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1. How far is Semonkong
from Maseru? Semonkong Lodge is 130
km’s from Maseru but a 3 hour drive. Distances
in Lesotho must be judged on time and not kilometers.
2. Can we get there in a
normal 2-wheel drive vehicle? How is the road?
Yes, it is possible. There is 65 km’s of
gravel road and the road is suitable for your
more rugged 2-wheel drive family sedan. As long
as your vehicle has some clearance, and you are
prepared to drive slowly you will get here. Many
a hired car – Toyota Tazz and Citi Golf’s
get here.
3. What is the altitude?
To get to Semonkong you go over the Thaba Putsoa
range which has peaks of over 3000m. The road
crosses a pass at 2800m and the Lodge is situated
in the valley below at 2200m. The highest point
in Southern Africa is Thaba Ntlenyana 3482m which
is in Lesotho near Sani Pass.
4. Is it safe?
Yes, Lesotho is safe. We suggest you do not drive
at night because there are very few signboards
and you can easily get lost. Bring a map.
5. Can we give sweets to
children?
Please do not give sweets or money to children,
rather support local businesses, curio traders,
orphanages, schools (stationery) etc. Giving sweets
to children encourages bad habits.
6. How far is the Maletsunyane
Falls?
The waterfall is an hour’s hike from the
Lodge.
7. What sort of horses do
you use on your pony trekking?
Semonkong is the horse capital of Lesotho and
Basotho ponies rule out here. They are the best
4x4 to use in the area. Semonkong Lodge works
with 60 community Basotho ponies. They are all
in good condition with good saddles, bridles etc.
We insist on riders wearing riding helmets (supplied
by the Lodge), and our horses are very good for
complete novices and children. If you know how
to ride, we also have horses for the more experienced
rider.
8. Is there a through road to Qacha’s
Nek?
Extreme 4x4 and only in the dry season as you
have to cross the Orange River which has not bridge.
Please telephone for current weather conditions.
9. How far are you from
Katse?
Approximately 8 hours of driving.
10. Can we use South African
Rands?
Yes, there is no need to exchange money. The Maloti
is on the same monetary value as the ZAR.
11. Approximate traveling
times:
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11.1. From the top of Sani
Pass to Katse is approximately 5-6 hours driving.
•
11.2. Katse to Roma is approximately
4-5 hours.
•
11.3. Roma to Semonkong
is approximately 2-3 hours.
•
11.4. Semonkong to Malealea
is approximately 3-4 hours.
•
11.5. Malealea to Mohale’s
Hoek 1 hour.
•
11.6. Mohale’s Hoek
to Qacha’s Nek about 3 hours.
12. Does it snow in winter?
Yes, normally 3 or 4 times – the surrounding
mountains may remain snow capped for a few weeks.
13. Will we get stuck?
The grader usually clears the pass within a day
– however, it does depend on the weather
conditions.
14. Are there shops in Semonkong?
Yes, there are a few trading stores where one
can buy basic food stuffs.
15. Can you get fuel?
There is diesel and leaded petrol available at
the Fraser’s Trading Store. One can buy
unleaded petrol in Maseru.
16. Where can I get more
information on Lesotho?
Should you want to know anything else, please
email us or contact the Lesotho Tourism Development
Corporation Information Office at touristinfo@ltdc.org.ls
Telephone Number: +266 – 22 312427
or Mobile: +266 - 58883504
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