Basotho pony trekking in Lesotho

You’ve surely heard about pony trekking in Lesotho. From the saddle of a sure-footed Basotho pony you’ll truly understand why Lesotho is affectionately called ‘The Kingdom in the Sky’, as you breathe in the refreshing air, cross rivers and negotiate mountain passes along shepherds’ trails that criss-cross the undulating landscape.

While Lesotho boasts some of the world’s best hiking trails that traverse the Maluti Mountains, pony trekking is the ideal alternative for those who want to experience the country’s spectacular sights without having to exert themselves. Even though Basotho ponies appear stocky at first glance, they are hardy creatures. And you need to be if you’re living at altitudes that easily surpass 2 000m and also regularly undertake the rocky mountain trails to Semonkong town for supplies. 

Semonkong Lodge is the best place from which to embark on an hour-long horseback ride or a half-day outride to witness Maletsunyane Falls plunge 186 metres into a cavernous gorge. Unless you prefer a guided pony trekking weekend or multi-day horseback riding trip accompanied with a packhorse team (including a baggage load of up to 12.5kg/person), as you camp under the stars or overnight in traditional rondavels in a Basotho village. 

We pride ourselves on our tight-knit, mutually-beneficial relationships with our surrounding communities from which we hire guides and rent horses, while experiencing the warmth of their hospitality overnight. Perhaps one of the villagers will entice you to return to watch Lesotho’s annual horse racing events on the occasion of King Letsie III’s birthday and throughout the winter months.

Need to know

• Book a Basotho pony trek for up to 10 people, from 1-hour outrides to four-day expeditions or longer. Contact us for rates.
• We cater to riders of all ages and experience levels from “I’ve never sat on a horse” to experienced equestrians.
• Each pony trekking adventure begins and/or ends with a night at Semonkong Lodge.
• Overnight pony treks (from the age of 12) can be tailored to include fly fishing, hiking and immersive community engagements that adhere to responsible tourism practices.