A Long Weekend at Malealea Lodge in Lesotho

In my prior post about Lesotho (pronounced Le-SOO-too), I showed you just a preview of this magnificient country and now I want to tell you more about the place where we stayed, Malealea Lodge. The lodge is located in a remote part of western Lesotho and when arriving, you will feel like you have been transported back in time, way back. The people live mostly as they always have here. They grow their own food, raise their own livestock and live in traditional Basotho huts without running water or electricity. These people are do not have much in terms of material possessions however the smiles and greetings you receive from everyone you pass are bountiful.

View from Malealea LodgeView from Malealea Lodge

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Lesotho-En Route to the Kingdom in the Sky

I have been writing a lot of food-centric posts lately so I wanted to switch gears a bit and tell you about our trip to the Kingdom of Lesotho back over the Easter holidays (yes I am a bit behind on my blogging!). Lesotho is a small independant country completely surrounded by South Africa. It is commonly referred to as the Kingdom in the Sky as its lowest point is 1400m and it is the only country that is entirely over 1000m.

Ever since moving to South Africa, I have heard over and over how we must visit Lesotho. It is so often praised for the sheer beauty of her land and the genuine warmth of her people that I knew I wanted to visit as soon as possible. With a long 4 day weekend for Easter, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity for a quick first visit.

Road to Peka Bridge Border CrossingRoad to Peka Bridge Border Crossing. Last 16 km to the border is gravel but a good road

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So We Bought a Tent

And we slept it in too.  Crazy right ?  No ?  Well if you have known me for a long time you are probably at least a little bit surprised.  You see, in the past I was never known to be much of an outdoorswoman.  Even a couple of years ago I would never have imagined myself sleeping in the African bush with only a thin layer of poly-canvas between me and the stars.  But This Is Africa (TIA) and that has all changed, though it has been a gradual process.

During our first trip to Kruger National Park about 3 years ago we had a great time but stayed in nice little chalets or rondavels.  The following year I was ready to be closer to nature and we stayed in a permanent tent (with private kitchen and bath) in the unfenced camp of Mpila.  What an unbelievable experience.  As the camp is unfenced, this allows all sorts of animals to be browsing about at all times of the day or night.  This could be some dainty impala munching on the grass right outside your tent while you try to sleep or even a hungry hyena lustfully checking out your braai just a couple meters away.  If you want to know more about this camp, you can see our photos here.

Mpila Tented CampMpila Tented Camp 

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