As Maliba River lodge is situated within a private leased area of Tsehlanyane National Park we have on our doorstep several secluded marked mountain bush trails & bridle paths for exploration. On going exploration continues into remoter parts of the park and further trials will be accessible over time. Tsehlanyane National Park is blessed with an abundance of fresh clean water emanating from the pristine un-spoilt mountains. Many rock natural pools exist for swimming, exploring and relaxing by.
Plant species richness is very high within the park and provisional estimates are that in excess of 220 flowering plant species are present. Best time to view these is from spring to summer. Of some 24 mammalian species recorded in the Highlands area many are resident (although elusive) within the park.
Limited surveys undertaken by field staff on birds within the park show a provisional list indicating the presence of some 69 species. Any additions to this list are welcome. Guided horse riding is available on local Lesotho ponies by prior arrangement, renowned for being firm underfoot even on the rugged slopes of the Lesotho mountainside.
One of the last remaining old growth indigenous Lesotho woodlands is to be found within the park. 3km from the lodge are several natural Basotho villages where one can safely wander and explore everyday life. If you prefer to be shown around by an experienced local guide, guided walks can be arranged into this area.
Activities
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Bird watching – Bearded Vulture, birding in Lesotho. The bird life attracts many twitchers to the Kingdom. The total bird species count is around 200, and the best months to see them are October to March. There are a range of bird hot-spots: Liqobong Upper Sengu River Mafika-Lisiu Sehonghong & Matebeng Sehlabathebe National Park Upper Quthing Valley
Pony trekking – Pony trekking in Lesotho. Pony trekking has become one of the most popular tourist activities in Lesotho and is one of the finest ways to experience the Lesotho highlands. The ponies are typically robust and sure-footed and treks explore the spectacular mountain scenery as well as give visitors the opportunity to see and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Basotho people. The main pony trekking centers are the Basotho Trekking Center on God Help Me Pass, and the Malealea Lodge near the Gates of Paradise, where treks lasting from one hour to six days can be arranged. Further a field in the Tsehlanyane National Park there is the newly built luxury Maliba Lodge which offers pony trekking for guests.
Skiing: – Skiing in Lesotho at Afriski. Situated at 3222m above sea level in the northern part of the Maluti Mountains, Afri-Ski the closest ski resort to Gauteng, Natal and the Free State, offers the longest ski slope in Africa with skiing and snowboarding for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Skiing in Lesotho is nevertheless a somewhat hit and miss affair. The best time to go is June through to August. Afri-Ski Leisure Kingdom offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities at a 3,000m (10,000-foot) altitude. There are three slopes and two ski lifts, while several alternative activities are on hand in the summer months. enjoyed to ski. Afriski is situated 2 hours drive from the lodge and is Africa’s highest ski resort (seasonal between June-September). Our reservations team can organize skiing packages to here when in season or just take a day drive and a picnic lunch.
Walking and hiking – Hikking in the Maloti-Drakensburg mountains. Although you will not find organised hiking trails Lesotho is criss-crossed by a network of pony trails and footpaths making Lesotho a hiker’s paradise. Indeed, the hills and mountains of Lesotho are ideal for walkers with hundreds of kilometres of mountain trails offering a wonderful opportunity to discover the best of Lesotho.
Mountain bike riding – Mountain biking off road in Lesotho. Many of our trails are suitable for exploring on bikes and are becoming increasingly popular among enthusiasts. The Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal have some jeep tracks that are suitable for riding, most notable of which is Sani Pass that zigzags up the mountain into Lesotho climbing to about 1,200m in eight kilometres. The hairpin bends, slippery surfaces and long, steep drops make this a bad choice for beginners. You also need to keep an eye open for traffic as this rather challenging 4×4 track is the only southern route into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho
Rock and mountain climbing – Rock and mountain climbing Lesotho has more peaks per sq. km. than any other country in Africa but you need to be prepared and should not undertake climbing unless experienced, have proper equipment and have sought local advice.
