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Katse Dam: Lesotho's Water Giant

Discover Katse Dam: A marvel of engineering in Lesotho's highlands, providing water and wonder in equal measure.

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Katse Dam, the second-largest double-curvature arch dam in Africa, is a crucial component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Nestled in the Maluti Mountains, it offers stunning views and insight into a major engineering endeavor that supplies water to Lesotho and South Africa.

A brief summary to Katse Dam

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Book dam wall tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
  • Bring warm clothing, as the mountain weather can change rapidly.
  • Consider a 4x4 vehicle for exploring surrounding areas, as some roads are unpaved.
  • Visit the Katse Botanical Gardens to see unique alpine flora, including the spiral aloe.
  • Take a boat trip on the reservoir for stunning views of the dam and surrounding landscape.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Leribe (Hlotse), follow the A25 road towards the center of the country. The drive is approximately 120km and takes about 2.5 hours. The A25 is paved but narrower than the A1. There is a point where you can turn off the A25 to drive over the dam. Continue to the information point for parking and dam tour arrangements.

  • Public Transport

    Public transport to Katse Dam is limited. It is best to take a taxi from Maseru to Katse Dam. The cost is approximately 400-600 Lesotho Loti and the journey takes about 3-4 hours.

Unlock the Best of Katse Dam

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Discover more about Katse Dam

Katse Dam, located on the Malibamat'so River in Lesotho, is a testament to modern engineering and international cooperation. As the second-largest double-curvature arch dam in Africa, it stands 185 meters high and stretches 710 meters long, holding back nearly 2 billion cubic meters of water. Completed in 1997 as part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the dam serves the critical function of providing water to both Lesotho and the industrial heartland of South Africa. The dam's construction, which began in 1991, was a massive undertaking involving a consortium of international companies. The project included the creation of Katse Airport to facilitate access. The resulting reservoir, narrow and winding to minimize evaporation, has become a striking feature of the landscape, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Maluti Mountains. Visitors can explore the Katse Dam through guided tours that depart from the visitor center. These tours offer a look inside the dam wall and explain the dam's features and operations. The dam's location also provides opportunities for other activities, including boat trips, hiking, and visits to the Katse Botanical Gardens, which was established to protect displaced flora. While the dam is a marvel of engineering, it's important to acknowledge the project's social impact, including the relocation of communities and the ongoing efforts to support those affected. Katse Dam is more than just a water source; it's a symbol of Lesotho's role in regional resource management and a destination that combines natural beauty with human ingenuity.

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