You wonder through the magnificent scenery of Lesotho, climbing mountains & crossing rivers. The surefooted Basotho Pony has been bred as the ideal form of transport in the rugged mountains & is the most effective means of reaching inaccessible mountain villages.
Overnight rides are quite strenuous, involving 6-7 hours riding a day. It is, however, a great way for the complete novices to learn how to ride. The accommodation is in Basotho villages in basic huts & costs LSL120.00 per person per night. Cooking equipment & eating utensils are provided. Luggage is carried on packhorses – one packhorse being adequate for 2 people & one guide per packhorse. Should your group want an additional packhorse together with the guide, it will cost an extra LSL485.00 per day. A maximum of 10 people for the pony treks. Baggage is limited to 12.5kg per person. No children under the age of 12 to go on overnight treks. N.B. Please book the overnight pony treks & guides in advance.
What to bring (overnight pony trek or hike):
The weather conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable, so be prepared! Torch (Flashlight), sunscreen (the African sun is relentless), sunhat, own water bottle, sleeping bag, own medical aid kit & food for self-catering. Basic cooking equipment & eating utensils are provided by the Lodge. In summer bring rain wear & swimwear, in winter clothing must include everything warm! Good hiking boots (with a slight heel = NB) & a warm jacket are essential. No sandals or flip flops or takkies/sneakers.
Bush Camping
Please be advised that these treks go out to remote areas where there are no showers or flush toilets – only the bush or long-drop toilets (VIP’s – ventilated improved pit latrine). One may wash in a river or stream & wash basins are sometimes provided in villages. Camping bedding rolls will be provided. There is no electricity, only candles (provided by the Lodge) & if you have torches or head lamps..
Catering on Treks
Catering is a separate entity to all treks. Should you wish the Lodge to cater for you, there will be an additional cost per person & this must be arranged prior to your arrival to the Lodge. Basic cooking equipment & eating utensils are provided by the Lodge.
One Night Out Treks
Ketane Waterfall … Ride up into the peaks of the Thaba Putsoa Mountains, seeing Alpine vegetation, remote villages, crossing the Ketane River & seeing its spectacular gorge. Hike from your village to the hidden Ketane Falls. Approximately 6 – 7 hours riding per day.
Ha Mojalefa …Pass the Maletsunyane Falls and visit the traditional healer on the way to Ha Mojalefa. Your host, Ntate Pethoka is very informative & teaches you a lot about Basotho life. The next day ride back on the high road. Approximately 4 – 5 hours riding per day.
There are many more impressive routes to explore & longer treks can be arranged, ranging from 2 nights to 10 nights out! Bring your own tent & we will provide a guide that will trek the mountains with you for as long as you wish to explore!
Overnight hiking treks
Guide Only (Without Packhorse) – Prices are quoted per person per day.
A basic minimum of LSL120.00 paid directly to the guide. Map with Direction’s available in reception.
Please see paragraphs above on what to bring for Overnight Pony or Hiking Treks, together with catering & bush camping explanations.
Guide & Packhorse Prices – Prices are quoted per person per day. Hikers who do not want to carry their heavy packs can use a packhorse.
