Lesotho Trip - 15th- 17th June 2013

[marakasmalan]

Hello Guys,

Some good news for you: Great weather expected in Lesotho this weekend. From Sani Pass all the way to the north there will be no precipitation. All main stations have a minimum of -2°C, thus in the really high areas it may drop to -5°C.

I’m working at the Metalong Dam on Thursday, and will then travel westwards and my bump into you guys in the Bhuta-Bhute are, though I will be keeping off the “highways” or main routes. Expect snow and ice only in the shadow areas that does not get sun during the day, there will be no ice or snow where the sun shines as day temperatures will typically be between 7-9°C, more importantly it will be sunny, dry days.

FYI, Burgersdorp in EC measured -7°C this morning.

Your group may keep this good wether in mind and decide to venture on some of the more demanding 4x4 routes, as you have the exeprience and the equipment to tackle these routes.

Passports: No reason that your passport must be valid for 6 months, If you enter for twoo weeks then another two weeks is sufficient, if you enter for three days then another wek left is sufficient.

Registration Papers and letter from bank: this is important, though 9/10 times they do not seem to be bothered.

Regards

Marnus

[ricster]

Thanks Marnus,

We are looking forward to the warmth Jagermeister has to offer..... .... The snow and ice will definitely be a factor we will have to seriously be aware and cautious of. I recall 2 years ago going up from Butha buthe towards Afriski there was a delicate patch of ice on the road that if you weren't concentrating on could cause boxer shorts to become a G-string.... very quickly!!

Yip 3 days and counting.... although a little snow would make for some interesting driving !! Last years drive through the snow with Grant and Cules was definitely something to tick off on the bucket list !!

just a few teasers.....

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[Alex Roux]

This is the first in three consecutive Lesotho winter trips that I will be missing.
Can't make it this year.
You guys enjoy it.
I will be there in spirit! (not Maynstay spirits or Jagermeister spirit)

[Grant]

Hi Gents,

Please enjoy and be safe. Going to miss this trip but family comes first.

[ricster]

hey hey Grant !!.... Thanks bud.... you will be missed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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[marakasmalan]

@Ricster


Yes, but if you are aiming for snow and ice, then it is best to go end July beginning August. Have a look at my trip report at http://patrol4x4.co.za/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2905
That was following decent precipitation but since the days were not cold enough it was mostly snow free, except on south facing slopes - I think snow will be few and far between this weekend. It has been dry for a while now and temperatures only dipped below freezing sporadicly recently.

For snow experiences you need to:

- Travel to the highest areas (near Afriski or in the area between Ramabanta and Semonkong are good starting places.)
- Go when night temperatures dipped below -5°C and day temperatures hoverred at about 5°C with limited sunshine.
- There had to be precipitation during such an extended cold spells. The most fun is when precipitation was in the form of sleet (wolwegif - fine frozen raindrops) followed by very cold spells. That's when the boxer-became-Gstring coils round your neck and strangles you :)

Good indicators:

- Use yr.no for Semonkong, Mokhotlong and Semonkong and look at the long term forecast http://www.yr.no/place/Lesotho/Butha-Bu ... /long.html
- Follow the Afriksi weather report/forecast
- Follow the ice reports of the mountaineers/rockclimbers who do ice climbing in winter - think Peak Mountaineering is a good starting point.
- Look at the webcam of Afriski at http://www.afriski.net for a "visual"
- Snow reports in the Eastern Cape Highlands, almost certain to be double as snowy in Eastern sides of Lesotho
- The month is July or August
- Not as reliable, but generally: no Frost in Jozi, no snow in Lesotho

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As you can see, for Butha-Buthe & Afriski until next week Wednesday, nothing below 0°C and no precipitation, day temps above 10°C = no snow, no ice. Not this weekend Hopefully I am wrong.

But do not dispair - the nights will be very cold - Take moster-mix (amarula fortified with brandy), OBS and and hotwater bags, for it will be cold!

I am excited to see so many of you eager for barging vehicles through snow - I'll remember that my work trips in the coming winter need not be solitary anymore. I always leave Jozi the Friday, finish up work at 15:00 Friday (snow permitting undelayed access to site) so to play there for the rest of the weekend.

[marakasmalan]

Ive asked the site guys to let me know about the snow - unfortunately there is not really sites in the are of your route.

But remeber that in winter always be wary for the unexpected ice pacthes, especially on the shadow side of the valleys.

maybe pm me a number so that I can post you info over the weekend should I encounter anything worthwhile.

Regards

Marnus

[ricster]

Would have liked to have gone in July/August but public holidays made it difficult....

Hmmmmm.... your Friday afternoon trip sounds like a chilly blast.

[ricster]

Sent you a PM..... Thanks my friend !!!

[marakasmalan]

High clouds, and that open space will move East over the course of the week.

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