Thabana Ntlenyana via Sani

Can't fault ghaznavid for enthusiastic hiking plans and calculation of statistical probabilities!

There is a somewhat steep ridge to cross along the inland route from Sani to the peak, so don't underestimate that one, even though its not a pass to the escarpment. I know people have found that one to be harder than expected. Its the one which the kaNtuba peaks lie on. Sounds like you are doing the escarpment route anyway, if you going for the kaNtubas, still steep and long, but somewhat easier. The Tsatsa-la-Mangaung is another toughie, so you may want to bypass that one by going around it.

As thomas mentioned, the area is full of shepherds, and some of them stay there even in mid-winter. They are accustomed to the hikers going for TN, which means they will follow you around a bit and ask you for sweets. Even on the summit of the peak, you may have a group of them waiting for you there. But you are on their turf, and enjoy it as a cultural dimension to the trip. Friendly interaction is encouraged. If you enjoy classic Basotho hats - the real deal - they seem to wear a lot of them in this area and you can buy it off them! As far as security issues go, I have spoken to someone who was camping in the area and had them try unzip their tent at night. They woke up and yelled, and the would-be thieves ran away and hid. If I remember correctly the attempts where repeated. So it calls for caution but my impression is that the situation is not as serious as Tugela Falls.

I have used the following spot along the Mohlesi for camping on more than once occasion: S29 28.082 E29 19.411. There are kraals upstream from it so be careful about water. May be a little too far away for a sunrise on the peak. You may have to camp very high on the ridges for this and carry water up with you.

I think the SA border post may be 6-6 these days but best to phone Sani Top and ask them about BOTH border posts.

Its not like the Tsatsa-la-Mangaung is not worth the bother, just that it is challenging - don't go there expecting that its easier terrain, with people that have never been on the escarpment. If you want to do Mohlesi for sunrise then you could also camp in Nhlangeni Cave, if your group is small enough. Still take your tents along, not guaranteed that you'll make it, and the cave is not good shelter - good to pitch your tent inside it.

The cave is still not a bad place to pitch a tent. Its a little ways down Nhlangeni Pass, which is very close to Mohlesi, not too bad. Having thought about the route a little more, it isn't practical to camp in the Mohlesi valley at all. Too far for the first day and you would loose waaay too much altitude which you'd have to regain the next day....not smart at all! Not sure what your intended number of nights out is though. If taking the escarpment route in, much better to camp in the Sehonghong valley directly below Nhlangeni Pass. This is where the kraals start though, so a little upstream from there. Next day to Mohlesi then follow the ridge directly up to what thomas calls TN South, and I've referred to as TN II, and from there to the main summit. This ridge is very easy terrain.