Hello,
We will be doing a self-drive from Nerston (border crossing)from Swaziland to Qacha's Nek in Lesotho.
Can't decide which would be quickest/easiest route:

1st Choice: to go south from Nerston to Piet Retief, then west to Newcastle, south to Harrismith, south to Qwa Qwa Nt. Park area to cross border, then south to Mokhotlong and southwest to Qacha's Nek.

2nd Choice: to go south from Nerston to Piet Retief, then south to Vryheid,west to Ladysmith, south and west to Swartberg, then west to Qacha's Nek.

We will leave Kruger on 22Dec. around 1pm. Drive into Swazi and spend the night. Exit through Nerston, choose one of the routes and spend night of 23Dec. along the way. Arrive in Qacha's Nek on the 24 Dec.

Are we nuts?
Is this doable/feasible?
Will we feel like we are contestants in "The Amazing Race"?
Will we need a 4x4 for either route?
Many, many thanks for any advice you can provide.