Blog - Page 2

We were invited to capture these powerful images of Basotho horsemen on their way to a funeral — a deeply moving procession steeped in culture and respect. Each man is dressed in traditional Basotho attire, wearing their iconic mokorotlo hats and distinctive wool blankets that tell a story of identity, heritage, and pride.
It was a true privilege and honour to witness this moment of unity and tradition on horseback, set against the breathtaking Lesotho landscape in the Malealea Valley.

Following this invitation, I thought it would be fitting to explore the history of the Basotho Pony. This extraordinary breed, renowned for its endurance and sure-footedness, descends from the Cape Horse—a blend of Arabian, Persian, and Barb bloodlines brought to southern Africa by European settlers in the 17th century. Through centuries of trade, conflict, and adaptation to Lesotho’s rugged terrain, the Basotho Pony evolved into a tough, agile, and dependable mount. By the late 19th century, it had gained recognition as a prized warhorse, particularly during the Anglo-Boer War.

Today, you can experience the strength and spirit of the Basotho Pony firsthand on our Malealea Pony Trekking Adventures, offering everything from single-day rides to immersive six-day journeys through Lesotho’s breathtaking mountains. Whether you’re seeking a short ride or a multi-day expedition, our ponies will guide you deep into the heart of this unspoiled landscape.

Ready to ride? 🐴✨
Book your adventure today and discover Lesotho like never before!

Walk for peace. Walk with purpose. Walk the path of transformation.

Every year on the first Saturday in May, people across the globe take part in World Labyrinth Day — walking labyrinths in a shared moment of mindfulness and intention. At Malealea Lodge, we’re proud to join this global celebration with our very own labyrinth — a truly unique creation made entirely from recycled wine bottles.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Clongowes Wood College and the Malealea Development Trust

Over the past 10 days, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of hosting a group of students and teachers from Clongowes Wood College here at Malealea Lodge. Their visit has left a lasting impact on our village, and we are deeply grateful for their energy, generosity, and spirit of service.

On the 5th of April, my grandfather, Peter Millin, would have celebrated his 100th birthday. He played an important role in our journey here at Malealea. In the 1950s, he spent time in Lesotho working for the Ministry of Agriculture. His work often took him deep into the mountains for weeks at a time, leading a caravan of mules and donkeys loaded with materials to build sheep dipping stations—part of an effort to improve the quality of wool for export. It was during that chapter of his life that my mother, Di Jones, was born in Mafeteng in 1955 and that’s one of the stories of how our family came to be rooted in Lesotho.

As we sat on the verandah at Malealea Lodge, we found ourselves reminiscing—sharing stories, remembering his laughter, and reflecting on the quiet wisdom he carried through life.

As we celebrated him in spirit, one particular memory came rushing back to me. It still makes me smile every time I think of it.

But let me take you back…

The following is but a meagre account of the many superstitions, beliefs, customs and practices still common in the different parts of Basutoland. To enumerate them all would be impossible for this would require the help of many of the now unavailable grey heads to call them back to memory; since through the coming of the white man, the belief in Christianity, neglect and disuse, they are almost forgotten or even abused, while to the present generation many of the superstitions are entirely unknown.

However the in born spirit, traditions, influences and keen interest aroused by listening attentively to folk tales, fables, ghost and witchcraft stories told by grand mothers to their grandchildren at bed time in the hut; and also other peculiar talks among the men at home or in the "khotla" in the evenings about these beliefs and customs; all these I say must naturally have implanted in the minds of young listeners, deep and not to be shaken impressions about these customs and beliefs.In those days to have doubted the integrity of charms, the binding necessity of certain incisions, the magical powers of the "baloi" evil doers, witches and those of ghosts etc. would have deemed worse than insanity itself.

Poetical and rhymed amusing songs were sung, nursery tales repeated about these beliefs at the hearth by night, and fables were told at bed time by old grannies to their grandchildren, who in every case slept at their houses, in order to shun the abusive slander "ho hloba khoale" to pluck the partridge recklessly or in ordinary. "Do not pamper your children". Superstitions, fables and nursery tales were then and there related to the little ones. However it must be remembered that fables were not too be narrated during the day time, but only at night, these being a strong belief that a mysterious horn would happen too grow on the head of the person who encounted fables during the day time.

This past December, Malealea Lodge was sprinkled with a little extra fairy magic when a visiting family brought along tiny, whimsical decorations and transformed 17 trees into enchanted fairy homes! 🏡🌿 These tiny fairy friends now live throughout the lodge grounds, waiting to be discovered by those with a keen eye for wonder.

👣 This enchanting adventure is perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience a bit of fairy-tale charm at Malealea Lodge. So, lace up your shoes, let your imagination soar, and see how many fairy homes you can find! 🧚‍♀️🌈💖