Horseback Riding Vacations in Lesotho

Some interesting facts about Lesotho

The kingdom of Lesotho, formerly known as Basutolandia, is the only country in the world to be located within another nation, South Africa.

It's considered the highest country in the world world due to the height of its lowest point of 1,400 metres, and 80% of its territory is above 1,800. Its highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana, 3,482 meters, in the Drakensberg Mountain Range.

As one of the highest countries in the world, Lesotho is known for having crisp clean air and the mountains have an almost transparent blue tone.

Star viewing is breathtaking at night with the Milky Way clearly visible and many more constellations than in the Northern hemisphere.

As for its flora, Lesotho is an extremely arid country. Almost all of its forests have disappeared, and although there have been numerous projects to reforest part of the country with fast-growing eucalyptus trees, fertile land is scarce and the high demand for firewood as fuel has made the projects difficult.

Large swathes of untouched countryside hold countless treasures including Bushman rock art, pristine dinosaur remains and fossilized footprints.

Population

Its total population is estimated at around two million. Most people are distributed among the mountains, surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.

However, its capital, Maseru, is alive with all the elements that make up the bustling characteristics of a city. The streets connect the old markets and the noisy bus terminals.

Tradition plays a large part in Lesotho life. Farming processes such as threshing can involve a whole village, with each person taking an important role, baskets are hand-woven with intricate skilful designs and tribal dances or stick fighting are regular leisure time activities that can be seen while riding here.

The adventure of exploring Lesotho on horseback

Horseback riding on the local Basotho ponies is the second most used form of travel for locals and the best way to cross the rugged mountainous terrain.

The entire highlands of Lesotho are crisscrossed with well-utilized horse and donkey trails. It is common to meet many local riders going about their daily business on horseback when riding in Lesotho.

Adventurous and challenging horseback riding vacations in Lesotho will take you from one side to the other, a 350 km journey in 7 days of riding with very steep ascents and descents. This crossing of Lesotho on horseback is the ultimate challenge for experienced trail riders.

Lesotho is a beautiful and challenging environment with wild mountains and flowing rivers. There are no fences in Lesotho, allowing horse riding trails in any direction at any time as well as a whole host of other adventure tourism activities.

Choose an operator in Lesotho

Ampascachi suggests the provider Khotso Lesotho Expedition for your horse routes.

Khotso Lesotho Expedition

Founded and run by wild adventurer Steve Black, it is the only operator running regular and bespoke multi-day cross-border horseback expeditions into the untouched wilds of Lesotho.

Every year they make this most incredible activity, Equestrian Tourism, accessible to all intrepid travellers visiting this beautiful mountain range.

Has been offering horse riding in the Southern Drakensberg for well over a decade.

They are the largest horse trails specialist in the area, and they offer their incredible basecamp to both explore the nearby regions and to unwind and rest.

Open all year round, their horse trails all start from the Khotso Backpackers Lodge and criss-cross over 1,300 hectares of rolling Khotso land.

Ride "Lesotho Expedition"

If you want to discover the country’s pristine nature, this is the right ride.

From Khotso in South Africa near the eastern border of Lesotho, the trail ride climbs up to 3,000m through Bushman’s Nek pass into the heart of the Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site.

Climbing the breathtaking Bushman’s Nek mountain pass – right through the heart of the Sehlabathebe National Park – you will explore parts of two countries most tourists never get the chance to see. Of course, they won’t be riding a horse as you will.

The horses are local Boerperd and Basotho ponies with an Arab bloodline running through the herd. hese horses are not very tall but they are strong and footsure, and in their element in the terrain you will be crossing.

Aspects to consider:

• It is a 7-day ride on horseback and each day you will ride for about 6 hours.
• The riding is a mixed pace, mainly walk with some trots and canters.
• The terrain is mountainous with steep and rocky sections. Sometimes, it will be necessary to dismount and lead the horses.
• You must be physically fit and the weight limit is 95 Kg. An intermediate level of riding experience is required.
• These rides are not for those who suffer from vertigo.
• All horses are ridden in snaffle bridles on a loose rein. The riding style is English. Hard hats are mandatory.
• The accompanying support vehicle takes your personal luggage so you just carry with you on horseback what you need for the day.
• At night you stay in mountain lodges, some quite basic and simple, others really comfortable, but all have great views.

You have more details of this Equestrian Tourism offer on their web site: www.khotso.co.za.

Lesotho is essentially an alpine country, with its endless mountains. Horses are always present in its people’s lives. Therefore, Horse Riding Holidays in Lesotho are the best way to discover and enjoy its surroundings.

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.