Malealea Lodge  Verified Listing

Malealea Lodge is nestled in the Makhomalong Valley and surrounded by the beautiful Maloti Mountains. Malealea Lodge dates back to 1905 when it was established as a Trading Post by Mervyn Bosworth Smith. Educated at Oxford, this charismatic colonial character fought in both the Anglo-Boer and First World Wars. He fell in love with Basutoland and lived there for over 40 years. The small village at Malealea developed around the Trading Store, and since Mervyn's death in 1950, the latter has changed hands several times. Mick and Di Jones bought Malealea Lodge in 1986, back when it was a trading post with a mere few beds. Since then, it has grown into a solar-powered 90-bed complex famous for pony trekking & mountain biking. Malealea Lodge offers "Lesotho in a Nutshell," providing a true taste of the real Africa. Situated in a secluded part of Western Lesotho, it is the perfect spot for a 2- to 3-night stopover from Johannesburg to Cape Town or from the Drakensberg to the Wild Coast or the Garden Route. A wide range of accommodation options are available, from camping to en-suite rondavels. Child-friendly and pet-friendly, there are choices to suit all budgets and preferences. Relax on the lodge lawns, indulge in Mme Agnes's world-famous carrot cake, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals while taking in the serene natural beauty that surrounds you. There are three communal self-catering kitchens with gas fridges and cookers available for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. For the more adventurous, there are opportunities to explore Lesotho's stunning mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and Bushman paintings through thrilling hiking, pony trekking, and mountain biking trails suitable for all fitness levels. Immerse yourself in the local culture with guided village walks and enjoy performances by various Basotho children's choirs and a local Basotho band using their homemade instruments to entertain guests in the evenings. Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we invite you to discover it with us. Our activities are designed to provide an ethical exploration of the natural beauty surrounding us while giving you a glimpse into our way of life.