Plizio Visual Lab
Polihali Reservoir
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
Weather…
Water temperature…
Polihali Reservoir is the second major reservoir of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). It is being built on the Malibamatšo River in the Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka districts. Construction started in 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2025. The dam will be 145 meters high with a capacity of 2.3 billion cubic meters. The project serves South Africa's water supply and hydroelectric power generation. Economically, it creates thousands of jobs and improves infrastructure. The reservoir will support agricultural irrigation in the region. Construction is coordinated by the Lesotho Highlands Water Company. Polihali exemplifies sustainable development and international cooperation. The reservoir will deliver about 2,022 million cubic meters of water per year.
- Location: Lesotho
- Top sights: Senqu viewpoint · Tloha-re-Buhe
- Nearby: Linakaneng (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 216 | 182 | 119 | 67 | 17 | 12 | 12 | 22 | 30 | 81 | 115 | 176 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to the reservoir area is generally via newly constructed project roads that branch off from the main highland routes. Due to ongoing dam construction activities, certain sections might have restricted entry or temporary detours.
Best season
The site can be visited year-round, though the drier winter months offer clear, expansive views of the massive engineering project. Summer visits provide a stark contrast with greener surrounding landscapes but risk muddy access roads.
Terrain & paths
The immediate surroundings feature large-scale earthworks, artificial embankments, and modified rocky slopes. While official viewing points are generally accessible and flat, the wider perimeter consists of rugged and steep mountain terrain.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes are entirely sufficient for designated viewpoints, but dust protection like sunglasses and a light scarf is recommended. Bringing binoculars will greatly enhance your ability to observe the vast scale of the dam project.
Parking
Designated parking zones are typically provided near the official observation decks or visitor centers associated with the water project. Drivers should strictly adhere to posted signs to avoid obstructing heavy construction vehicles.
Safety
Visitors must stay strictly within permitted public areas to avoid the severe hazards associated with the active heavy construction zones. The reservoir's steep artificial banks and exceptionally deep waters pose significant, life-threatening risks.
Time needed
Viewing the massive dam infrastructure and the surrounding artificial lake environment usually requires about one to two hours. Photography enthusiasts might easily linger longer to properly capture the immense scale of the water project.
Geography
Facts
- Construction started in 2017, completion expected 2025.
- Dam height: 145 meters.
- Storage capacity: 2.3 billion cubic meters.
- Annual water delivery: 2,022 million cubic meters.
- Construction cost: USD 1.2 billion.
- Power generation capacity: 40 MW.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Polihali Reservoir (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Polihali Reservoir?
Swimming is generally not permitted due to safety reasons and its status as a drinking water reservoir.
Is a 4x4 required to reach the Polihali Reservoir?
Yes, due to the mountainous terrain and unpaved construction roads, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.
When is the best time to visit the reservoir?
The dry season from May to September gives stable weather, though it can get very cold during winter.
Are there guided tours of the dam?
Water project information centers provide insights, but access to the active construction site is restricted.
What activities are available at the lake?
Birdwatching and photography are popular, as the surrounding mountain landscape provides spectacular panoramas.
Polihali Reservoir: where is it located?
Polihali Reservoir is located in Lesotho.
Polihali Reservoir: what is there to see?
Highlights include Senqu viewpoint, Tloha-re-Buhe.
Polihali Reservoir: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Polihali Reservoir: why is it worth visiting?
Polihali Reservoir is the second major reservoir of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Lesotho →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Mokhotlong Residency
The Mokhotlong Residency served as the most remote outpost of the British administration in Basutoland.
Katse Botanical Garden
The highest botanical garden in Africa was established to rescue plants threatened by the Katse Dam.
Sani Pass Border Post
The border post at the top of Sani Pass is one of the highest in the world.
Sani Pass Border
A strategic trade route and high-altitude border crossing connecting Lesotho with South Africa.
🗺️
Namahali Pass
A historical trade route in the Maloti Mountains still used today for informal economic exchange and livestock movement.
Nature
🗺️
Linakeng Wildlife Area
A vast, uninhabited area in eastern Lesotho providing habitat for antelope and rare mountain birds.
🗺️
Mount Makheke
Mount Makheke is one of the highest peaks in the eastern highlands of Lesotho.
🗺️
Tlokoeng Wetlands
These high-altitude peatlands near Mokhotlong are critical for water regulation.
🗺️
Mamoheli Mountain
Mamoheli is a significant peak in the Thaba-Tseka District.
🗺️
Pelaneng Wildlife Area
A remote area in the upper Malibamatso River basin known for its pristine nature.
🗺️
Khubelu Headwaters
This pristine high-altitude valley is the source of the Khubelu River and hosts vital alpine wetlands and specialized bird species.
Thaba-Li-Mpe
Thaba-Li-Mpe is a prominent peak in the Maloti Range.
🗺️
Maloti Highlands Hotspot
A central high plateau featuring one of the highest concentrations of endemic plant species in Lesotho.
More places
St James Mission
St James is one of Lesotho's highest mission stations, located in the Mokhotlong district.
St James Mokhotlong
St James in Mokhotlong is a historic Anglican church considered the spiritual center of the highlands.
Mothae Mine
This highland mine is known for producing exceptionally large and valuable Type IIa diamonds.
Paray Mission
Paray Mission in Thaba-Tseka is a central health and education hub in the highlands.
Paray History
Paray is a major educational and health hub in Thaba-Tseka, developed by Catholic missionaries.
🗺️
Tlaeeng Pass
Tlaeeng Pass is the highest motorable road pass in Lesotho, reaching an extreme elevation of over 3,200 meters.
🗺️
Meniaming Pass
A remote pass in the Maloti Mountains that opens into vast, untouched grasslands.
St. Peter's Mission
This remote highland mission serves as a vital outpost for the local mountain community.