Semonkong Falls Lesotho - a great place to go

Lesotho is must-visit mountain kingdom that is unlike any other area in Africa. Semonkong falls is a great little trip to get a quick feel for the country. The falls is the highest in Southern Africa at 204 meters (669 ft).

Lesotho is primarily the home of Basotho people. The Basotho people are predominately rural. Getting around the mountainous areas has always been difficult, so the Basotho pony is ideal choice for local transportation. Breeding and riding these surefooted ponies is very important. In the towns and mountains, it is not unusual to meet a Basotho horseman, traditionally clad in a kobo - his cloak or blanket. The people will raise their hand in the traditional greeting "Khotso" - meaning peace.

The trip from Maseru, the capital city to the lodge at Semonkong is an ideal way to meet the see the Basotho culture. The drive from Maseru to Semonkong lodge can be done in 3-4 hours. I recommend you leave a bit more time to stop and meet with the locals. To get the feel of Lesotho, plan on making the trip to Semonkong as memorable as being at Semonkong. Make sure to bring whatever food and water you need for the trip. You can get meals at the Semonkong lodge, but there isn't much else on the way. We timed the trip to arrive at the falls by 3:00 PM leaving Maseru by 8:00 AM.

While at Semonkong falls I highly recommend hiking to the falls by way of the river bed and a enjoying a horse back ride.

Hiking from the Lodge to the top of the Falls

The hike takes about 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours and is not marked. You can't get lost if you follow the river bed. We found it a fun way to explore the area and feel like you were part of the landscape, not just traveling through the area. It was definitely a major highlights of the trip.

You'll observe Basotho people using the river for their livestock and making a quick meal. If you stumble across a group of Basotho children around 13 or so, they may be involved in a coming of age ritual. While the Basotho are very friendly and open, they are very reserved and a secretive about their native customs. Please respect their native customs and quietly go about your business. If they wish to interact, they will make it known with their traditional "Khotso" hand greeting. It gets dark quickly, especially down in the river bed so plan your time wisely. You can also see the falls by arranging to repel down the face or by arranging a guided visit through the lodge services.

Horseback Riding

The lodge will give you the choice of riding to the falls or in another mountainous area. Since we had hiked to the falls, we opted for the mountainous ride. The ride takes you through the village of Semonkong and out amongst the Basotho herders. It's a great way to meet the people and get a great perspective on the landscape.

The ride lasts about 3-4 hours. We did the ride on the day following our arrival after breakfast, returning in time for lunch at the lodge.

Adventure Tips

• You need a good 4 wheel drive or high clearance vehicle. Make sure you have spare tires and good tread. There is little to no communication access outside of any town.
  
• Many people believe J.R. Tolkein based the "Lord of the Rings" in part on the geography of Lesotho.
• If you see a home flying a white flag, they are selling a local alcoholic beverage. Homes flying a red flag are selling meat.
• Picking up hitchhikers is generally safe, but use your own best judgment. If they offer to pay for the ride, as most will, please let them off the hook very polity. While they don't have much in terms of material goods, they are rich is ways that most of us are not. If we treat them with the respect we would like to to receive, Lesotho will continue to be a largely unspoiled mountain kingdom.
• Bring a camera charger that works on a car plug.

Activities

• Photography
• Cultural interaction
• Horseback riding
• Hiking
• Adventure Motorcycling (arrange in Maseru)
• Waterfall Repelling
  

Do

• Do respect the locals and their customs. Be polite, they are.
  
• Do ask before you take a personal picture. If you do, you may be asked for give some rand. Please make it clear that you are exchanging the rand for the privilege of the photograph, not as a hand-out.
• Always smile and wave.
• Do take your time and soak this place up.
• Be low-key and laid back. The Basotho do not have the same sense of time that westerners do.
• Do learn a few words of the local tongue. especially the local greeting, and life will be very good for you indeed. 
• Make a reservation at Semonkong lodge before you leave Maseru.

Don'ts

• Don't give the children candy or other sweets. All you are doing is helping to create beggars. The Basotho are a proud are wonderful people. They do not want their children begging.
• Don't travel at night. The road is very rough and it is very easy to hit a pony or other livestock grazing by the side of the road.
• Don't be in a rush or expect things to get done on time.