Pony Trekking in Lesotho

Journey into this incredible mountainous kingdom, using the traditional means of transport - the sure-footed Basotho pony. Basotho people will be your guides and your hosts, as you travel deep into this unfenced land of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and tiny Basotho settlements. Prepare for a truly unforgettable experience.

Information

Open Panel

Included

6 days car hire, accommodation and meals as specified, Basotho pony, Basotho guide (may not speak much English).

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, fuel and other car related costs.

Is it for you?

You do not need to be a rider to take this trip, but you need to be capable of long days on a horse (almost exclusively walking), and to accept very basic accommodation and facilities. Max body weight - 100kg. Max luggage - 12.5kg inc food.

Best time

Winter is cold and snowy. Spring is dry and cold/cool. Summer is rainy and hot. Autumn is warm with some rain. The weather is very changeable.

Getting there

UK to Johannesburg flights take about 10.5 hours and cost from £500 plus taxes depending on the season.

Weather and highlights

Open Panel

- Jan
- Sunny
- 5
- 25
- Feb
- Sunny
- 5
- 25
- Mar
- Sunny with Cloud
- 5
- 20
- Apr
- Sunny with Cloud
- 5
- 20
- May
- Snow
- 0
- 15
- Jun
- Snow
- 0
- 15
- Jul
- Snow
- 0
- 15
- Aug
- Sunny with Cloud
- 0
- 20
- Sep
- Sunny
- 5
- 20
- Oct
- Sunny
- 5
- 25
- Nov
- Sunny with Cloud
- 5
- 25
- Dec
- Sunny with Cloud
- 5
- 25

Wonderful landscapes
Remote location
Staying in Basotho huts
A real away-from-it-all experience

Itinerary

Open Panel

Duration: 6 days

Day 1: You will be met at Johannesburg airport and assisted with collecting your hire car. Drive to Ladybrand in the Free State. Remember to stop off a supermarket to stock up a few supplies for your meals while on the pony trek. Tonight you stay at Cranberry Cottages. (B)
Day 2: After breakfast, leave for Lesotho. Arrive at Malealea Lodge in time for lunch, giving you the afternoon to explore the local area. (B,D)
Days 3 & 4: Meet your Basotho guide and pony. Set off on your trek. You ride about 7 hours a day through breathtakingly gorgeous scenery. Each night you stay at a different village in a traditional hut they have set aside as the guest hut. You will have food with you to cook for yourself (tins of food, pasta etc). There are basic facilities in the hut (eg gas stove, water, cutlery, plates). You sleep on the floor on mats (provided) with your own sleeping bag. (Self catering)
Day 5: Trek back to Malealea Lodge in plenty time for dinner. (D)
Day 6: Leave Malealea Lodge after breakfast and drive back to Johannesburg. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Lesotho

Open Panel

We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). South Africa combines well with Botswana, Mauritius and Mozambique.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week in the Western Cape (eg Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Cedarberg etc) using good guest houses & hotels, and with a hire car.Between £500 and £1000+
1 week safari based at private lodges or tented camps (for example in Kruger, Madikwe, Hluhluwe ...)Between £1000 and £3000+
2 week safari and beach holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+
2 week Kruger and Cape holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+