Three Ranges Trail Preparations Underway

Maseru

The third 3 Ranges Trail, organised by Thapoha Hiking Club, is set to make a return this October to test the endurance of hikers and travellers in Lesotho. This was announced by the club this week.

Mushroomed within Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), the club announced that the preparations towards the third episode of the tourism and hiking excursion have reached completion, with the first trail hiking piloted in 2023. 

The tour offers hikers an experience like no other, filled with rich Basotho culture, history, as well as exposure to the beauty of the Mountain Kingdom. 

The starting point of the hike is marked at the lowest point in Lesotho, 389 metres above sea level and escalating to the peak of mountain Thabana-Ntlenayana which is positioned at 3,482 metres above sea level.

The Chairperson of Lesotho Council for Tourism (LCT) Advocate Makhetha Motšoari, revealed that this challenging terrain brings a one-of-a-kind experience that will sell Lesotho, placing it as a tourist attraction to be considered. 

“Lesotho is the only country in the world entirely above 1,000 metres in elevation. This gives us a rare gift: pure mountain air, unspoiled natural landscapes and breath taking views that few places can match. We are not competing on beaches or on the savannah wildlife. We are competing on altitude, endurance, culture and the raw beauty of our mountains. This is our comparative advantage,” Advocate Motṣ̌oari said.

“We are talking about an experience that will attract international hikers, domestic adventurers and regional visitors, each of whom contributes to our economy and our people’s livelihoods. This is why today we boldly declare: Lesotho is Africa’s premier high-altitude hiking destination.” 

Motšoari also highlighted that the initiative is set to play a pivotal role in reflection tourism and economic impact, citing that it is a development tool which is going to bring opportunities for local guides, homestays and village communities who will provide food, accommodation and cultural storytelling.

“It creates jobs in guiding, transport, logistics, hospitality and eco-conservation. It puts Lesotho firmly on the global adventure tourism map, alongside destinations like the Inca Trail in Peru or Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania,” he supplemented.

He further reiterated that the Trail is not just about walking, but about rediscovering the spirit of humanity in nature as this trail has been defined as the most challenging of all hiking in the Southern Africa region.

The 288.3-kilometre trail name was ingeniously derived from the three mountain ranges through which the trail traverses. These are the Thaba-Putsoa, Takalatsa (Central) and Drakensberg mountain ranges. 

Motšoari noted that this trail gives the best of both worlds, by promoting a healthy lifestyle in hiking as well as promoting tourism, giving the participants exposure to some of Lesotho’s most renowned natural attractions and showcasing the best of the country’s picturesque beauty and cultural heritage. 

Hikers will be treated to exceptional views, passing through rivers and all four ecological zones of Lesotho and five districts.

In this hiking episode, the club has partnered with corporate sponsors with an additional backing of M40,000.00 from Standard Lesotho Bank.

The LTDC noted that forging partnerships will help the corporation to create development impacts on the locations that form part of the route, citing plans to reinforce and do renovations on some of the schools that are used as shelters during the course.

It noted that the hike has also been tailored to be enjoyable and challenge hikers. It has however also been designed to fit every hiker depending on whether one is at a beginner, intermediate or professional level of hiking.

The route is divided into manageable sections to accommodate varying levels of strength and endurance. It is divided into three sections: a 4-day section, a 6-day section and a 4-day section. The purpose is to accommodate hikers with different fitness levels as well as commitments.