As a travel enthusiast, whenever an opportunity arises to go on tour, I never hesitate to jump at the chance of a new experience. Exploring new places is my passion. With that, I found myself on another trip to Lesotho where I have been several times, most often as part of expeditions involving avid hikers on treacherous trails like the King Moshoeshoe Walk, which I participated in last March.
However, the call from the Mountain Kingdom this time had a different tone, marking a new chapter in my life, one of relaxation and indulgence rather than physical endurance.
The allure of unwinding in style at the annual Maletsunyane Braai Festival in Semonkong, Lesotho, was just too good to pass up. I wanted something relaxing, yet vibrant, and the braai festival ticked all the boxes.
Having endured a string of challenging hikes and sponsored walks in 2024 some brutal yet fun this time I decided to go for an event that would offer me a soothing escape whilst enjoying a touch of festivity. Hence, the Maletsunyane Braai Festival in Semonkong, Lesotho became my trip of choice.
To embark on this adventure, Yours Truly and my travel companions chose to leave at night to escape the sweltering daytime heat and take advantage of the cooler night-time breeze.
By 9pm on Thursday, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter driven by July Moatshe was loaded and ready to take us to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
Our journey began at the Tlokweng/Kopfontein border without a hitch. By 11pm, immigration formalities were swiftly concluded to make way for the 800km trek to Semonkong. The mood in the minibus was a jubilant one, as my fellow travellers started the party to lighten up the 1,000km on the road. Only song and dance distracted dreary thoughts from the daunting distance ahead.
Our first stop was Zeerust in South Africa’s North West Province. From there, we navigated the Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp, and Welkom route, cruising through the Free State’s farmlands under the night sky.
With cooler temperatures in our favour, we decided to up the tempo with music. Despite my height, I decided to show my companions that the dance floor cares nothing for short or tall, only for those who have the moves. As the legendary athlete Isaac Makwala once said, “My heart was white”.
Eventually, excitement gave way to exhaustion, and most of us fell asleep, lulled by the hum of the minibus. By 6am, we arrived at the Ficksburg Bridge Border Post.
The queue at the point of entry between Lesotho and South Africa was long, but in our minds, we knew it was the final stretch. The paperwork was swift and in no time, we made it into Lesotho. After stocking up at Pioneer Shopping Mall in Maseru, we set off on the final lap of the journey to Semonkong.
The exciting yet intimidating 113km drive to Semonkong had begun. Towering mountains and hairpin bends made the journey both breath-taking and nerve-wracking. For a first-timer like me, steep roads and high altitudes were a terrifying ordeal. My adrenaline rush was pumping.
At one point, I buried my head between my knees, whispering prayers to calm my anxiety. Thinking that we had finally arrived, I was taken aback by a sign with a bold “50km left” mocking me.
I checked in with Moatshe, our man at the wheel, to find out how he was coping on such a steep road and to my surprise he was relaxed. This put me at ease, knowing that we were in safe hands whilst some of our fellow travellers seemed oblivious and blissfully lost in a bottle of maluti beer. With divine intervention, we reached the infamous stretch commonly known as ‘Modimo o nthuse’ (O God, help me) proving to be the ultimate test. It is a straight uphill road and legend has it that this is where most cars, trucks, and buses falter due to the incline.
With a calm and collected Moatshe’s skilled driving, my fears were allayed. That did not stop my palms from sweating and my heart racing as we ascended, but we eventually reached our destination.
Upon arrival, we pitched our tents and enjoyed a hearty dinner, laughing about the journey’s challenges.
The next day was filled with festivities as we embraced the braaifestivals’ lively atmosphere.
Maletsunyane Braai Festival
According to its website, the Maletsunyane Braai Festival is Lesotho’s biggest barbecue event. Held annually on the last weekend of November, it takes place against the backdrop of the breathtaking Maletsunyane Falls in Semonkong, about 115km from the capital city, Maseru.
The falls hold the Guinness World Record for the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil in the world. Maletsunyane Falls has been listed by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the 50 most beautiful places to visit in Africa.
This year’s event was held from November 29 to December 1. The edition was nothing short of electrifying exactly the kind of energy one hopes for at an event of this magnitude. The festival drew a diverse crowd, with flags from various SADC countries flying high, symbolising unity and camaraderie. Families, friends, and tourists pitched their tents around the stunning Maletsunyane Falls, transforming the setting into a vibrant hub of celebration. The backdrop of the falls, with their cool breeze and soothing sound of cascading water, made mornings therapeutic and refreshing a perfect retreat for weary travellers.
The festival’s sensory experience was unforgettable. The music was impeccable — loud, clear, and enticing enough to get even the most hesitant dancers, like me, onto the dance floor. Day Two was a standout moment, with performances that exceeded expectations. Botswana’s Culture Spears delivered a high-energy set, igniting the crowd and leaving Basotho festival-goers chanting their hits.
Meanwhile, the harmonious singing of birds and the scenic views complemented the electric atmosphere, offering moments of serenity amidst the festivities.
However, one aspect fell short of expectations the braai itself. As a barbecue festival, one would anticipate an abundance of sizzling meat on every corner, but the offerings were surprisingly sparse.
Even so, the festival’s charm lay in its spirit of community and the breathtaking setting. The towering Maletsunyane Falls provided not only a dramatic backdrop but also a sense of awe and adventure, enhancing every moment of this memorable experience.
The return trip came and was equally daunting. We loaded our luggage and set off home but unfortunately for me, it was more stressful than others as I lost my phone. Descending was much more challenging than going up the mountains, as I discovered the driver had to manoeuvre the steep mountains, putting strain on the brakes.
The smoke caused by the strain on the brake pads got me worried, heightening my anxiety. It left me with so many questions, saying a short ‘Modimo o nthuse’ prayer.
By the grace of God, Moatshe’s expertise saw us safely back to Maseru. This adventure made me introspect and push past my fears.
