vehicle.

 

The road to Katse is much better and, although you still shouldn't attempt it in an ordinary saloon car, there are a number of buses plying the route. From Katse there's a perfect tarred road to Hlotse in the north. Otherwise, your only option is to go back the way you came, towards Maseru