A description Of Lasotho

A description Of Lasotho courtesy of Semonkong Lodge

Lesotho is a small independent nation, in the middle of Southern Africa. It is known as the Mountain Kingdom. Thaba Ntlenyana (3482m) the highest peak in Southern Africa is found in the north of Lesotho, and geographically most of the country consists of high mountain ranges, which have been carved out by rivers. All these rivers flow into the Orange River and then into the Atlantic Ocean.

A substantial percentage of the population live on the flat plateau referred to as the Lowlands, leaving the Highland areas sparsely populated.

The summer is the wet season with regular thunderstorms in the afternoons. The winter is the dry season, the temperature often dropping below zero. When a frontal weather system moves through, the mountains are often covered in snow. Snow has been recorded all year round in Semonkong, although it is rare outside the period of April to October. The summer temperature in the mountains rarely exceeds 28°C and may drop below -10°C in the winter. When preparing a trip to Lesotho, whether it is the summer or the winter, on foot or in 4 wheel drives, you must always have warm clothing

WE HAVE MUCH MORE TO ADD TO THIS BLOG FROM THE 2010 EXPEDITION AND WILL BE REVISITING DURING THE SUMMER OF 2011

Blog 8 : Screaming young children

The reception that teams both teams received at the Semonkong Methodist Children’s Centre was an emotional and moving experience to say the least. No words can explain how it feels to be greeted by 50+ screaming young children singing and waving in what was for them late in the night. The children were either in their bed clothes or wrapped in blankets, their smiles and hugs reduced the pre-mentioned torturous journey to an insignificant factor within our minds.

More Later

Day 7 : Lesotho Bound

0530 breakfast and departure for Semonkong. 07.00 We finally set off on our travels around Teams 1 and 3 travelling together on Jensen’s coach and 2 hired Ford 4 x 4 pickup trucks. The roads in South Africa were in good condition and the drivers reasonably courteous, we had been advised that this will not be the case when we cross the border. Lesotho apparently has few roads and driving is considered hazardous.


We cross the border and enter Maseru late in the afternoon, we follow a tarmac road to the Sentebale Charity office, where the cadets have a meeting and photo opportunity with Lesotho’s Prince Seesio.

We left the charity office during the last hour of daylight. we are now heading in the direction of Semonkong, as we drive through the Maseru suburbs we observe the changing life styles, poverty and deprivation is so evident yet the Lesotho population appear extremely happy, always waving their hands and smiling at every opportunity.



With fading light we pick up a moutain track, the tarmac roads and shanty type buildings have now been replaced with a single dusty track the properties we can now see are traditional African style round huts with straw roofs. Mechanical vehicles and western style clothing become a rare sighting, instead we now see people dressed in multi coloured blankets and balaclavas, they were mostly travelling on foot with some riding or walking horses and donkeys.


In total darkness and near freezing temperatures we finally arrived at the Semonkong Methodist Children’s Centre after a whopping 16 hour challenging drive through difficult and rugged terrain we eventually arrive at the Semonkong Methodist Children’s Centre.

Day 6 : Snakes, Rabies and a poo with a view

Following the usual frosty start the sun shines bright over breakfast.

Cadets from teams 1 & 2 receive final training on the use of Tents, Stoves, defensive action against Bush Fires and Security on Steep Ground.

Teams 3 & 4 return from their bush experience, and as was the case with teams 1 & 2 they were smelly, dog tired but have loved every moment.

All 4 teams swap stories and agree that Marcel from the Weenen Game Reserve is the God of knowledge.

Later that day lecturers and advice was given by the expedition technical advisor on the subject of border behaviour, local customs dealing with rabid dogs and snake bites and the cadets favourite when needs must choose a poo with view ?
All groups pack their kit ready for tomorrows early departure, destination Lesotho.

Day 5 : It may look like a shed - but it feels like home

Today was admin based with everyone given time to sort out their personal expedition equipment, wash their clothes and write postcards as well as receiving further training and lecturers on River Crossings and Water purification?

In the afternoon the teams participated in last minute pre-expedition shopping. A small number of volunteers repaired and enthusiastically tested the En’sami Low ropes course.




Evening meal was consumed in quick fashion as both groups were keen to participate in a wildlife night walk which included searching for porcupines.