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Every now and then, we receive feedback about our food that makes me pause, smile a little, and reflect on where we are — and what we offer.

Over the years, we’ve been told our food is “not African enough.” More recently, we’ve been told it’s “not European enough.” And now, occasionally, that the dining room is not decorated enough. In many ways, that perfectly captures the unique space Malealea Lodge occupies.

Dear Partners,

It has come to our attention that visitors are stopping along the road to distribute sweets and biscuits to local children. While we understand this is done with good intentions, we must urgently ask that this practice stop immediately.

Over many years, we have worked closely with community leaders and chiefs to discourage roadside begging. Unfortunately, these actions are undoing that progress and creating serious risks:

Safety: Children are now running alongside buses and vehicles, and we fear that one day there could be a tragic accident.

Community Impact: Giving out sweets encourages begging, which harms both the children and the relationship between our lodge, our guests, and the surrounding villages.

If you would like to donate sweets, biscuits, or any other items, please deliver them to the Malealea Development Trust when you arrive at the lodge. The Trust will ensure they are distributed responsibly and at the right time to children who are genuinely in need.

For the wellbeing of the children and the sustainability of tourism in Malealea, we kindly urge you to instruct all groups and individuals not to hand out sweets or food along the road.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter. Together, we can ensure a safe and respectful experience for both guests and the communities we all value.

Kind regards,
Malealea Lodge Team

🌄 A Note From Malealea Lodge — Updated for 2025

Where slow travel meets modern comforts in the Heart of Lesotho

Since Marek wrote the beautiful story below about his stay at Malealea Lodge in February, 2025, a few things have changed here in the mountains — all for the better.

⭐ We’ve upgraded our entire internet system to Starlink, bringing:
• Free Wi-Fi for all guests
• Very high-speed connectivity — even at the “End of the Road”

⭐ We have a new coffee machine
It now makes nearly any style of coffee at the push of a button — flat white, cappuccino, espresso, latte, americano, macchiato — all in seconds. No more soy-milk mysteries from 2023!
(We still have Khothatso’s big smile, though — that part hasn’t changed.)

Even with these upgrades, the essence of Malealea remains exactly the same:
• Quiet mountain mornings (maybe the Hadeedah's can get a bit loud)
• Friendly staff
• Basotho culture woven into every moment
• Sunsets that stop you in your tracks
• Choir songs drifting through the evening air
• A place where people finally exhale and reconnect with themselves

Marek captured that spirit perfectly — the sense of arrival, of solitude, of being welcomed into a community, and the magic of discovering a corner of Lesotho that still feels timeless.

👇 Continue reading below for Marek’s full story — an honest, raw, and heartfelt reflection of arriving at Malealea Lodge before our latest upgrades.

Artist. Storyteller. Visionary

My name is Majara, a 30-year-old Mosotho artist based in Ha Thetsane, Maseru. Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember—more than just a passion, it’s how I see and connect with the world.

I began studying Architectural Technology at Lerotholi Polytechnic, but unfortunately had to leave during my second year due to financial constraints. Still, that didn’t stop me. I continued to pursue my love for art—teaching myself, experimenting, and constantly looking for new ways to grow and express my creativity.

What started with sketching and painting evolved into large-scale murals and framed artworks. I find joy in transforming everyday spaces into vibrant, meaningful works of art. For me, every wall, canvas, and surface is a chance to tell a story.

As a young, motivated artist, I bring energy, curiosity, and a spirit of exploration into everything I create. It’s been an honour to bring my work to Malealea Lodge, where the natural beauty and community spirit are a perfect match for my artistic journey.