Left home towards Africa on 1st day of the new decade and this time for three months. A lot of new things to follow yet a lot of old friends to meet up with along the way. The flight via Frankfurt to Jozi was rather smooth, especially after spending the connection time in the Business lounge ;) Not too keen on Lufthansa's lack of personal screens on the Jozi route though.

Arriving in Jozi for the billionth time was almost like returning home after a long absence (except this home I miss when I'm away). Flew to Lesotho's capital Maseru a few hours later, already during the landing couldn't help noticing how green and clean the mountain kingdom looks. Instead of going to Maseru itself I decided to head to Roma to get a chance to track some dinosaurs! Well the footprints.. Stayed at the Trade Post Guest House and a nice calm place in a sleepy little town. Camping in their spacious garden was indeed relaxing!

Unfortunately the weather didn't quite permit me to climb to the footprints the next day. I decided to move on since there was really nothing to do around the town except for the footprints. The best surprise of the day was that I was offered a ride to Semonkong from a lovely South African-American family on their holiday! Very likely-minded people and how amazing it is when total strangers take you along like a special guest :) Thank You Barbara, David, Ian and Kirsten! Stunning views on the road to Semonkong, a fair warning though: When they say in Lesotho distances are measured in hours not kilometers, believe them! This is the promised land of the 4x4.

Semonkong itself is a little mountain town in the middle of insanely beautiful landscape. It just happens to be that the highest single dropping waterfall in this part of Africa (aka the highest abseil) is located just outside of town. Got settled in the Semonkong lodges cosy dorm rondavels (breathtaking walk up to them but as breathtaking views from the window), then headed to the falls with Barbara and David. Beautiful is the least one could say to describe this natural wonder. After awing the falls for a good while, returned to the lodge and booked a pony trek for the next day and took a needed rest.

The morning started fresh after the heavy rain during the night. Unfortunately that rain had managed to get into our rondavel and left a lot of the paths muddy and slippery. Well, mountain life! By now had already gotten used to the altitude a bit (which ranged from 2000m to 3000m on the way here) and the domestic animals roaming freely amongst the Basothos in their hats and blankets. Apparently Lesotho has the highest lowest point in the world :D

Started the pony trek towards a nearby mountain with just the guide and the ponies as company. Everyone else went to the waterfall.. The horse they first gave me was beautiful and it was brought by a young boy in a local costume. Seemed like it was his family's horse and well taken care of. Basotho ponies are truly a gem of the country, what more could you need living in such an area? Unfortunately the pony was much like it's rider, stubborn and always knew better about directions. It was also clear from the very beginning that it knew me an amateur and would give me hell just because he could.

After a good few laughs from the locals, the guide swapped ponies with me and the rest of the riding was a lot smoother (if you can call four hours in the saddle smooth). It is incredible what kind of terrain these sturdy and truly sure-footed ponies can manage. Barbara said it well, by the time the rider is terrified and decides to walk for the steepness of the terrain, the ponies are at home. I would've never even dreamed of going such places with a horse (hardly even by foot) but would highly recommend the pony trekking in Lesotho to even the worst of riders.

The afternoon it started to rain so waited it out with good company sharing experiences of our day activities. Met a fun south african guy who did the abseil and was full of good stories. Not to forget the two ladies staying in the same dorm with me on their quest into Lesotho with a Fiat Palio :D It takes guts to show up in one! A little wine to complete a brilliant day. I decided that I'd leave Lesotho behind for the time being and head for a few comforts to the SA side of life. Will definately return another time though.

The next day we all left in a convoy out of Lesotho, succesfully making it through the rough roads. Thanks a million for the ride, it always amazes me when I come accross people as nice (they are a rare breed).