Lesotho, South Africa
Before entering Lesotho in the afternoon, our route winds its way through the magnificent hills and mountains before crossing the capital city of Maseru as we climb to the base high in the mountains.
This morning, we explore the surrounding area on foot as the cool mountain air surrounds us. The trail, which will take us a couple of hours, offers a unique and adventurous landscape to explore.
The Kingdom of Lesotho is a landlocked country situated in the middle of South Africa and is one of the few African countries with natural boundaries formed due to tribal demands, rather than those forced by colonial ruling. Like Swaziland, Lesotho is one of the three remaining monarchies in Africa, but in contrast to Swaziland, Lesotho’s King serves a mostly ceremonial function whilst the Prime Minister retains executive authority. This small country has very little natural resources and due to overpopulation, the agricultural potential has reduced. However, what the country does have is a big heart comprised of awe-inspiring natural splendour and plenty of hospitable, friendly people. The towering Maluti Mountains spread over majority of Lesotho. These mountains are a rough and untamed range that form their very own climate which inevitably leads to sudden falls in temperature as well as mighty thunderstorms. The earliest recorded occupants of Lesotho were the Khoisan hunter-gatherers. Proof of their inhabitance dates back to at least 30,000 years ago, with cave paintings along with other San artifacts discovered in various dispersed sites all over Southern Africa, plenty of which were found in Lesotho. The Khoisan’s artworks have given us a glimpse into their lifestyle as well as their deep spiritual bond with the earth and animals. However, the San (referred to as Bushmen by colonial settlers and as Baroa by the Basotho tribes of Bantu origin) were mistreated from the instant they were discovered by outsiders, and have long ago withdrawn to the sands of the Kalahari, their last remaining sanctuary.
Accommodation: Two per Room Semonkong Lodge
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Drakensberg to Semonkong
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Morning waterfall hike with your guide
