Lesotho - Africa

Lesotho is very popular because of the many activity based tourism.

Mountain climbing

Sometimes Lesotho is also referred to as the Switzerland of Africa because it has more peaks per square kilometer than any other country that is in Africa. The Maluti and the Drakensberg mountains attract climbers from all over the world. If you are interested in rock climbing you can choose from a huge selection of cliff faces and mountain ridges. Climbers should be experienced and carry all their necessary equipment with them. During winter you can also do some ice climbing on some of the peaks.

Pony trekking

Many places in Lesotho are inaccessible, so pony trekking has become a popular way for tourist transport, especially when going to the rural mountain villages that can't be reached by road. Pony trekking could be organized through Malealea Lodge for trails lasting from between one to five days. You can stay in the villages along the trail during your overnight stops

The Basotho pony (which is used for pony trekking) is the result of a cross breeding between European full mounts, and short Javanese horses. The first ponies were captured by the Basotho from the invading Griqua people in the early 1800s and since then have become widespread throughout the country. They are extremely sure footed on narrow mountain paths, and are sturdy and so can travel long distances. Pony trekking is an brilliant way to get deep into the mountains without doing any of the hard work!

Pony trekking trails available:

• Malealea to Botsoela Falls (4 hours)
• Malealea to Pitseng Gorge (2 hours)
• Malealea to the Gate of Paradise Pass (1 day)
• Malealea to Ribaneng Falls (2 days)
• Malealea to Ribaneng, Ketane and Maletsunyane Falls. Semonkong (6 days)

Abseiling

Lesotho is home of the longest commercial abseil in the world a whopping 204m. It is located at the edge of the Maletsunyane Falls. Your abseil descends to the bottom of a gorge. If you want to go abseiling you will be givn a half day's training on the smaller cliffs before you can attempt the more extreme Maletsunyane abseil and by the way this abseil has made it into the Guinness Book of Records. You can arrange your abseiling through Semonkong Lodge.

Mountain biking

Mountain bikers can enjoy trails that lasts several days through he mountain passes of Lesotho. The majority of the terrain in Lesotho is not suitable for the inexperienced mountain biker. The Sani Pass climbs about 1200m in just 8km. Lesotho is also home to the Thin Air Challenge which is a four day mountain biking race for the really serious cyclist.

The Thin Air Challenge is not just another race; it is an unforgettable fine mountain biking experience at a high altitude that takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery. This race is physically and mentally very challenging especially the weather and the altitude. If you don't have the mechanical knowledge or at least have a partner that is technically minded don't try this race.