Maletsunyane Falls: Lesotho's Majestic Cascade
Witness the breathtaking 192-meter cascade of Maletsunyane Falls, one of Africa's tallest waterfalls, near the village of Semonkong, Lesotho.
Maletsunyane Falls, located near the town of Semonkong in Lesotho's central highlands, is a sight to behold. Plunging 192 meters (630 feet) into a dramatic gorge, it is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Southern Africa. The falls are formed by the Maletsunyane River cascading over a ledge of Triassic-Jurassic basalt. The Basotho people named Semonkong, the closest village, 'the place of smoke' (also the translation of Maletsunyane), aptly describing the misty spray created by the falls as the water plummets into the gorge. According to local legend, the roar of the falls is the lamentation of souls lost to its depths. Visitors can hike to various viewpoints for stunning perspectives or take a pony trek. For thrill-seekers, abseiling down the face of the falls offers an unforgettable experience. The surrounding area provides opportunities to engage with Basotho culture and witness traditional crafts. Camping near the falls offers a unique and memorable experience. The best time to visit Maletsunyane Falls is during the wet season, from March to April, when the falls are at their fullest. However, the dry season (March to October) offers milder weather and manageable hiking conditions.
Local tips
- Visit during March or April after the rainy season for the most dramatic waterfall display.
- Engage with the local Basotho culture by visiting Semonkong and interacting with the community.
- Consider camping at the viewpoint for a memorable experience, but be prepared for wild camping.
- Pack warm clothes if visiting between April and October, as it will be winter in Lesotho.
A brief summary to maletsunyane falls sight view
- 96RM+2C5, Nyane, LS
Getting There
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Walking
From Semonkong Lodge, the falls are an easy walk along a well-established walking trail. The walk to the falls is approximately 5 km and should take about an hour. Follow the signs towards the falls from the lodge. Upon arrival at the falls, there is an entrance fee of 100-130 LSL.
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Taxi
From Semonkong, taxis are available to take you to Maletsunyane Falls. A taxi ride from Semonkong to the falls takes approximately 8 minutes. The taxi will drop you off near the visitor center, from where you can walk to the viewpoints. The cost of a taxi is approximately $5-6 USD (about 90-110 LSL).
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Driving
From Semonkong, follow the dirt road towards Maletsunyane Falls. The road is rough and best suited for 4x4 vehicles. After a 45-minute drive of about 7-8 km, you'll reach the falls. There is an entrance fee of 100-130 LSL payable at the gate. You can drive down to the upper and lower viewpoints, but these require high clearance and can get very boggy after rain.
