Tsehlanyane Nature Reserve Tour

In the morning after breakfast, we depart for Tsehlanyane Nature Reserve, a rugged mountain terrain located deep in the front range of the Maluti Mountains, with headquarters at the foot of the Holomo Pass. At Tsehlanyane, we will see Fauna and Flora, enjoy day walks, pony trekking, small game viewing, swim in the streams, and bird watching.

The country's top park features a beautiful, 56-sq-km patch of rugged wilderness, including one of Lesotho’s only stands of indigenous forest, at a high altitude of 2000m to 3000m. This underrated and underused place is about as far away from it all as you can get, and is perfect for hiking, horse riding and spotting elands.

In addition to day walks, there’s a 39km day hike or pony trek to/from Bokong Nature Reserve, covering some of Lesotho’s most dramatic terrain. Heading north from Bokong to Ts’ehlanyane is easier, as Bokong is higher; the challenging route is also better tackled by horse. Hiking guides can be arranged at Ts’ehlanyane gate (M40 within the park, M450 to Bokong) or Maliba Mountain Lodge. Book at least 24 hours ahead.

Maliba also offers community-run tours of the villages bordering Ts’ehlanyane.

Wildlife Highlights

One animal you’re likely to see while staying at Maliba Lodge is the eland. This majestic antelope had become extinct in the area, but was reintroduced in 2008. Although large, they are easy to miss as they blend in with the winter grasses, so take a few minutes to scan the mountain slopes while you hike. And don’t forget to look out for them from your balcony at the lodge.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Ts’ehlanyane NP can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Wildlife viewing is random and doesn’t really depend on the season. The landscape is most beautiful from December to April when rain has made the bush green and the sky is free of haze. However, rain can interfere with hiking from October to March (although mornings are usually dry). April to September is reliably dry but cold.

Highlights of the Tour:

Tsehlanyane Nature Reserve

Small game viewing

Bird watching

Fauna and Flora

Inclusive in the Tour:

Transport

Tour Guide

Lunch

Entrance Fees

Exclusive in the Tour:

Items of personal use

Hotel expenses

Breakfast & Dinner