2 Days 1 Night Ribaneng Pony Trek

Day 1- overnight Malealea.

Day 2 -overnight Ribaneng.

Day 3 –return to Malealea  +- 14H00.

Day 4 - depart Malealea

Day 1

 Arrive at Malealea in the afternoon.  After unpacking and settling in, the afternoon is spent at leisure. (List of optional activities attached).

Saddle bags will be sent to the rooms for packing.  Pack all gear in black plastic bags or soft kitbags - don't use suitcases as they are uncomfortable for the horses and may get damaged.

At 5:30 - 6:30pm, the local band using homemade instruments and a local children's choir will entertain the guests.  (There is no charge for this - only a small donation).

Dinner from 7 - 8:30pm at Malealea Lodge.

Malealea - Ribaneng  - Malealea (2 days)

Basotho Guides accompany all pony treks and a pack horse is included in the price for the overnight treks.

The weight limit per pannier bag is 25 kg (50 kg per pack horse, usually 3 people to 1 packhorse if fully catered).  In the case of excess weight, an extra pack horse will have to be hired by the group at an extra cost. The weight limit per rider is 90-100kgs. The carrying of heavy backpacks (about 10 kg) is NOT advisable and can lead to injuries. There are side panniers on the riding horses to put small items that you need to access during the day, such as water bottles, sunscreen, rain jacket and camera and packed lunches. 

Day 2.

 The first day of the pony trek is about 7 hours (21kms). There is a café selling cold and drinks at Ha Lebona about halfway. When you get to the overnight huts, you can leave your gear in the hut and you have the option of going on a guided walk to the bottom of the Ribaneng waterfall. The duration of the hike is about 3 hours return.

Buckets of pure spring water will be brought to the huts.

Accommodation is very rustic in a typical remote Basotho Village. Please remember that these treks are rough and tough, no frills whatsoever, ie. No showers, you bathe in the plastic basins and streams, No Flush Toilets, only Long Drop Toilets, No Chairs, very few tables. You sleep on mattresses on the floor. (Please see Pony Trek Info)

Overnight at Ribaneng Village

 Day 3.  

After a breakfast you start the return journey back to Malealea via a circular route. Fill up your water containers from the buckets of spring water provided.

Today takes you 6 – 7 hours of pony trekking traversing along flat terrain for half of the way and then a climb up to Ha Lebone where you can buy cold drinks.  From here you follow the same route back to Malealea in reverse. The views are spectacular from this direction. Stop for a snack lunch once you’ve crossed the Makhaleng river.  Arrive at Malealea at about 2pm.

You can spend the afternoon at leisure and do a village walk, visit the craft shop and there is still time to see the Sangoma at about 4.30pm for those who are interested.   The band and choir will perform once again from 5.30pm. Here is your opportunity to get involved and join in with dancing to music from the local band. Dinner is served from 7 - 8.30 pm

Overnight at Malealea. 

 Day 4.  Depart Malealea after breakfast.