Semonkong Lodge – Lesotho
Semonkong Lodge – Place of Smoke
Experience one of the most beautiful and remote countries in Africa with Semonkong Lodge.
Landlocked by South Africa and commonly known as the Mountain Kingdom, Lesotho is a country with the highest lowest point in the world. Hiding away in the magnificent Maluti Mountains, you will discover the gem that is Semonkong Lodge, built on the banks of the Maletsunyane River using only local stone & thatch, offering just the right balance between civilisation and rustic elegance; a perfect base to explore this area on the iconic Basotho pony, mountain bikes or dare to take on the highest commercial abseil in the world.
Just down the river from the lodge, the mighty Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single dropping Falls in Africa, creating a haze of smokey mist as the water plummets with savage splendour 186m down into a spectacular gorge. This is how Semonkong, The Place of Smoke, got its name.
The well-known Duck and Donkey Tavern and Restaurant, provides a popular meeting place for both locals and guests and boasts affordable, delicious homemade meals and cold Maluti beers.
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 splendor, whilst descending through the spray from the waterfall alongside you. We promise – this will be a moment you will never forget!
Word of warning – this is not for the faint-hearted, but it offers a once in a lifetime experience and entitles you to some serious bragging rights with your friends.
Never abseiled before? Don’t worry, a practise session the day before on our 25m cliff close to the Lodge will prepare you for the big day and is included in the cost of the abseil. A 4×4 trip and short hike the next day will take you to the abseil and then it’s three, two, one… GO time!
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.
Our most popular day ride winds through the local villages of Semonkong, where you will catch a glimpse of the daily lives of those living in them. As you head towards the viewpoint of the mighty Maletsunyane Falls, you will be able to take in the beauty of the Kingdom of Lesotho and enjoy the peace and stillness of mountains that surround you. Once at the waterfall, it’s time to stretch those legs and give the horses a breather, it’s also the perfect time to stop and marvel at Semonkong’s greatest natural wonder – one of the highest single dropping waterfalls in Africa, plummeting 186m into the gorge below. An unforgettable sight! This trek can be extended to a 5-hour ride, including Mount Quang – the highest mountain in the area where you will be able to see the national flower of Lesotho, the Spiral Aloe (Aloe Polyphylla). To all those experienced riders, we can guarantee a fast gallop along this route if you are up for it!
