Tag: Lesotho

Apart from the rivers that are covered in more detail separately, rivers like the Maletsunyane, the Tsoelike and Linakeng will be of interest to experienced paddlers in search of challenging runs.

A trip on the Maletsunyane can start below the Maletsunyane Falls at Semonkong, which is the highest single drop waterfall in Southern Africa. The section below the fall seems to be a technical class 3 to 5 section. It probably flattens out closer to its confluence with the Senqu.

The Tsoelike and Linakeng also have good creeking potential. There will undoubtedly be even more rivers waiting for a first descent. Read More

The Malibamatso is a tributary to the Senqu River, but its lower course is handicapped by the Katse Dam. The section above the dam is very worth paddling though.

• Ideal for: Kayak, croc
• Grade: 2 to 3+
• Length: 35km
• Duration: 2 days
• Type: Pool-drop mountain river
• Put-in: Bridge on A1
• Take-out: Bridge on dirt road
• Dam controlled: No
• Permits: None

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This is one of the remotest rivers south of the Zambezi, and should be prepared for as for an expedition. Although the river is not particularly technically challenging, any walkout would take several days over some of the highest mountains of the region. The drive around is 450km over very high, mist prone passes, and requires a full day, unless you have someone to pick you up at the end.

• Ideal for: Kayak, croc
• Grade: 2 to 3
• Length: 180km
• Duration: 6 days
• Type: Remote mountain river
• Put-in: Marakabei bridge on A3 between Maseru and Thaba-Tseka
• Take-out: Bridge on A4 over the Quthing River
• Dam controlled: Mohale Dam
• Permits: None

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The Senqu is the upper reach of the Orange River, and can be considered to be the major river in Lesotho. Its source is near the Twelve Apostles in the Drakensberg and it meanders through Lesotho to cross the border in the southwest, where it becomes the Orange. It has been paddled from its source, but it rarely has enough water on the upper part to make it worthwhile.

• Ideal for: K1, croc, even kayak
• Grade: 1 to 2
• Type: Remote mountain river
• Levels paddleable: Summer season
• Dam controlled: No
• Permits: None

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