What to Do in Lesotho

Southern Africa's answer to Nepal offers natural beauty, rugged terrain, and rich local culture and traditions, and a scarcity of civilization's trappings, such as landlords and fences, provides a permit-free playground for the more intrepid adventurers. Here are some of the more accessible adventures to enjoy in this dramatic mountain kingdom.

Horse riding

Go for one hour to six nights, seven days pony trek across, the mountain escarpments, staying in the high altitude Basotho villages. The hardly sure-footed Basotho ponies provide the best way to see the rugged domain. Longer or shorter treks can be arranged to suit your schedule and posterior. Bookings can be arranged through.

4x4

The Lesotho 4x4 trail starts in Himeville (in KwaZulu-Natal) and ends in Fouriesburg (in the Free State), having crossed the daunting Sani Pass and much of Lesotho en route. This 400 km journey can be done in two days, but it deserves longer. Contact the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation for information.

Hiking

Hike the Giant's Cup trail from the Sani Pass Hotel to Bushman's Nek. This trail provides a panorama of splendid peaks, yet at the same time is one of the more accessible in the region (being relatively flat). It can be augmented by a hike up any of the impressive peaks en route or Thabana Ntlenyana, Southern Africa's highest point at 3 482 m.

Hikers can also follow the organized pony trekking routes, the starting points being Malealea Lodge, Semonkong Lodge, Roma Trading Post Guest House, Ramabanta Trading Post Lodge and Adventures, Molimo Nthuse, and the LHDA Phase 1A area and nature reserves. Contact numbers given above.

Skiing

Snow skiing is possible on the slopes below the Mahlasela Pass; New Oxbow Lodge nearby rents skis and boots. There are no lifts so you'll need to hike or shuttle up in a 4x4.

One ski lift has been installed, with 15 ski huts still under construction. Contact the nearby New Oxbow Lodge telephone number is +27 51 9332247, or Afri-ski on +27 11 888888. Website: www.afriski.co.za

Mountain biking

A trip on two wheels is a fantastic way to fully appreciate this small mountainous kingdom. A typical mountain bike tour covers about 200 km at high altitude, involving some serious passes and tricky technical sections from the start at Mpiti in the Drakensberg to the base of Ongeluksnek, the finale being a radical seven kilometre downhill.

Riders need a good degree of physical fitness for this challenge. Contact 180 Adventures for details.

Roof of Africa Rally - The route passes very rough parts of the country, an event that takes place annually.

For more information about Roof of Africa Rally or to make reservation contact Maseru Sun on + 266 22312434 and Lesotho Sun on +266 222 43000

Abseiling and Rock Climbing

Lesotho has the highest abseiling cliff in the whole world at an incredible 206 meters. For more details contact Semonkong Lodge at +27 51 9333l06, E-mail: bookings@placeofsmoke.co.ls

Outward Bound Centre, a team building and physical training center situated at the foothills of the mountains offers rock climbing and other activities. For further information on the activities offered, please contact +266 58740277

Other activities

Youth Activities Outdoor center offers canoeing, swimming, mountain biking, archery and kayaking, close to the city center in Maseru. Contact on +266 22325166.

Trout Fishing

Please talk to Jonathan at Semonkong Lodge for information