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"For someone
who has vertigo and has never ridden a
horse before in their life, this little
excursion certainly gave this little travel
junkie one hell of a hit!!! Excellent!!"
"I've
heard for a long time that if you don't
do something you are afraid of occasionally,
then you are not really living. Doing
those things that strike a bit of fear
into you is another matter, and a wonderful
one that I have just experienced. Climbing
down the mountain ridges on the back of
a horse, climbing on my own two legs down
to see Ketane Falls, it all makes me feel
all the more alive as I sit here and savour
the joy of supper, stars, and sleep. Great
time!" |
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(Click
here for day trails)
Overnight
rides are strenuous, involving 6-7 hours riding each
day. It is however, a great way for complete
novices to learn how to ride. The accommodation is in
Basotho villages and the villagers supply spring water.
The huts have cooking equipment and eating utensils.
Luggage is carried on packhorses, one packhorse being
adequate for 4 people. A maximum of 10 people for the
pony treks. Baggage limited to 12,5 kg per person. No
children under the age of 12 to go on overnight treks.
N.B. Please book the overnight pony
treks and 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 and
food. In summer bring rainwear, swimwear and a warm
jacket. Winter clothing must include everything warm!
One
Night Out treks
Ketane Waterfall ...
Ride up into the peaks of the Thaba Putsoa mountains,
seeing Alpine vegetations, remote villages, crossing
the Ketane River and 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. Spend the night with your
host, Mr. Phethoka, the school Principal. He is very
informative and teaches you a lot about Basotho life.
The next day ride back on the high road. Approximately
4 - 5 hours riding per day.
Thaba Tseou ... Ride
into the high valleys
of the White Mountain where the endangered Red Finned
Minnow and Spiral Aloe still exist. This is a beautiful
area for Alpine flowers and from February onwards, shepherds
bring their flocks and herds to graze in this lush area.
Camp for the night in paradise.
Maletsunyane
Gorge Hike - 2 Nights Outs
The Maletsunyane gorge, with sheer cliffs
of basalt scoured by millions of years of erosion, exposes
the geological history for everyone to see. This 3 day
trek following the river downstream is strenuous. The
first night will be spent camping on the banks of the
Maletsunyane River, with the second night in a Basotho
village. For the fisherman there are wild trout and
yellow fish, for nature lovers one can see the bearded
vultures and the unique flora of the gorge.
To return to the Lodge on the 3rd day,
you can either hike or have Basotho ponies meet up with
you at Ha Ntlasinye village.
· Maletsunyane Gorge Hike with
Porters & Pony Trek back– Minimum of 4 people
– M1 200.00 per person.
· Maletsunyane Gorge Hike with Guide Only –
Minimum of 4 people – M310.00 per person.
Senqunyane
Gorge
Pony Trek – 2 Nights Out
A layer of sandstone forms a dramatic
escarpment of cliffs at the confluence of the Senqu
and Senqunyane Rivers. Huge overhangs form shelters
which have been inhabited by the San people for tens
of thousands of years. Saddle up and leave the Lodge
early heading into the Senqunyane Gorge to spend the
first night in a Basotho village. This is a long ride.
The next day follow the river downstream and camp on
the bank of the Senqunyane River. Spend the afternoon
fishing for the big "Yellows" or explore the
San caves. The next morning head out of the gorge and
return to the Lodge – this will be another long
day’s ride.
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