From Two-Way Radios to Starlink 🚀✨: Our Communication Journey in Rural Lesotho 🇱🇸

When we first moved to the remote mountains of Lesotho in 1986, life at Malealea Lodge looked very different from today. Back then, “staying connected” meant something quite literal — and very limited.

The Era of Two-Way Radios (1986 onwards)

With no telephones, no faxes, and certainly no internet, our only lifeline to the outside world was a two-way radio. Messages had to be relayed in bursts, often through intermediaries, and communication was never private or guaranteed. It was basic, but it kept us linked — a thread of connection across the rugged valleys.

Driving to the Gates of Paradise for a Signal

Fast forward a few years, and the arrival of cell phones brought hope — but not coverage. In those early days, we would drive up the mountain to Gates of Paradise Pass just to catch a faint signal. Perched at the edge of the escarpment, we could make a quick phone call, often with the wind whipping around us, before heading back down into the valley where silence once again ruled.

Vodacom & Econet Towers: The Game Changers

Eventually, infrastructure reached us. First came Vodacom, then Econet, building towers that transformed the way we communicated. Suddenly, calls could be made from the lodge itself. Guests could reach home, and we could coordinate with guests and partners more easily. For a lodge tucked away in the mountains, this was revolutionary.

From Patchy Networks to Satellite Internet

Even with mobile towers, internet was often slow, patchy, or unreliable — fine for emails, but not for the growing demands of running a modern lodge. Guests expected connectivity, and we needed reliable systems for bookings, accounts, and communication.

Starlink Arrives at Malealea Lodge

And now, we’ve entered a new era: Starlink. With satellites orbiting far above, we can finally connect directly to the world — no mountains to block the way, no waiting for a clear signal. It feels surreal to think that in less than four decades, we’ve gone from crackling radio calls to high-speed satellite internet.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Each step in this journey reflects not only technological progress, but also the resilience of life in remote Lesotho. Communication has evolved from scratchy voices over radios to seamless video calls with loved ones abroad. For us at Malealea Lodge, it has been more than just convenience — it has been about staying connected with the world, while still holding onto the peace and beauty of our mountain home.