Ts’ehlanyane National Park is located in the Maloti Mountains in Leribe District at a height of 2600m. It is only one of two national parks in Lesotho and makes up an integral part of the greater Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park. The name.
‘Ts’ehlanyane’ means the berg bamboo and is of high cultural significance to the Basotho people. Berg bamboo is the host plant for an endangered butterfly species, the Bamboo Sylph (Metisella syrinx).
The park also encompasses a significant proportion of very rare mountain fynbos that don’t occur anywhere else in the world. We find there around 220 flowing plant species.
The horse is a big pride in Lesotho and the Basotho people are renowned as a nation of horsemen. For generations, horses have been bred as the ideal form of transport in these rugged mountains.
Ts’ehlanyane National Park has some of the only indigenous forests in Lesotho. It is protected by government regulations. Well-marked hiking and horseback-riding trails lead to waterfalls, caves, and viewpoints. You will find peace and tranquillity here surrounded by nature and fresh air.
Located within Ts’ehlanyane National Park is Maliba Mountain Lodge, the country’s most highly rated tourist accommodation. Maliba, which means ‘lots of water’, was designed by local architects and constructed with the involvement of over 100 local villagers.
Prince Harry visited Maliba Lodge in Lesotho as part of his work with his charity, Sentebale. A charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso in 2006. The charity’s name translates to “forget-me-not” in Sesotho. Sentebale’s mission is to support vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana who are impacted by HIV/AIDS.
I was accommodated in one of six private and luxurious Besotho-style chalets. They are tastefully decorated in a naturally friendly fashion with fully underfloor heating, heated bed blankets, and wall panels. There is an open fireplace and bath with views into the mountain. Staying overnight in this marvel was truly a pleasant change from my usual accommodation choices.
A short video of this hidden jewel is here.
Frog on the border 