Butha-Buthe District · Lesotho
Moteng and Mahlasela Passes
A1'Moteng to Afriski
The highest tarred road in Southern Africa, the A1 climbs two dramatic passes in sequence: Moteng (2,820 m) with its 91 bends, then Mahlasela (signed at 3,222 m), the approach to Lesotho’s only ski resort.
From Butha-Buthe the A1 climbs almost immediately, attacking Moteng Pass with 15 km of relentless hairpins (11 extreme bends, two horseshoes) to 2,820 m. Beyond, it traverses high moorland before Mahlasela pushes to its signed 3,222 m, a plateau of raw highland scenery with frozen rivers in winter, ending at the Afriski resort in the Kingdom in the Sky.
Scenery
Best seasons
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Moteng and Mahlasela Passes on the map21.0 mi · point to point
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Character
Higher than 9 in 10 roads in the catalogue.
Corners
busiest around mile 5Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,922.9 – 3,277.2 mPoints of interest2 stops
- Mahlasela PassViewpoint20 mi in
- Moteng PassViewpoint6.6 mi in
Hazards
- Snow and ice in winter
- Closures after heavy snowfall
- Gradients up to 17%
- Heavy truck traffic
- Brake overheating on descent
See the typical season and live conditions for the high passes ›
Sources
“The 91 bends, corners and curves will require your full concentration, with 11 extreme hairpin bends and two full horseshoes.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
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