Experience an Ancient World in Lesotho
This is a Land Without Fences and Breathtaking Beauty
Landlocked by the South African provinces of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Free State and the Eastern Cape, this country relies heavily on its neighbour. Primitive surroundings allows for a highly authentic African experience. Lesotho is known as the land with no fences. The locals wander freely whether by foot or by Basotho pony. Always ready with a broad smile and friendly greeting, they are happy to stop and chat.
One of the most popular activities in Lesotho is to take a pony trek through this culturally rich land. The Bashoto people have excellent horsemanship and their little ponies are both sturdy and tough. They can trek for miles in almost any terrain and which allow the rider to take full advantage of the views laid out. Treks are available to accommodate what ever level of riding and range from one hour rides to six full day treks where visitors can over-night in local villages.
A Bit About the Country
Basutoland was renamed to the Kingdom of Lesotho when the country gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. After 23 years of military rule, a constitutional government was reinstated. The country is not overly developed and the majority of people live below the poverty line. Social and tourism out reach place are designed to alleviate some of these situations.
One such backpackers is the Malealea Lodge situated in the remote part of Western Lesotho. Not only do they offer comfortable accommodation, but the owners also give back to the surrounding community. The lodge supports the local primary school and tour guides consist of the surrounding villagers. Their knowledge of the surrounding areas are invaluable when visitors go on their hikes or pony treks.
Traveling to Lesotho
The big question is where are you flying from? once you have determined make a search on cheap flights to Lesotho the best is to find the flights with city name as most comprehensive results will come up with direct search for city name of airport name flights. For example if you are in UK you may make a search for you intended dates of travel on Airfares Cart flights to Lesotho.
What To Do
Malealea Lodge is one such place that offers pony treks for up to six days. Each night, the group stops over in one of the cultural villages and sleeps in an authentic Basotho hut with their hosts. Meals are prepared by the villages and, in so doing, they are able to generate further income.
On both the hikes and pony treks, the guides will show visitors ancient rock art on the walls of caves. The rock art depicts original inhabitants who took part in rituals. The paintings show how they used to be consumed by the spirits of animals, often eland, and then have super strength and energy. This would give them the ability to dance all through the night. Other paintings show how the inhabitants used to hunt their prey with bow and arrows.
Extreme soil erosion from farming does cause the landscape to appear stark and dry, particularly in winter. Lesotho has that rustic feel which gives it a prehistoric and untouched beauty. The gorges are deep and magnificent and after the summer rains are impossible to penetrate on foot. There is definitely something ancient and other-worldly about Lesotho. Visitors often feel as though they are the only souls left on earth.
