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Bokong Nature Reserve: Highland Haven

Discover Lesotho's highlands at Bokong Nature Reserve: stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic views await!

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Bokong Nature Reserve, nestled in the Lesotho Highlands, offers stunning mountain scenery, diverse hiking trails, and the dramatic Lepaqoa Waterfall, which freezes into a stunning ice column in winter. It's a haven for birdwatchers and those seeking solitude amidst breathtaking landscapes.

A brief summary to Bokong Nature Reserve

  • MF8J+3HV, Bokong, LS

Local tips

  • Pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night due to the high altitude.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for hikes, as the weather can be unpredictable, and they offer valuable insights.
  • Bring your own food and drinks, as options within the reserve are limited.
  • The best time to visit is during the warmer months (November to March) for pleasant weather.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Maseru, take a shared taxi or bus heading towards Leribe. From Leribe, transfer to another shared taxi or bus going towards Katse Dam. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Bokong Nature Reserve Visitor's Center, which is located along the A25 highway, approximately 2km south of the Mafika-Lisiu Pass. Be prepared for a potentially long wait for transport. The bus from Leribe to Katse costs around 35 Maloti. The shared taxi from Leribe is approximately 50 Maloti.

  • Driving

    From Maseru, follow the A1 road northeast towards Hlotse (Leribe). Then, turn southeast onto the A25 towards Katse. The Bokong Nature Reserve is located off the A25, near the Mafika Lisiu Pass. The visitor center is signposted to the left of the highway beyond the pass. Parking is available within the park for a fee of 20 Maloti.

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Discover more about Bokong Nature Reserve

Bokong Nature Reserve, located high in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho, is a picturesque destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Spanning altitudes of 2,800 to 3,200 meters, it's one of the highest nature reserves in Africa. The reserve encompasses Afro-alpine wetlands, montane grasslands, and unique heathland boulder beds. The highlight of Bokong is the Lepaqoa Waterfall, which dramatically tumbles over a 60-meter cliff. During winter, it often freezes into a magnificent column of ice, creating a surreal spectacle. The visitor center, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Lepaqoa Valley, provides stunning vistas and informative displays about the area's ecology and geological history. Bokong is a haven for hikers, offering a range of trails from short interpretive walks to multi-day treks. The popular 1.5km trail from the visitor center leads to a viewpoint above the Lepaqoa Falls. For a more challenging adventure, embark on the two- to three-day hike to Ts'ehlanyane National Park across the alpine plateau, also known as the "Roof of Africa". Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to spot the endangered Cape Vulture and other endemic species. Keep an eye out for the grey rhebok, a medium-sized antelope, grazing in the montane meadows. Visitors can engage with the local Basotho culture, learn about their traditions, and even arrange pony rides on the sturdy Basotho ponies. The reserve's remote location offers minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing.

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