Horse Riding Trails- Pony Trekking Tour

Lesotho Pony Trekking – 7 Nights / 8 Days

Pony Trekking Trails with Overnight Stays in Basotho Villages – Experience “The Real Africa”

The pony trekking routes normally take about 7 hours each day. The Basotho people in remote areas provide the huts and horses used during the trek.

The huts are very basic and are equipped with a gas cooker, cooking and eating utensils, mattresses on the floor, and a bucket of water.

During the trek, you will experience “The Real Africa”, staying in traditional Basotho villages.

The trails cross spectacular mountain passes and some of Lesotho’s highest waterfalls. Experienced Basotho guides and a packhorse accompany the trekking groups.

This is an adventure activity undertaken at your own risk.

Your name, contact number, and next of kin must be left at reception before departure.

Indemnity forms must be signed before the trek begins.

Day 1: Arrival in Maseru and Transfer to Malealea Lodge

Lunch and Dinner – Included

You will be picked up at Maseru Airport and transferred to Malealea Lodge.

After lunch at the lodge, a local guide will take you on an approximately 3-hour hike to visit San Rock Art paintings. These rock paintings, created on the walls of exposed rock shelters, are among the best preserved examples of San heritage in the region.

Once you reach the caves, your guide will provide a detailed history of the San people and their nomadic lifestyle throughout Lesotho. Each painting and illustration will be carefully explained and discussed.

The return hike is mostly uphill, and several stops will be made for photographs and rest breaks along the way.

You will arrive back at Malealea Lodge in time to enjoy local dancing and music performed by a local band using handmade instruments.

Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Overnight: Guest Lodge

Day 2: Malealea to Ha Khotso Pony Trek

Hike / Pony Trek – 6–7 Hours

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner – Included

Your pack bags will be delivered to your room in the morning, allowing you to pack your gear into soft duffel bags or waterproof plastic bags.

After breakfast, you will be introduced to your horses and trekking guides.

Once the indemnity forms have been signed and helmets distributed, the guides will secure your luggage onto the packhorses. You will then receive a short briefing on how to ride and handle the horses.

Hikers will pack their saddlebags, wait for the packhorses to be fully prepared, and then begin the trek.

The terrain is rugged, including steep descents, river crossings, and steep ascents. Once you reach the top of the first valley, the terrain becomes easier.

After a few hours, you will stop to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing for a few more hours to Ha Khotso, your first overnight stop.

Ribaneng Falls will be visible for the last hour of the journey. After settling into the village hut and enjoying a cup of tea, you will take a two-hour return hike to the base of the falls.

The falls are impressive, twin drops of approximately fifty meters each, with a refreshing natural pool at the bottom.

Overnight: Ha Khotso – Village Huts

Day 3: Ha Khotso to Ha Hlalele (Ketane Area)

Hike / Pony Trek – 6–7 Hours

All Meals – Included

Today begins with a challenging uphill climb, rising from 1,850 meters to approximately 2,600 meters, passing the top of Ribaneng Falls.

This steep mountain pass was nicknamed “Slide Your Ass Pass” by riders participating in the famous Roof of Africa Rally, which once passed through this area. Due to severe erosion, the route eventually became too dangerous for the rally to continue using.

Even the Basotho pony, known for its exceptional surefootedness, sometimes struggles along this rugged terrain.

Historically, during the British trading era, the journey from Malealea to Semonkong took approximately 12 hours by horse. Today, because of erosion along the old bridle paths, the journey may take up to three days.

From the top of the pass, the trail continues downhill for approximately three hours to Ha Hlalele Village (Georgina’s village).

In the afternoon, you may take a short hike (about 2 hours) to see Ketane Waterfall and Gorge, which drops 122 meters into the valley below.

Overnight: Ha Hlalele – Village Huts / Homestay

Day 4: Ha Hlalele to Semonkong via Maletsunyane Falls

Hike / Pony Trek – Approx. 6 Hours

Breakfast and Lunch – Included
Dinner – Own Cost

Today you will travel toward Semonkong, passing the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls.

These falls are famous for the world-record Maletsunyane Abseil, recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil in the world (204 meters).

The trek today is gentler, although the high altitude and rugged terrain can still make the journey tiring.

You will view Maletsunyane Falls, which plunge 204 meters into the gorge below, before continuing to Semonkong Lodge.

After several days in remote villages, it will feel good to return briefly to modern comforts. At the lodge, you may enjoy drinks from the bar and a good meal from the restaurant.

Overnight: Guest Lodge – En-suite rooms with hot showers

Day 5: Semonkong to Ketane Village

Hike / Pony Trek – Approx. 5 Hours

Breakfast and Lunch – Own Cost
Dinner – Included

After breakfast and collecting packed lunches, you will trek back toward Ketane Village.

Although the route follows a similar path, the journey offers different perspectives of the landscape when travelling in the opposite direction.

You will be welcomed back by Georgina at Ketane Village.

If you did not visit Ketane Falls earlier, you may take a 2-hour afternoon hike to the top of the falls.

Overnight: Ha Hlalele – Village Huts

Day 6: Ketane to Thaba Kotje

Hike / Pony Trek – Approx. 6 Hours

All Meals – Included

Today’s journey takes about six hours and follows a relatively easy route along the mountain ridges, offering spectacular panoramic views across the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Overnight: Thaba Kotje – Village Huts

Day 7: Thaba Kotje to Malealea Lodge

Hike / Pony Trek – Approx. 7 Hours

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner – Included

Important: If the Makhaleng River is in flood, the route must use a bridge, which can add approximately 2 hours to the journey.

You will descend into the beautiful Valley of Paradise, arriving back at Malealea Lodge.

Here you can enjoy hot showers, comfortable accommodation, and a delicious home-cooked meal.

In the evening, relax around the fireplace while sharing stories of the adventure.

Paradise Pass: 2,001 meters

Overnight: Guest Lodge

Day 8: Departure and Visit to Morija

Breakfast and Lunch – Included (depending on departure flight)

After breakfast, depart Malealea Lodge and travel toward Maseru Airport.

Along the way, you will visit Morija, a historic town named after the biblical Mount Moriah.

Established in 1956, Morija became an important missionary center in Lesotho. It remains one of the most beautiful and historic villages in the country, known for its tree-lined roads and peaceful setting.

Hidden among the trees are the historic “Mother Church,” schools, printing works, hospital, museum, and other institutions established by early missionaries.

End of Tour

If the number of participants increases or decreases, the tour price will be adjusted accordingly.

Included:

All accommodations in rural villages and lodges

All meals as specified in the itinerary

Driver / Guide services

Pony trekking guide

Packhorse to carry luggage and food

Excluded:

Personal insurance and personal expenses

Tips for guides

All alcoholic and soft drinks