Hiking & Fishing Tour At Maletsunyane Falls

No fishing is allowed during the period from 1st May through to 31st August of any year.

Pick-up at the hotel or airport, after which the group immediately gets into a vehicle and heads to Semonkong, known as “The Place of Smoke.” The area boasts the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, which thunder from a height of 204 meters, making it one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa. The journey takes you through the rugged mountains of Lesotho with experienced guides.

Upon arrival, we drive straight to the waterfall, get out of the vehicle, and hike to the bottom of the falls, where we will enjoy a variety of water activities such as swimming and trout fishing (only fly fishing is permitted, and proper equipment is essential).

Semonkong Lodge is proud to offer fly fishermen a pristine stretch of river with excellent fishing opportunities.

The Maletsunyane River, on whose banks Semonkong Lodge is located, presents unique fishing opportunities. The fishing area is divided by the mighty Maletsunyane Falls, which form a natural barrier to fish movement and create two distinctly different fishing zones in the river.

The river was stocked with trout in the mid-1950s, with both Brown and Rainbow trout introduced above the falls. However, as often happens, one species eventually dominated, and today this stretch of river is populated exclusively by Brown trout.

With around 60 years of natural selection strengthening their genes, these Brown trout have adapted well to the river and prospered. With ample water flow, abundant food supply, and minimal fishing pressure, they have developed into a population that rivals those found in famous trophy fishing destinations such as New Zealand, Patagonia, Alaska, and other renowned rivers around the world.

There are very few places in Africa where there is such a realistic possibility of catching a 10-pound wild Brown trout in a natural river. The average size of catches in this section of the river is quite impressive.

This stretch of river is easily accessible, with the lodge situated roughly midway between the falls and the road bridge weir, above which trout are not found and where the Maluti Redfin Minnow (Pseudobarbus quathlambae) thrives. Fish in this stretch readily take a variety of nymphs and streamers, and in the late afternoon and early morning, when weather conditions permit, strong rises occur in many pools, providing spectacular dry-fly fishing opportunities.

Downstream, the stretch of river between the falls and the confluence with the mighty Senqu River is truly magnificent. Here, Brown trout are still found, but they share the river with Rainbow trout and Yellowfish. Anglers can attempt the challenge of achieving a “grand slam” by catching all three species. This opportunity is made even more exciting because all three species are found here in trophy sizes.

What You Need to Know

Only fly fishing is permitted, and a strict catch-and-release policy must be followed. The trout season is closed from May through the end of August. Fishing equipment is available for hire.

There is a fly-fishing fee per person per day, which contributes to the Maletsunyane River Conservation Fund and includes the services of a local fishing guide.

Permit Fee: Charged per person per day – please inquire at reception.

This permit may only be used by the permit holder and entitles the fisherman to the following conditions:

Fly fishing only

All fish must be released

No fishing is allowed during the period from 1st May through to 31st August of any year

Children under the age of 12 years are free of charge

All funds collected are used for river conservation and cleaning projects. Please support local employment initiatives by hiring a local fishing guide, who will show you the best fishing spots and help communicate with the local communities along the river.

Day Fishing

Base yourself at Semonkong Lodge and fish the Maletsunyane River above the waterfall for Brown trout, accompanied by a local fishing guide who will take you to the best fishing locations.

You may also hike (or abseil) to the bottom of Maletsunyane Falls to fish for Rainbow trout. The hike out of the gorge is strenuous but very rewarding.

Extreme Fly Fishing Expeditions (5 or 6 Nights)

The Maletsunyane River has carved a spectacular gorge downstream of the falls. This remote section of the river offers unforgettable fishing, although access is more challenging than the areas above the falls.

Semonkong Lodge organizes 4-, 5-, or 6-day guided expeditions into the gorge, with equipment transported by pack horses and donkeys.

This trip is physically demanding and therefore limited to physically fit participants. The journey begins at the lodge, where fishermen travel by 4×4 vehicle to a point above the gorge, where they meet the pack horses. Equipment is loaded onto the animals and guided down the descent, while guests carry only their daypacks and fishing gear.

At the bottom of the descent, surrounded by dramatic cliff faces, the first night’s camp is established. After unpacking and enjoying a hearty lunch, the remainder of the day is spent fishing. All meals are prepared by the guides, allowing guests to focus entirely on the fishing experience.

After breakfast the next morning, fishermen head out with their guides while the camp is dismantled and transported by the pack animals to the next campsite. Lunch is served along the river, and later that afternoon, the group arrives at the next overnight camp.

The gorge landscape changes dramatically around every bend, becoming steeper, more rugged, and increasingly spectacular as you move upstream. Depending on weather and river conditions, it is possible to fish right up to the base of Maletsunyane Falls. This remote section is truly wild, with breathtaking scenery and abundant birdlife, and has been explored by very few anglers.

This expedition is an unforgettable wilderness experience.

For full itineraries, please contact us.

Equipment Requirements

Above the Falls

Rods in the 3–5 weight range with floating and intermediate lines

Effective flies include Zak, PTN, Copper John, GRHE, and Flashback nymphs in dark colors (sizes 12–16)

Black, brown, and green weighted Woolly Buggers and Papa Roach (sizes 10–14)

RAB, Parachute Adams, and Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14–18)

Tippet sizes: 3X, 4X, and 5X

A suitable large-capacity fishing pack or vest

Sunblock and a hat

Always carry a rain jacket, as mountain weather is unpredictable

Below the Falls

Rods and flies are similar to those used above the falls, but anglers should also bring black mayfly nymphs in sizes 18 and 20, as turning over rocks in the gorge reveals very small nymphs that can be highly effective.

Additional recommended equipment:

Durable hiking or wading boots suitable for rough terrain

Sleeping bag, torch, and personal outdoor clothing for wilderness trekking (tents are provided)

Please contact us before your trip for a complete equipment list and further advice.

It is important to note that the gorge expedition is extremely demanding physically. Although many people have completed it—including a 70-year-old angler in excellent physical condition—a pre-trip fitness program is strongly recommended.

Highlights of the Tour

Maletsunyane Falls

Fly Fishing

Hiking

Swimming

Inclusive:

Transport

Tour guide

Lunch

Entrance fees

Exclusive:

Personal expenses

Hotel accommodation

Breakfast and dinner