Description
In South Africa's deep gold mines, smoke in the tunnels after the dynamite blasts is referred to as semoko. The mighty Maletsunyane Falls creates a similar haze of smoke as the water drops 200 metres into a spectacular gorge. It is from this smoke that Semonkong, The Place of Smoke, got its name. In 1990, the Halse family who has been in Lesotho for five generations took over Semonkong Lodge from the Frasers Trading Company and have been running and developing it ever since. Jonathan and Armelle are your hosts in Semonkong while Verney and Elspet run the booking office in Ficksburg.
The accommodation, built of stone and thatch, offers just the right balance between civilisation and rustic elegance; electricity, hot showers, roaring fireplaces, and not a telephone in sight. The fully licensed pub and restaurant, complete with pool table, provide a popular meeting place for both locals and guests. The restaurant serves home-cooked meals and also caters for vegetarians.
With Semonkong Village just a stone's throw away, Semonkong Lodge is always bustling with activity as the Basotho people go about their daily lives. The balcony outside the bar area offers a fascinating view not only of the river but also of the Basotho in their straw hats and blankets as they trot gracefully by on their ponies, followed by scuttling sheep, dogs, goats, and donkeys. They are constantly transporting food and supplies, which includes large amounts of beer from Semonkong to their villages, sometimes days away.
Semonkong Lodge offers guests a glimpse of life in the Kingdom in the Sky. There is something refreshing and enchanting about the Basotho people - their culture is one of friendliness and openness. It is customary and polite to greet all whom you pass. It is only once you go out into the mountains, be it on horseback or by foot, that you begin to understand how their culture developed. It is impossible to explain how very human you feel in the middle of the mountains; the sight of another person becomes a chance for communication and you cannot help but greet any stranger you pass in the midst of this mountain paradise.
Check-In 01:00 PM Check-Out 10:00 AM
Food & Gastronomy: The fully licensed pub and restaurant, complete with pool table, provide a popular meeting place for both locals and guests. The restaurant serves home-cooked meals and also caters for vegetarians.
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On Request
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Unavailable
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Unspecified
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* Please note that these rates are a guide and are subject to change. Please confirm
availability by requesting a quote.
Eight-Bedded Dormitory x 1
Includes: Room Only
Eight-bedded dormitory with fireplace.
Features available
| Other Fireplace, Self-catering |
En-suite Double x 5
Includes: Room Only
En-suite double bedroom with fireplace.
Features available
| Bathroom Facilities En-suite |
| Beds Double beds |
| Other Fireplace, Self-catering |
| Views Mountain |
En-suite Four-bedroom x 1
Includes: Room Only
En-suite four-bedroom offers two bunk bed and two single beds.
Features available
| Bathroom Facilities En-suite |
| Beds Bunk beds, Single beds |
| Other Self-catering |
| Views Mountain |
En-suite Standard x 1
Includes: Room Only
En-suite standard three-bedrooms offer one double bed and one single bed.
Features available
En-suite Twin-bedded x 2
Includes: Room Only
En-suite twin-bedded room with fireplace.
Features available
| Bathroom Facilities En-suite |
| Beds Twin beds |
| Other Fireplace, Self-catering |
| Views Mountain |
Ensuite Four-bedrooms with Fireplace x 2
Includes: Room Only
En-suite four-bedrooms with fireplace, one double bed and 1 two bunk bed.
Features available
| Bathroom Facilities En-suite |
| Beds Double beds, Bunk beds |
| Other Fireplace, Self-catering |
| Views Mountain |
Six-bedded Dormitory x 1
Includes: Room Only
Six-bedded dormitory with fireplace.
Features available
| Other Fireplace, Self-catering |
Standard En-suite x 5
Includes: Room Only
Standard en-suite twin-bedded rooms.
Features available
| Bathroom Facilities En-suite |
| Beds Twin beds |
| Other Fireplace, Self-catering |
| Views Mountain |
Semonkong Lodge
Map
* We rely on Google's mapping service, and the location information supplied to
us to show street view images. Please use street view as a guide only as we cannot
guarantee its accuracy.
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.