The first major town north of the Sani Pass, Mokhotlong (Place of the Bald Ibis) has basic shops and transport to Oxbow and Butha-Buthe. The town, 270km (170mi) from Maseru and 200km (125mi) from Butha-Buthe, has the reputation for being the coldest, driest and most remote place in Lesotho. And given the comparative lack of roads and transport, that's really saying something. There are a couple of places to stay, and the town is a good base for walks to the Drakensberg escarpment. Private transport is required to reach Mokhotlong from Maseru.

Also known by the Sephuthi name Moyeni, meaning Place of the Wind, Quthing is Lesotho's southernmost major town. The town is split in two, with Lower Quthing housing most of the shops and residences, while Upper Quthing - overlooking the dramatic Orange River Gorge - is where you'll find a good hotel, a mission and sundry colonial-era statues. Also near Quthing is the Masitise Cave House featuring San paintings, some 180 million year old dinosaur footprints and a striking sandstone church. The town is about 130km (80mi) from Maseru.