World Country Guide

Sport & Activities

Pony trekking
At the moment three treks are on offer, two of them covering the great falls at Ribaneng, Ketane and Maletsunyane, the latter being particularly noteworthy as it is the highest single-drop fall in southern Africa. There is a choice of return, once Semonkong has been reached, between going back to Maseru by road on the fourth day or continuing the pony ride for another two days to Ha Ramabanta, where motor transport is available for the return to Maseru. The other route is the Molimo Nthuse circular trip, starting at the Molimo Nthuse (‘God Help Me’) Centre (the actual base for the Basotho Pony Trekking Centre) and going over Thaba Putsoa (‘Blue Mountain’) Pass to reach Ha Marakabei-Senqunyane Lodge on the second day. The return trip via Molikaliko and Qiloane Falls reaches Molimo Nthuse from a different direction on the fifth day. Unlike the three falls of the first trip, Qiloane is a wide fall with several smaller drops. Overnight stops are usually made in the rural areas in the huts of the remote Basotho where a taste of real Basotho life is experienced. All the routes pass through magnificent countryside.

Skiing
In conjunction with a private company, the Lesotho government has developed a modern ski resort in the heart of the Lesotho highlands. Just four-and-a-half hours' drive from Johannesburg, the resort aims to attract skiers from both Southern Africa and Europe (website: www.afriski.co.za).

Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing is a popular and ideal way of seeing the rugged beauty of the land.

Birdwatching
As many as 279 species of birds have been recorded and keen birdwatchers should take a trip along the Mountain Road to see birds rare to southern Africa.

Fishing
Lesotho’s dams and rivers contain local and imported fish. Brown and rainbow trout and carp provide satisfying sport for anglers.

Other
Horseracing is a popular sport and meetings take place throughout the country. Football is Lesotho’s national game and matches are played most Saturdays and Sundays. Maseru has high-standard tennis courts. For swimming, bilharzia-free rivers and lakes and hotel pools are available for bathing.