Hike to Qiloane Falls

Lesotho is wonderful because it is quite easy to escape the city and enjoy remote adventures! Just an hours drive from Maseru you will take Main South 1 toward Roma, making sure to follow signs directing you toward Mohale Dam. As you drive you will climb up into the mountains. At the second pass, God Help Me Pass, you will see a sign for the Basotho Pony Trekking Centre on the left. This is where you should park. Make sure to check in and pay 20 M to park here.

You will start by heading down the hill from the Basotho Pony Trekking Centre with the stream on your left until it joins another larger stream. Cross the larger stream and follow the trail left.

From here the trail will rise above the stream and veer toward your right. Make sure to keep on the main trail toward the clearing with a group of trees. Walk through the middle of the trees and take the trail that runs downhill toward your left, following another stream. Follow this until you again cross another stream, at which point the trail will now ascend to the top of the ridge giving you a great view of the surrounding area and a larger river on your right.

From this point, the trail forks, so take a right and head down toward the terraced fields and the larger, Makhaleng River. During the dryer seasons the river will be low and you will see the stone bottom. As you descend toward the fields the trail will curve around and you will begin to head toward a small village. Continue to hike downhill until you cross the river before the village.

From here you have two options to get to the waterfall:
1) For a beautiful view of the waterfall from above, cross the Makhaleng River and head directly up the slope. As you ascend you will intersect with the well-established trail. Once you hit the trail, follow it uphill toward your right and this will take you over the saddle at which point you will be see the beautiful Qiloane Falls!
2) For a more relaxed approach, walk upstream on the Makhaleng River’s stone bed. This is a nice way to return from the falls as well!

Congratulations on reaching the falls! There’s a wonderful swimming hole at the bottom of the falls. However, definitely check out the smaller pools and scenic falls atop the waterfall!