We spent one day and two nights in Semonkong, a remote mountain town in the heart of Lesotho, best known for the spectacular 200-metre-high Maletsunyane Falls. Finding suitable parking for our expedition truck wasn’t easy, but we eventually managed to reverse through a narrow path to Bonnini Homestay & Art Residency. The owner works closely with the local community and organises a variety of activities for visitors. She also prepared a local dinner for us, which was rather expensive (250 LSL/pax) by local standards, but very tasty and a great opportunity to try some traditional food.
Semonkong was founded in the early 1880s, when Sotho refugees displaced by Cape Colony forces during the Basuto Gun War settled here. The town lies between the Thaba Putsoa range and the mountains surrounding Thaba Ntso, or “Black Mountain”.
The climate here can be surprisingly harsh. Winter temperatures can fall below -10°C, while summer temperatures rarely exceed 28°C. Snow is possible during any month of the year, although it is uncommon between November and March.
During our stay, we joined a Village Tour organised by Bonnini Homestay (300 LSL/pax) and spent around three hours walking through the surrounding community. It gave us a fascinating glimpse into everyday rural life in this remote part of Lesotho. We visited a local mill, met farmers, and spoke with the sisters from St Leonard Roman Catholic Mission, who run the local school and maternity hospital.
We also visited the local market and the Semonkong Children’s Centre orphanage. It was a great way to see a side of Semonkong beyond its famous waterfall and meet some of the people who call this remote mountain community home.
Parking location – Semonkong: 29.8444242S 28.0553581E (🅿️150 LSL/pax)