Katse Dam
A 185-metre concrete arch wedged into a mountain gorge, holding back a lake that snakes between the peaks. The road there crosses one of the highest passes in Africa.
EngineeringAn Engineering Marvel in the Maloti
Katse Dam is the centrepiece of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which sends water from the Maloti Mountains to South Africa's Gauteng province and generates hydro-power for Lesotho. Its double-curvature arch wall stands 185 metres high across the Malibamats'o River, one of the tallest dams in Africa.
Behind the wall, the reservoir fills a network of deep valleys. A visitor centre explains how the project was built, and the nearby Katse Botanical Garden protects highland plants, including species rescued from the flooded valleys.
Getting there is half the adventure. The road climbs over Mafika Lisiu Pass at about 3,090m, with views across the highlands that few travellers ever see.
- Dam wall
- 185m double-curvature arch
- Reservoir
- ~1,950 million m³
- Route
- Via Mafika Lisiu Pass (3,090m)
- From Maseru
- ~4–5 hours each way
- Our tour
- Full day (about 12 hrs)
- From
- R6,500 per vehicle
What You'll See on the Katse Route
The dam wall
Walk out to the viewpoints above the wall and take in the scale of the arch and the gorge below.
Katse Botanical Garden
A high-altitude garden of indigenous plants, aloes and mountain flowers beside the reservoir.
Mafika Lisiu Pass
One of the highest road passes in Africa, with sweeping views over the Maloti range.
Leribe weaving
Stop at the craft and weaving centre in Leribe for mohair rugs and tapestries.
A Long Day, Well Rewarded
Getting there
Katse is deep in the highlands, around 4–5 hours from Maseru. We leave early in a private 4x4 and travel north via Leribe before climbing into the mountains. The day is long, but the scenery never lets up.
Prefer a slower pace? Stay overnight near the dam and combine Katse with Afriski or Ts'ehlanyane National Park on a multi-day tour.
Best time to go
The reservoir is fullest after the summer rains (November–March). Autumn brings clear skies and golden grasslands. In winter the high passes can see snow and ice, so we plan around the forecast and may suggest an overnight stop.
Short on time? Mohale Dam is a closer alternative, about two hours from Maseru.
Katse Dam Questions
How high is Katse Dam?
The arch wall is about 185 metres high, making Katse one of the tallest dams in Africa.
How long does it take to get to Katse Dam from Maseru?
Allow around 4–5 hours each way on mountain roads. Our Katse tour is a full day of about 12 hours with stops.
Why was Katse Dam built?
It is the main storage dam of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which transfers water to South Africa's Gauteng province and supplies hydro-electric power to Lesotho.
More of Lesotho
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