Maletsunyane Falls Semonkong
Maletsunyane Falls Semonkong
4.5
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4.5
124 reviews
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27
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3
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1
Terrible
1
Nomthandazo Chala
Durban, South Africa29 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Maletsunyane Falls located in an unspoilt area in Semonkong is a 192-metre-high waterfall dropping into a gorge. The falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. It is accessible by a car and it's worth seeing. One can enjoy beautiful views of lush valleys and mountain streams along the way to the falls. Also it is more likely than not to come across a roadblock of sheep. and/or cattle. You just need to be patient. Great experience.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pavla s
Prague, Czech Republic78 contributions
Dec 2016
Great place and now really easy to reach. From Maseru/Roma Its 3/2,5 hour by nice new completely tarred road-easily accesible by 2wheel car.You can go to main viewing point directly in the main road,or cross the bridge and go to another viewingpoint-the road is gravel but in good weather OK for 2 wheel car.Or you can go to Semonkong lodge-hire a ponny,bike or guide and make small trip.Recommended!
Written 11 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoranWembley
United Kingdom4,058 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
Maletsunyane Falls are Semonkong's No.1 attraction. These are not the tallest of waterfalls and neither the greatest by volume of water, but they're attractive for other reasons. The falls are set in Semonkong's really beautiful countryside; they're spectacularly emerging through almost an anomaly in the landscapes; and the falls provide many options to enjoy the visit. Possible to do abseiling, horse riding, trekking the cliffs and the gorge; possible to get to the unofficial viewpoint by car too.
I did the trek down to the bottom of the falls followed by the exploration of cliffs above. Then I spent the next four hours relaxing in one spot with the views of the falls, the gorge and surrounding countryside on a perfectly clear early autumn day. This was one of those places where I wish I could stop the time.
Below on how I did Maletsunyane Falls:
It's possible to hire a guide from Semonkong Lodge for c.4 hours trek for R120. This includes the hike to the cliffs, trek to the bottom of the falls and back to Semonkong. I didn't want to do it this way and I went hiking to the falls on my own. It's very easy to get there; all I had to do was to occasionally check with locals I was still on otherwise obvious trail. After around 50-60mins it gets slightly tricky as the trail to the falls sneakily separates from the main horse trail. Basically, I had to turn left as soon as I saw the anomaly in the landscape (you'll see what I mean by 'anomaly' when you get at this point); I had to turn left as soon as I saw these cliffs appearing out of what was a serene and gentle countryside.
The best views of the falls are from the cliffs positioned SW from the falls at the lower trail. It's possible to see the falls, pools, mini waterfalls, gorge, other cliffs and the beautiful countryside from there. Note: there are many grassy bushes growing from the cliff edges giving a false sense of security; it can be dangerous to come too close to these bushes especially in strong winds.
For those wishing to take a trek to the bottom of the gorge on their own would be very difficult to find the trailhead and potentially dangerous to venture down this very steep trail. The local kids come to rescue for those who haven't took the Semonkong Lodge guide. They're cheeky and ask for R100, but R50 is OK to pay. One of them offered to take me down for R30, but I would have felt bad to give him that little. So I took Kalestus, the local teenager for R50.
This trail is very steep and narrow in sections, it's eroded in places, the path views are obstructed by grass and it requires 100% concentration. It's not possible to look around and walk! I only enjoyed the views once I was confident that the spot I was standing at was safe. It's easier climbing up than going down. Good shoes and focussing on the path are essential. It's wonderful down there and well worth the effort.
One more thing. It's difficult to make a perfect photo of the falls together with its surroundings, eg the river and its gorge. The falls are facing south which means they're in the shadow for the majority of the day. The sun shines on the river with the pools and mini waterfalls up until the early afternoon. The only time the sun shines on the falls would be for a limited time in mid afternoon in late spring, summer and early autumn. The rest of the gorge in front of the falls is in shadow at this time of the day. However, this could be the ideal time to trek down to the bottom of the falls, ie, no sweating coming back up.
I did the trek down to the bottom of the falls followed by the exploration of cliffs above. Then I spent the next four hours relaxing in one spot with the views of the falls, the gorge and surrounding countryside on a perfectly clear early autumn day. This was one of those places where I wish I could stop the time.
Below on how I did Maletsunyane Falls:
It's possible to hire a guide from Semonkong Lodge for c.4 hours trek for R120. This includes the hike to the cliffs, trek to the bottom of the falls and back to Semonkong. I didn't want to do it this way and I went hiking to the falls on my own. It's very easy to get there; all I had to do was to occasionally check with locals I was still on otherwise obvious trail. After around 50-60mins it gets slightly tricky as the trail to the falls sneakily separates from the main horse trail. Basically, I had to turn left as soon as I saw the anomaly in the landscape (you'll see what I mean by 'anomaly' when you get at this point); I had to turn left as soon as I saw these cliffs appearing out of what was a serene and gentle countryside.
The best views of the falls are from the cliffs positioned SW from the falls at the lower trail. It's possible to see the falls, pools, mini waterfalls, gorge, other cliffs and the beautiful countryside from there. Note: there are many grassy bushes growing from the cliff edges giving a false sense of security; it can be dangerous to come too close to these bushes especially in strong winds.
For those wishing to take a trek to the bottom of the gorge on their own would be very difficult to find the trailhead and potentially dangerous to venture down this very steep trail. The local kids come to rescue for those who haven't took the Semonkong Lodge guide. They're cheeky and ask for R100, but R50 is OK to pay. One of them offered to take me down for R30, but I would have felt bad to give him that little. So I took Kalestus, the local teenager for R50.
