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Take a wild walk on the Lesotho side of the world. The saying goes, this is the roof of Africa and the kingdom of the Basotho.
Khotso Mountain Lodge
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Written by The Guide Team
Steve and his great Khotso Team will take you on your horseriding adventures.
Khotso's wonderfully riden main interest is horses, more horses and then some... They explore the Drakensberg and Lesotho on horseback almost every day of the week. Their basotho ponies are wonderfully trained and will make your experience here great.
The Khotso family will make your stay on the farm one to remember. Simon will be waiting at the door for his daily snack and you might even find him indoors. The atmosphere is perfect, the food is good and you will sleep comfortably in the log cabin or one of their rondavels.
Where are they?
Situated outside Underberg, Southern Drakensberg, close to Sani Pass and bordering uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site.
What they do - written by them
Backpacking
Wake up to smell the crisp mountain air and plan your day: jump on one of the many Basotho ponies for a horse trek in the area, from 1 to 5 hours (refreshments and/or lunch included from 2 hours up) or maybe a whole day trek? Alternatively admire the rich flora and fauna and the outstretched landscapes on foot - during a hike, by Quad bike or rather more ‘rapidly', rafting on the white waters.
We have a well-stocked bar, a cosy lounge with lots of movies.
Free pop corn, tea and coffee!
Soak up the warm and friendly environment, relax after a hard days riding.
Horse riding trails
take off at 9.00am daily for either a full day, or 1 to 3 hours, into the foothills of the Drakensberg.
Our ponies are hardy basotho and basotho-arab cross, bred to be friendly, obedient and sure-footed on mountain paths.
Professional guides will lead you into the mountains with extraordinary views, crystal bubbling streams and pristine lakes. Linger at our various viewpoints, canter along the plains, or simply soak up the silence. Look forward to a light meal or refreshments and a cliff jump off our waterfall!
Beginners are teamed with gentle horses and given a short explanation on the basics of horse riding before a leisurely stroll along the ridge begins.
Advanced riders can test their skills on more lively horses. We also organise adventure rides with specialized cattle roundups and a cross-country track.
Come pony trekking in Lesotho
this 3-5 day expedition starts at the Bushman's Neck at 1 500m and takes you up to the spectacular Sehlabathebe Wilderness Area of Lesotho at a height of 2 500m. Overnight in remote Basotho villages with warm beds and hot water. Down a couple of beers listening to stories of cattle and horse rustling by your crazy guide Steve. Steve and his team will take you to Bushman paintings and to the valley of the horses where you will be able to ride with truly wild mountain horses. Cool hey!
Farm Activities
Our farm is a working cattle and horse farm. Join in and muster the cattle as they are counted and help feed and groom the horses.
Hiking
Khotso lies close to the Cobham entrance to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. This is a magnificent hiking area, with well-marked paths taking you up the valleys with their pools and waterfalls, along the ridges, and into indigenous forests. The Giants Cup Hiking Trail passes close to the farm. Rock climbers should bring their ropes, and be challenged in climbing some of our traditional pitches.
Fly-fishing
Khotso borders the legendary fly-fishing waters of the Umzimkhulu River.
Rod & fly fee R30
Per fly R5
Trout caught R35 per kg
River tubing and rafting
Khotso borders the Umzimkulu river which provides great canoeing and rafting in the summer months. Join Steve Black, an experienced canoeist, on a guided whitewater raft trip.
Tubing daily rate R70
White water rafting daily rate R100
Golf
Khotso lies close to three scenic golf courses:
Underberg Country Club 9-hole
Drakensberg Gardens Hotel 18-hole
Sani Pass Hotel 9-hole
Sani Pass
Drive up this epic pass by yourself 4x4 recommended or go with a tour guide.
Sani Pass Trip - R450 - Passports required
Bushman Paintings
Numerous spectacular rock art sites in the district can be visited with a registered guide.
Himeville Museum
This extensive country museum retells the history of the district and is well worth a visit.
Winter Sports
Winter is polo and polocross season.
After a good snowfall, you can even try skiing and tobogganing.
Shops
White Cottage - A great bookshop
The Highlander or Trout ‘n About - for all your fishing & outdoor equipment
The Lemon Tree - stunning food & coffee
Duck & Dolittle - coffee shop and animal farm
Sports
tennis at Himeville Tennis Club – daily
bowls in Underberg
Events
Underberg and Himeville host numerous events throughout the year.
Contact
Tel: 033 701 1502
Mail: khotsotrails@futurenet.co.za
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