katse book - Cherry Festival

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 Water
Project, this water is transferred by gravity to South Africa.
Our journey, unlike life, starts at the end of the project.
Ash River Outlet
Here you will find a plaque with the words: “The Dream is now Reality”, which draws
to 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 tourist
site, offering displays and information on the LHWP. Here, the sparkling water from
the LHWP reservoirs surges from the 22 km delivery tunnel outlet into the Ash River
and onwards to quench the thirst of Gauteng. The upper reaches of the Ash River
offer exhilarating white water rafting year round. The lower reaches feed two wetlands
that provide excellent birding opportunities.
We drive to Lesotho, crossing the border at either Fouriesburg or Ficksburg.
Muela Hydropower Station / Visitors’ Centre
At Muela — approximately halfway between Katse and the tunnel outlet in the Free
State — water in the transfer tunnel performs an additional feat — it drives the three
turbines of Lesotho’s main hydropower station before continuing on its journey via
the delivery tunnel north, to South Africa.
Liphofung (“Place of the Eland”)
This sandstone dome is a cultural heritage site
developed by the LHDA. Once a Bushman/San
shelter and later, during the 19th century, it was used
by King Moshoesho I, founder of the Basotho Nation,
as a stopover on hunting expeditions. It is situated 7
km from the Muela turnoff.
Tel: +(266) 22460 723
You will find:
Rock Art • Stone Age Workshop • Overnight
Accommodation • Traditional dancing, music and food
can be arranged • Genuine Sotho craft items for sale
Likileng Lodge
After a visit to the Muela Site, rest the weary bones at
the Likileng Lodge, home of exquisite cuisine and
comfortable 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 also
boasts 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 Farms
The communities around the Katse Reservoir are participants in the operation of a Fish Farming Project. The
Fisheries project is aimed at improving and sustaining the livelihoods of communities living around the reservoir and
of preserving the indigenous Yellow Fish.
Bokong Nature Reserve
Lies at the head of the Mafika-Lisiu Pass en route to the Katse Dam. It is the highest nature reserve in Africa
accessible by motor vehicle. An attractively-situated visitors’ centre is located next to the spectacular Lepaqoa
Waterfalls. The Bokong Nature Reserve includes wetlands, grasslands and limited heath-lands where Grey Mountain
Rhebuck 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 the
skies. Hikes may be taken from Bokong across the “Roof of Africa” into the Tsehlanyane National Park This
challenging 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 construction
sites. The Katse and Mohale Dams are accessible via breathtaking mountain
passes. The award-winning Mafika Lisiu is one of the most impressive passes in
Africa, rising to more than 3000 m above sea level at the entrance to the Bokong
Nature Reserve. Be on the look-out for the rare Drakensburg Rock Jumper.
The Matsoku weir delivers storm water to Katse Dam
At the Intake Tower (98 m high), the water enters the transfer tunnel to
begin its 82 km-journey to the Ash River.
Malibamatso Bridge (90 m above the valley floor)
Katse Dam
Katse Dam is situated at 2,000 metres above seal level, Katse Dam
is described as “a striking piece of modern engineering”. The Dam
is one of less than 30 double curvature concrete arch dams in the
world; one of the world’s 10 largest concrete arch dams in terms of
its volume; and the highest dam in Africa. The Dam attracts
thousands of people who come to see this engineering marvel. The
dam is the transfer reservoir for the entire LHWP, with all the water
captured by the different project structures flowing from it to South
Africa. It is the best-known reservoir in Southern Africa and has
received more accolades for its engineering and construction
excellence 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
Maluti Minnow
Katse Information Centre
Tel (+266) 22910377 / 22910806/7/8/9
Fax (+266) 22910002
Botanical Garden
The LHDA launched a plant rescue project, which in turn was the start of the
Katse Botanical Garden. Mass stands of hundreds of different flowering species
create a unique summer spectacle in Southern Africa’s first botanical garden
dedicated to featuring mountain species. The garden recently received a gold
award from the German Botanical Society for protecting the enviroment. The
Spiral Aloe— Aloe polyphylla is the national flower of Lesotho
Katse Botanical Garden
Tel:
(+266) 22910 315
Cell: (+266) 6307 1081
Mohale Dam
Imagine moving a mountain to build a dam! The construction of Mohale Dam required
a huge mass of basalt rock to span the Senqunyane River. A large basalt hill inside the
dam basin was crushed to provide the material required. At 145 m, it is the highest
concrete-faced rockfill dam in Africa. Mohale has set a new standard for environmental
responsibility 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’s
mountains, valleys, dams, rivers and rich cultural heritage, either by road, water or
horse/pony trail.
Visitors’ Centre • Fishing & Boat Trips • Mountain Biking • Kayaking •
Restaurant
Mohale Information Centre
Tel:
+(266) 22936217
Fax: +(266)22936219
Directions to Mohale
To get to Mohale follow the tarred road from Maseru to Roma-Mohale
intersection. Turn left and follow the road over Bushmen’s, God-help-me and
Blue Mountain passes to Mohale village. Drive past the village for 11km to
the Mohale Information Centre and access the dam site.
Directions to Muela Visitors Centre
‘Muela Visitors Centre is situated below the Operations Building of ‘Muela
Hydropower Station. The centre is about 30 km from Butha-Buthe and
35km from Caledonspoort border post. Off the main road to Oxbow and
Afroski, the centre is 6km.
Directions to Katse
From Ficksburg border post, follow the tarred road to Hlotse. Turn to the
right and enjoy a comfortable 120km Nelson Mandela, through the
impressive hair- pin bend situated at more than 3000 metres above sea level
to Katse dam site.
Info Office Number
Ficksburg
051 933 3531 / 6486 — 082 798 5052
Fouriesburg
058 223 0925
Ladybrand
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 energy
Completed – 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 abolition
agreements 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 main
banks in Maseru offer exchange services. (Standard Lesotho Bank, Nedbank
and First National Bank). The South African Rand is accepted throughout Lesotho.
Border Posts:
Caledonspoort — 06:00-22:00. The Maseru Bridge and Maputsoe/Ficksburg
Border Posts are open 24-hours-a-day, while the others open at 08:00 and
mostly close at 16:00. Sani Top — 06:00-18:00. There is a toll fee on entering
to 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, as
temperatures 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 per
person are allowed under rebate duty: one litre each of wine, spirits or any other
alcoholic beverage; 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 300ml perfume. Domestic pets,
livestock, seeds, bulbs, plants and trees may not be imported without payment
of customs duty and are subject to quarantine.