This trail is very steep and narrow in sections, it's eroded in places, the path views are obstructed by grass and it requires 100% concentration. It's not possible to look around and walk! I only enjoyed the views once I was confident that the spot I was standing at was safe. It's easier climbing up than going down. Good shoes and focussing on the path are essential. It's wonderful down there and well worth the effort.
One more thing. It's difficult to make a perfect photo of the falls together with its surroundings, eg the river and its gorge. The falls are facing south which means they're in the shadow for the majority of the day. The sun shines on the river with the pools and mini waterfalls up until the early afternoon. The only time the sun shines on the falls would be for a limited time in mid afternoon in late spring, summer and early autumn. The rest of the gorge in front of the falls is in shadow at this time of the day. However, this could be the ideal time to trek down to the bottom of the falls, ie, no sweating coming back up.
Written 16 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip_Bolster
Groningen, The Netherlands930 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
The road to the falls by car is very bad and takes around 40 minutes. Shortly before the falls you have to pay an entrance fee The two guys offer to charge you a lower fee if you pay cash. During the last hundred meters the road is perfect and leading to a huge new concrete building which is not in use at all. Also the restaurant is empty. The building is spoiling the surroundings.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine L
Beaufort West, South Africa138 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We took the 7km pony ride to the falls. What an amazing experience! There are no fences or any man made feature. Just the wild, untamed beauty of water tumbling down.
Written 21 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trail818715
3 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Best experience ever!The fall is breath taking! It is a perfect for braiing and relaxing together with family and friends.
Written 11 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorraine C
Honiara, Solomon Islands117 contributions
Oct 2018
This stunning 204 metre drop falls is a sight. You can abseil down the depth of the falls if you are game. Natural beauty.
Written 6 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin
Lichtenburg, South Africa25 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
We hiked from Semonkong Lodge and went to the top of the falls first. It's so high that your stomach starts turning! Absolutely amazing view of the valley. Then we hiked around to the other side of the valley to see the falls from the front. This is something to behold... You can get there with a car with good ground clearance but I recommend hiking.
Written 4 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pieter
Cape Town, South Africa1,696 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
This waterfall should be in the top ten places to visit in Africa. Its truly awesome to visit. Take some food and go for a picknick and spend late afternoon here as the sun goes down for the most amazing pictures.
Written 8 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mona B
Arlington, VA184 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
We came to visit the Falls in 1 day - driving to/from Maseru and it was totally worth it. only wish we could have stayed longer to actually hike down to the bottom or abseil. Once you get off the main road, where you turn off after a few km isn't super well marked, so best to go with someone who knows. We were there after a little rain, so beware of where you drive off the road so you don't get stuck!
Written 17 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. We in Lesotho and want to know if there is water in the falls?
Written 22 December 2018
I think there should be, as we were there in a dry(ish) time of the year and there was water.
Contact Mark at the Maluti Stay Lodge. They are close by and can assist.
Hope you come right.
Written 26 December 2018
Hello I am from Brazil and I am thinking to go from Maseru to Maletsunyane Falls and come back in the same day.
We can arrive in the up view point of the falls by car or we need to walk?
I will rent a 4x4 car.
Thanks a lot for your help
BR
Delfim
Written 7 August 2018
Yes you can arrive in the up view point by the car, only that you will leave it less than 20metres away so you can see clearly.
Written 29 August 2018
Bonjour,
ca a l'air magique
pourriez vous me dire svp comment vous avez fait pour y aller?
et si depuis Durban c'est accessible?
Merci bcp!
Written 10 July 2018
Hola
Fuimos a Semonkong y acampamos en el Semonkong Lodge. Despues desde este lodge hasta la cascada hay una bonita caminata de unas 2 horas aproximadamente. Muy bonito.
Desde Durban si es posible, pero muy muy lejano quizas.
Un saludo.
Written 8 August 2018
svh135
Sasolburg, South Africa
Good day
We are planning to visit the falls this easter weekend and would like to include a pony ride to the falls , The question is , is the only place to rent a pony at the lodge or is there any other place as well , we are doing a one day trip from lady brand and the ladies would like to horse ride
Written 5 April 2017
The Lodge is The only place were you can arrange a pony trip or absailing at the falls. They are very helpful and friendly and worth the while visiting.
Written 26 April 2017
I would like to visit the falls. Is there a camping site in view of the falls? Or are we allowed to put up camp anywhere?
Written 19 March 2017
There is NO camping site at the falls. You are not allowed to camp anywhere. The closest ander safe site is at Semonkong Lodge some 5km away.
Written 4 April 2017
we would like to visit Maletsunyane Falls-please can you help us to answer a few questions?
Is the road from Maseru to Semonkong completely tared ?-how much time it takes from Maseru?
Is possible to reach the falls-viewpoint (the last 8km from the bridge) with 2wheel-drive car or is it 4x4 necessary?
If we will come to your lodge- is it possible to hire a guide or organie a ponny-trek to the waterfalls?How much it costs and how much time we need for it?
Thank you very,very much
Written 19 November 2016
Thank you.We are back and Maletsunyane falls were amazing!The road from Roma takes 2,5 hours there and 2 h back.Is easy,completely tared. In Semonkong you can visit viewing point from main road,or cross the bridge and continue cca 5 km to the falls by gravel road.The road is absolutely OK for 2 wheel drive in good weather.The last part of gravel road to Semonkong lodge is worse :)
Written 11 January 2017
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