This lodge sits in a dramatic and beautiful location in the Drakkensburg Mountain Range in north-east Lesotho. New Oxbow Lodge is reached via the glorious Moteng Pass which reaches 2800 meters and then descends to the lodge in a valley 8km from the summit, on the banks of the Malibamatsoe river. The road is tarred all the way and accessible by car, and takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Southern Africa.
Oxbow Lodge started when two brothers with friends, were exploring the Lesotho Mountains. They were caught in a snowstorm, and pitched up tents in the oxbow area. The name Oxbow, comes from the shape of a mountain nearby that resembles the bow of an ox, and also the river nearby that flows in an oxbow. Since it was started it has changed hands a few times and the tents grew into A-frames and now chalets. The currently owners took over in 1978.
The altitude of 2700m results in an extreme and bracing climate. The alpine cold ensures snow in winter, and on occasion, in summer. The lowest recorded temperature has been -27 degree Celsius, where everything froze, from water pipes, to the water in the toilet cistern! Log fires roar at the lodge all year round.
The lodge has a little shop which sells a variety of products. Local craftswomen bring their beaded jewellery to the lodge to sell.
There are 35 en-suite bedrooms, fully serviced and equiped with warm blankets and heaters. Rooms vary in sizes, accommodating single, to a family of six. There is courtyard parking infront of the rooms. There are no phones or cell phone reception, only an emergency satellite phone. There is a lounge, bar, 2 restaurants and a games room. There is also a cellar with good selection of wines.
Note that this lodge and region of Lesotho is used by the South African market as a ski resort in their winter, mainly June - August. We do not sell skiing holidays.
