Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa
The term skiing isn’t synonymous with a trip to Africa. In fact, when I received a call frommy travel planning family over at Poised Solutions to come and check out a ski resort in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho within a matter of days,I responded with an emphatic “YES! – I’ll be there,” before making a quick dash towards my laptop to read up on the destination ahead of my trip. It’s commonplace for me to add an extra leg to a pre-planned trip, but nothing could have prepared me for the warmth of a people, and adrenaline-filled adventure that followed only 4 days later.
Checked in and ready for my flight from Dubai to OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa’s Johannesburg metropolis, I mentally readied myself for a trip I didn’t quite know what to expect. Yes, I had been presented with a full itinerary, well understood that I would be visiting Afriski Mountain Resort in its off-season to get a sense of its facilities while imagining what it would look like when snow-capped in the winter months. Being mountainous, I knew June to August, possibly into September, the temperatures drop significantly, and so I was quite curious to understand what was on offer for me, or any other guest visiting the resort beyond the winter months.
Getting there.
Ntebu and Tsepang Mohale, sibling co-owners of Maluti Travel & Tours looked after my transfer, which turned out to be such a vibe as we made the drive from South Africa into Lesotho. Thankfully so, as the drive was unexpectedly long. If flying into OR Tambo, you’ll have to drive close more than 5 hours from Gauteng, through Free StateProvince towards the border into Lesotho. There was a further 5-hour drive, first through flatter terrain with striking views of cliffs that envelopethe narrow highway, before the winding road snaked its way up the mountain, with the landscape transforming with every bend.
This 1-hour long stretch leading up to the resort is incredibly scenic, with lush green valleys giving way to rugged peaks, and the air growing crispier and cleaner as you go up. As we ascended towards Afriski Mountain Resort, nestled high in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho, a sense of anticipation filled me. We arrived post sundown under the moonlit skies, with our vehicle’s headlights beaming so far ahead that I was able to get a good sense of how beautiful the terrain would be by day. I mentally registered that we would have to make this drive again on one of the days following, so I could truly appreciate the beauty of the Maluti Mountains.
Waking up at Afriski Mountain Resort.
After a 10-hour drive post a 9-hour flight, a hot meal and shower were the order to usher me into the next 5 days at the resort. I was assigned a behemoth wooden chalet, equipped with a living, dining space and crackling fireplace, a generously apportioned kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms that could comfortably accommodate as many as eight people.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of the valley where other cabins and styles of accommodations stood. Through them, I could see that resort itself is a marvel of rustic architectural ingenuity, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty.
Take your pick!
A wide variety of accommodation options dot the resort’s terrains, from self-catering lodges, luxuriousapartments, and mountain chalets. If you are looking for something a little more budget friendly, a cozy Park Home vibe with some charming units is found at Whistler Park. Here, one, two or 3-bedroom options are set and conveniently located near the resort entrance and just 700 meters downhill to the main reception area.
The Afriski Backpackers accommodation is the dedicated fun-zone at the Resort. It is cool and quirky, with a no frills take on hospitality, offering affordable entry-level options. Easy on the pocket, featuring communal living spaces, a shared kitchen, and bathrooms, this set of accommodations is perfectly suited for young, vibrant solo or group travellers and adventure enthusiastswith a preference for chilled out vibes. Afriski Backpackers is also managed by the team from Afri-Adventure, the party behind the Resort’s full suite of year-round outdoor adventure activities while at the resort.
Out and about at Afriski Mountain Resort
Early morning starts revealed that beyond it being the only ski resort in Southern Africa, this was no ordinary ski retreat, but rather a year-round destination and unique blend of adventure and tranquillity. My experience alongside my Guide Tsepang, coupled with the time we spent with our ‘adventure captains’ truly spoke to the spirited adventurer in me.
From a guided hike, climb and trekking up the mountain range enveloping the resort, to abseiling down a cliff after summitting the mountain range, views were panoramic as much as they were breathtaking. The sun beamed brightly from the sky, subtly combatted by the cool mountain breeze, feeding us a healthy dose of sensory gratification.
Next on the activity itinerary was to experience part of this terrain onboard quad bikes, an exciting feat for those who can fathom a mash-up between roaring engines and the surrounding whistle of wind blowing across your face and through the mountain range. Adding to my dose of childlike fun of paintballing as the sun set, Monster Rollers, specially designed off-road scooters that leverage one’s ability to balance and control theirs, was a perfect way to navigate descending the resort’s downhill trails. Whether you’ve never been on a Monster Roller or are well experienced, this experience presents a unique way to explore the mountainous landscapes while navigating a man-made trail.
Dining from Africa’s highest restaurant
Coined so because in fact, Sky Restaurant at Afriski islocated 3200m above sea-level, bearing stunning vantage point of the slopes surrounding the resort. Meals were hearty and incredibly generous, accompanied by a glass of wine, juice or whatever the mood dictated. From a beautifully marinated fillet of the day’s fresh catch to sticky barbeque pork ribs, each meal delivered a filling well suited for a group of people that had spent the morning or afternoon navigating the mountains and gliding down the slopes.
Evenings were spent in the company of my Guide and some of the amazing staff, as we had enjoyed plentiful opportunities to learn a little more about each other during our hikes and nature walks. The warmth of the fireplace in my chalet and the soft glow of the lamps created a cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Mine was to revel in moments of reflection over a glass of wine or catch up on writing from the inspiration acquired from my surroundings and interactions with the teams and other guests.
The drive back down the mountain was as scenic as the ascent, with the changing landscape offering a constant feast for the eyes. We took off after four incredibly, adventure focused days, heading towards the border post in Maseru. Leaving the resort was an internal confirmation to myself that I would have to return to Afriski Mountain Resort to experience it during the winter months. A perfect combination of tranquillity and adventure, it was easy to appreciate why the destination is not only a favourite among the locals and regional guests, being fully booked during winter, but is perfect for a staycation for the same.
As I reflected on my stay, I imagined the appeal for international guests to head into Lesotho for a skiing holiday to Africa, and on the slopes of the Maluti Mountains. I had come to Afriski seeking a combination of rest andexploration, and I had found both in abundance, enjoying an unforgettable adventure-fuelled itinerary by Afri-Adventure.
To learn more about Afriski Mountain Resort, visit https://www.afriski.net/your-stay
To book your adventure itinerary while in Lesotho, visit https://afri-adventure.com/
