Activities - Semonkong Lodge

WORLD RECORD ABSEIL

Did you know we operate the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil in the world?

If you are visiting Semonkong Lodge, you NEED to add this Guinness World Record abseil to your bucket list.

We dare you to step off the 204m high ledge of the Maletsunyane Falls and experience the ultimate adventure. With your adrenaline levels soaring, you will witness the absolute natural beauty of this gorge in all its splendour, whilst descending through the spray from the waterfall alongside you. We promise – this will be a moment you will never forget

PONY TREKKING IN LESOTHO

Find freedom while exploring the wilds of Lesotho from the saddle of one of our trusty, sure-footed Basotho ponies.

Looking for a relaxed morning out in the fresh mountain air, taking in the scenery of the spectacular Maletsunyane gorge? Yes! Then be sure to book for a pony trek when you join us at Semonkong Lodge.

Catering to all types of riders, from the experienced to the “I’ve never sat on a horse before”, our horses are gentle and sturdy – and will make you feel at home in the saddle in no time. Known for their endurance and used by Basotho’s as one of the main modes of transport in the rocky terrain, be amazed at how these reliable, good-natured animals take the foothills and rugged mountain paths in their stride with ease.

HIKING IN LESOTHO

Semonkong Lodge and the surrounding area offers a unique and adventurous landscape to explore on foot. Single track trails or routes cut only by shepherds and their livestock boast a network hiking option. For the passionate explorer, Semonkong organises popular guided overnight treks to remote villages in the area with the use of Basotho pack horses to carry those heavy packs.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Semonkong lodge is ideally located in the centre of some of the best mountain biking in the world.

You can easily ride out for a 6 hour adventure as long as your legs are strong, or shorter rides around to the falls & lots in between even for novice mountain bikers. The terrain varies from divisional gravel road climbs out of the valley which travel in all directions from the lodge, or pick up on horse trails & contour tracks for more technical tough rides. The rides are all high altitude with the valley floor around 2200 meters which really gets you puffing. The air is crisp all year round, on longer out-rides it is good to be prepared for fast changing weather conditions so take enough juice, snack bars & a windbreaker. It is also good to inform the lodge where you are heading as they have great knowledge of the area.

4X4 IN LESOTHO

Lesotho is one of the most popular countries for 4×4 driving in Southern Africa, and one of the better spots is around the Semonkong area.

Use the Semonkong Lodge as your base and you can choose your route from there. The area has everything on offer, from gentle scenic leisurely 4×4 driving with the family, to serious 4x4ing where you need to have your wits about you and a sound knowledge of 4×4 skills and your vehicle…and it is all around Semonkong.

FLY FISHING

Semonkong Lodge is proud to offer fly fisherman a pristine piece of river with amazing fishing opportunities.

The Maletsunyane River on whose banks Semonkong lodge nestles, presents unique fishing opportunities. The fishing is divided by the mighty Maletsunyane falls which forms a formidable natural barrier to fish movement and creates two distinctly different fishing zones in the river.
The river was stocked with Trout in the mid 1950’s, with the area above the falls of both Brown and Rainbows. But as so often happens one species prevailed above the falls and today this stretch is exclusively Browns only.

HORSE RACING

Semonkong remains a remote frontier town isolated from the rest of Southern Africa, which has allowed the Basotho pony to thrive & stay at the centre of Basotho life. Ponies are not only used in everyday activities, such as transport of people & goods, but they also have their time in the spotlight.

The monthly (in winter) horse races are one of these times. The horse races here happen because our entire livelihood revolves around Basotho ponies & horse owners are completely passionate about the sport. Weather permitting, once a month, the local Semonkong Racing committee organises horse races for a Saturday afternoon once a challenge has arisen. There are various tracks in the area & everyone gathers on the day with great excitement & jubilation.

COMMUNITY TOURS

Enjoy & learn about local life in Semonkong Town. Stroll the streets; meet the local people accompanied by an informative local as a tour guide. Visit the local market & brewery before enjoying a traditional lunch at a locally owned restaurant – included in the tour price!

Visit the home of Mé Masetho & view an assortment of traditional Basotho blankets. Learn all about the designs and different meanings of these patterns of the ‘likobo’ (blanket).

Experience traditional & local entertainment sites in a unique way – riding a donkey! Visit a traditional beer brewing home, local bars & enjoy the local Basotho folk, their music & dancing. Alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks are for sale in the local bars. All drinks at own cost.