lesotho escarpment hiking

**Circus** · 30-09-13

Thanks for the thread, very interesting. And well played for sharing something that many would have kept quiet.
If those pics don't get people excited to make the effort, nothing will.

**firephish** · 30-09-13

Thanks, this is indeed a special place. A place, that unfortunately, will probably will not exist anymore once the Polihali dam on the Senqu just above Mokhtlong is completed. So if people want to go they should do so in the next year or two.

I would, however, doubt many will make it there. The effort to get up the escarpment is extreme and the conditions up on top pretty tough and unpredictable ... not to mention dangerous if you are not properly equipped and experienced.

**newton** · 24-11-13

Eish....really disappointed that I only got to read this thread now. The Drakensberg is truly a special place and few things can compare to the sight (and feeling you get) from the top of the escarpment. It's my favourite place in SA by far. I have some good memories from hiking there.
How far from the escarpment did you get these pools?? When will one know when you're fishing on tribal land?? Keep me in mind next time you plan something like this.

**Kevin James** · 24-11-13

That is seriously very cool.

Nice report and pictures mate.

Those hills look like knee tremblers for sure..........

Out of interest, what size packs did you guys lug in?

**firephish** · 25-11-13

Thanks, was indeed and epic trip, would definitely recommend it

Those "hills" are knee-tremblers for sure, Rockeries pass tops out around 2900 meters, not for the faint hearted (especially with a heavy pack). My pack came in just under 20kg at the start of the hike ... trying to work it down to about 15kg for the next one!

Originally Posted by Dogtooth

That is seriously very cool.

Those hills look like knee tremblers for sure..........

Out of interest, what size packs did you guys lug in?

**firephish** · 25-11-13

Originally Posted by newton

How far from the escarpment did you get these pools?

There is fishable water about 10-15km in.

Originally Posted by newton

When will one know when you're fishing on tribal land?

There is no private land in Lesotho afaik. So essentially all the land is tribal, belonging to the king and administered by local chiefs. Something to keep in mind when you bump into the local Basoto shepherds.

**Shamwari** · 28-11-13

Geepers! I was on a site visit the passed three days in Lesotho at one of our projects up there. What a place...we drove passed numerous rivers that just looked incredible. Unfortunately no fishing as time did not allow it.

Torture = After site work, sitting at the accommodation on the mine - looking down onto their dam and seeing rise after rise and not being able to fish...sigh, was awesome to watch though. The good thing is, I have a few more trips coming up and will definitely go and flick a fly in that dam...epic!

**Korrie** · 28-11-13

Originally Posted by Shamwari

Geepers!
Torture = After site work, sitting at the accommodation on the mine - looking down onto their dam and seeing rise after rise and not being able to fish...sigh, was awesome to watch though. The good thing is, I have a few more trips coming up and will definitely go and flick a fly in that dam...epic!

Hi
Not worth taking the fly rod. It is only small bait fish.
It is a waste of time, rather, take 6 beers and just sit next to the dam and fish in your imagination for them.