The ultimate hike: Three ranges, 14 days, one unforgettable journey

LINEO MALATALIANA

MASERU – Adventure enthusiasts and culture seekers are called to embark on a journey across the roof of Africa.

The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), in collaboration with the Thapoha Hiking Club, is set to host the nation’s most pristine hiking experience, the Three Range Trail, from October 4 to 17.

This 14-day expedition is designed to be a melting pot of adventure, culture, and nature, solidifying Lesotho’s reputation as Africa’s premier hiking paradise.

The third annual expedition by Thapoha Hiking Club, this year’s trail promises an unparalleled adventure. It will span from the country’s lowest point at 1 389m above sea level in Morifi, Mohale’s Hoek, to the summit of the highest peak in Southern Africa, Thabana-Ntlenyana (3 482m) in Mokhotlong. The route will traverse three spectacular mountain ranges – Thaba-Putsoa, Takalatsa, and the majestic Drakensberg.

The initiative has garnered significant support from the LTDC for its potential to promote diverse forms of tourism, as well as from corporate sponsors including Standard Lesotho Bank and Metropolitan.
Lisebo Mositsi of Thapoha Hiking Club emphasized the direct community benefits of the expedition.

“For most of the hike, we will be using home-stays as accommodation. We have also made arrangements with local vendors to provide food, ensuring that spending directly benefits the villages along the route,” Mositsi stated.

She also gave reassurances regarding safety, noting that the trail has been carefully planned to offer breath-taking scenic landscapes while ensuring proximity to health facilities for rapid response to any medical emergencies.

“We have been hosting practice hikes to prepare participants for the range of difficulties the trail will present,” she added.

To accommodate different skill levels, the trail has been gauged from easy to extreme, with varied packages allowing participants to choose an experience that suits them – a key measure to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Explaining Standard Lesotho Bank’s M40 000 initial sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Manyathela Kheleli, said, “Lesotho is our home, and we drive her growth. We see this hiking experience significantly boosting tourism attraction, and we are proud to collaborate with Thapoha to grow the economy and give back to the community.”

The sponsorship is subject to increase based on growing national and international participation.

Makhetha Motšoari, Chairperson of the Lesotho Council of Tourism (LCT), stated that this initiative strategically positions Lesotho as Africa’s premier high-altitude adventure destination.

“Lesotho is unique. It is the only country in the world entirely above 1 000m in elevation. This gives us a rare gift: pure mountain air, unspoiled natural landscapes, and breath-taking views that few places can match,” said Motšoari.

“As the LCT, we are committed to working with government, private sector partners, and communities to ensure this trail succeeds sustainably, inclusively, and proudly.”