Duration: 9 days Introduction
Lesotho is a small independent nation in the middle of Southern Africa, known as the “Mountain Kingdom”. Thaba Ntlenyana (3,482m) the highest peak in southern Africa is at the northern end of Lesotho; geographically most of the country consists of high mountain ranges which have been heavily eroded by rivers. All these rivers flow west into the Orange River and then into the Atlantic Ocean, which is not what you’d expect, given that the Indian Ocean is so much closer.
Read more... Most Lesotho people live on the flat plateau called the “Lowlands”, which is a relative term! This leaves the Highland areas sparsely populated. Maseru to Semonkong is only 130 km but takes 3 hrs to drive. Lesotho is one of those places where distance is judged by time, not kilometres! The hallmark of any true adventure destination. Because this trail is so remote and so far from the beaten track, the leader will fly out a couple of days ahead of the group to buy supplies for the trail and deliver them to strategic drop-off points, ready for the group’s arrival.
The really unique, and pioneering aspect of this ride is that each village and hamlet receives a commission for the use of their facilities. If all tourism followed this model, the world would be a fairer place to explore!
Sotho People and King Moshoeshoe — Sotho Language The details
This is high, remote country - the trails will be little visited and that special “wilderness feeling” will be there in abundance.
Read more... Country: Lesotho.
Ride category: mountainous.
Getting there: London via Johannesburg to Maseru.
Terrain: Not high enough for altitude sickness to be a threat, but high enough for the weather to be unpredictable. Some rivers; lots of rough mountain terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Few level sections for a faster pace. Riders should be happy to get over natural obstacles such as rivers, gullies and dips.
Climate: The summer is the wet season with regular thunderstorms in the afternoons. The winter is the dry season, the temperature often dropping below zero. When a frontal weather system moves through, the mountains are often covered in snow. Snow has been recorded all year round in Semonkong, although it is rare outside the period of April to October. The summer temperature in the mountains rarely exceeds 28°C and may drop below -10°C in the winter. When preparing a trip to Lesotho, whether it’s the summer or the winter, on foot or in 4 wheel drives, or mounted, you must always have warm clothing.
Pace: walk 75%; trot 23%; canter/gallop 2%.
Horse Breed: Basotho Ponies.
Tack: South African army saddles (designed for long distance riding) with a sheepskin pad. Variety of bits, often with levers, requiring gentle hands.
Rider’s involvement: riders are expected to groom and tack their horse; untack during breaks. The guide will be available to advise and assist if necessary. There are several occasions on the trail when we need to prepare our own food: this is a task where we all need to chip in.
Rider’s weight: 90 Kg max
Best season for ride: April, May; October.
Accommodation: (Based on twin share; single occupancy option available: No)
Family run mountain lodge x 4 nights
Hamlet huts x 3 nights
Distance from urban areas: nearest town is Bloemfontein which has state of art medical facilities.
Cross-cultural awareness: the majority of the population is Christian, and the largest group with this is the Roman Catholic church. Rather more interestingly are the sects that blend Christianity with local, traditional beliefs and incorporate animal and plant deities.
Guide: an English speaking professional guide will accompany us throughout.
Horse breed profile — Music of Lesotho The itinerary
Starting and finishing at Malealea Lodge we set off into the mountains riding past waterfalls, along mountain ridges and through beautiful villages.
Read more... Day by Day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival.
Fly from London via Johannesburg to Maseru. Overnight flight.
Day 2: WELCOME
Met upon arrival and driven from Maseru to Malealea Lodge, the start of the trail. Meet the horse and take short rides around the lodge to match ponies to riders. Dinner at the lodge.
Day 3: RIBANENG WATERFALL
Set off from the lodge heading higher up into the mountains. At the hamlet of Ha Lebona there is a simple café selling cold drinks (including beer!). Meet the hut hosts and leave personal gear in the huts; ponies have afternoon off to rest. Saddle time is 7 hours. Follow local guide and walk approx 3 hrs (round trip) to bottom of the Ribaneng waterfall. Return to the hamlet huts for overnight. Breakfast and packed lunch from Malealea Lodge. Tonight we will cook our own supper.
Day 4: SLIDE YOUR ASS PASS.
This morning, after preparing our own breakfast, we ride to the top of RIBANENG Waterfall and continue ascending via "Slide Your Ass Pass": magnificent views from the top where we have a picnic lunch that we will have prepared earlier. A long ride takes us to Semongkong Lodge. Saddle time is 8 - 9 hours. Dinner at Semongkong Lodge.
Day 5: MALETSUNYANE WATERFALL.
Today is a loop trail. At 198 m Maletsunyane is the highest single drop waterfall in South Africa. To put it in context, Victoria Falls is a trifling 156 m .. but it is quite a bit broader! Return to Semongkong Lodge for overnight. Saddle time 3 hours. Breakfast, packed lunch and Dinner provided by Semongkong Lodge.
Day 6: KETANE WATERFALL
Continue to the village of Ha Hlalele and meet Chief Matias. Leave personal gear in huts and follow local guide to the Ketane Waterfall: about 2 hours walking. Saddle time 7 hours. Breakfast and packed lunch provided by Semongkong Lodge. This evening we prepare our own dinner at Ha Hlalele.
Day 7: Ha Ketane to SEKOTENG
Today is a gentle ride to Sekoteng sa Lifarike (meaning "The trough which the pigs have dug!") a beautiful village surround by a ring of mountains. Chief Puli and his wife are our hosts. Saddle time is 6 hours. We will prepare our own breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Return to Malealea.
Today’s ride follows the mountain ridge back to the starting point at Malealea lodge. Saddle time 7 hours. Provide our own breakfast and lunch. Dinner back in the luxury of Malealea Lodge.
PLEASE NOTE: If the Makhaleng River is in flood, we may have to use the bridge, rather than ford the river, which lengthens the trail on Day 2 and Day 7 by about another 2 hours making for long days.
Day 9: Depart from Malealea.
Return to airport. Depart. Breakfast at Malealea. Return to the UK.
The Maletsunyane Falls — Lesotho Accommodation — Facts