RIBANENG HIKE AND CAMP TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN ADVANCING LESOTHO’S ADVENTURE TOURISM
Hiking continues to position destinations as vibrant hubs for eco-tourism and adventure travel. The annual Ribaneng Hike and Camp, organized by Earth Lovers Hiking Club, has become one of Lesotho’s emerging flagship adventure events. The 26-kilometre (13+13) back-trail hike from Ribaneng Lodge to Ribaneng Falls has experienced remarkable growth, attracting participants from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and across Lesotho.
Participation in the Ribaneng Hike has grown remarkably, increasing from approximately 180 hikers in 2025 to nearly 300 this year, a remarkable increase of close to 67 percent compared to the previous edition. This momentous growth highlights the expanding appeal of Lesotho as a competitive and sought-after adventure tourism destination within the region.
As the hike commenced, participants were instantly enchanted by the sight of gaiting horses, gracefully ridden by elegantly attired Basotho men. The horses’ hooves made a steady beat that mixed with lively ululations from the women and joyful cheers from the men in the village, creating a thrilling atmosphere. This cultural showcase accompanied the hikers for part of the journey, though it did not cover the entire trail, yet it unfolded as a moving celebration of Basotho pride and tradition.
The 2026 Edition of the Hike to Ribaneng Falls which started on 7th February 2026, offered participants an extended experience with a sleepover option from 6th–8th February, allowing adventurers time to relax and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings before and unwind after the hike.
The Mayor of Maseru Hon Relebohile Sechache embraced the event fully as he officially welcomed the international guests in Maseru on Thursday. The National Assembly of Lesotho Deputy Speaker Hon Ts’epang Ts’ita Mosena met the hikers on Friday to wish them success in their 3-day outdoor tourism adventure.
The event attracted a vibrant mix of outdoor enthusiasts, with the majority choosing to camp on-site. Tents lined the picturesque against the breathtaking landscape, while the spark of bonfires lit up the evening sky, creating a warm and captivating atmosphere. Against this spectacular backdrop, hikers from different nationalities gathered to share stories, exchange ideas, and build networks transforming the experience into more than just an outdoor adventure, but a cultural and social encounter.
The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), mandated to promote and develop tourism in the Kingdom, supported the event and was represented by its Public Relations Manager, Mr. Molapo Matela. Among the Saturday hike participants was the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Honourable Nthati Moorosi
The event also attracted a delegation from Mbashe Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, led by Executive Mayor Dr. Samkelo Janda, accompanied by the Portfolio Head for Development Planning including Local Economic Development (LED), Councilor Mgedezi, LED Manager Mr. Mbeko Sibaca and Tourism Officer Miss Jikicwa.
The hike commenced with welcoming remarks from the Minister, after which ecstatic participants, proudly waving their national flags and hiker’s club flags, embarked on the journey to Ribaneng Falls. Back at the lodge, the Mayor welcomed hikers from the waterfall and presented medals to each of them.
Nestled within a remote and pristine landscape, Ribaneng Falls plunges spectacularly from soaring cliffs into a pristine pool beneath. The powerful yet soothing sound of falling water creates a refreshing and immersive natural experience. The pool’s clear waters reveal smooth stones beneath the surface, offering visitors an invigorating and memorable encounter with nature.
Despite the challenging terrain, particularly during steep descents, hikers demonstrated resilience and teamwork. Horses were made available at a fee, to transport exhausted participants back to the lodge, demonstrating how tourism services can be incorporated into the local value chain while enhancing visitor comfort.
Upon returning to the lodge, hikers were welcomed with vibrant traditional performances and praise poetry, showcasing Basotho culture and enriching the overall visitor experience.
In an interview, Earth Lovers Hiking Club PRO Mr. Qhoakeli Koneshe expressed satisfaction with the event’s growth. He attributed the increase in participants to effective social media marketing and collaborative participation in cross-border hiking events.
“Among the 300 participants, this year we have a record high of 200 international hikers from fourteen (14) hiking and camping clubs,” Koneshe emphasized that the growth was beyond their expectations. He acknowledged that hiking requires proper preparation and physical fitness, emphasizing the importance of clear communication regarding route difficulty.
“Most importantly, we witnessed tangible community beneficiation, particularly among local horse owners,” said Mr. Koneshe. “A return trip to Ribaneng Falls was charged at M300.00, while a single trip cost M150.00, depending on the distance covered. These horse rides served not only as convenient relief transport for tired participants, but also as a unique experiential offering for those eager to enjoy an authentic Basotho horseback adventure.”
He added that the initiative generated meaningful income for the host community, demonstrating how tourism activities can directly empower local livelihoods while enriching the overall visitor experience.
A visiting hiker from Zimbabwe, Mr. Hazel Kassim, highlighted Lesotho’s magnificent natural beauty, warm hospitality and strong cultural identity as key attractions. While praising the overall experience, he suggested the introduction of additional service points to minimize queues. He further indicated his intention to return next year to ski at Afriski Mountain Resort, reflecting the country’s potential for year-round tourism offerings.
Local hiker Ms. Maseabata Mpaka noted that beyond Ribaneng Falls, the area is home to other breathtaking waterfalls that remain largely inaccessible. She proposed product diversification initiatives, including potential helicopter excursions to sites such as Boritsa Tšoene, Ketane Falls and Maletsunyane Waterfalls, as well as the introduction of zip lines and cable cars to extend visitor stays and enhance revenue generation.
The Founder and Managing Director of Ribaneng Lodge, Mr. Mphomeli Mphomeli, described the event as a realization of his vision for the lodge. He indicated that the host community benefited through leasing mattresses, pillows and blankets, selling traditional cuisine, and hiring out horses to hikers. These activities generated income and demonstrated the tangible impact of community-based tourism.
In addition to the waterfalls, the area features Bushman rock paintings, presenting further opportunities for heritage tourism development. Mr. Mphomeli urged that these attractions be promoted more prominently on LTDC’s Visit Lesotho website and social media channels to reach a wider audience.
In an interview, one of the community members who was leasing mattresses, blankets and sheets indicated that the business did not generate the expected revenue, expressing concern over last-minute requests to reduce the agreed leasing fees.
The Public Relations Manager of LTDC, Mr. Molapo Matela, expressed the Corporation’s unwavering commitment to promoting Ribaneng Village and surrounding attractions. He encouraged stakeholders to compile comprehensive information for digital marketing. He further emphasized the need to strengthen hospitality standards, particularly addressing instances of children soliciting food or money from visitors, as sustainable tourism must uphold dignity and positive visitor engagement.
Mr. Matela underlined that Ribaneng has the potential to attract tourists throughout the year. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the tourism value chain through collaboration among all stakeholders.
Executive Mayor of Mbashe Municipality in Eastern Cape Dr. Samkelo Janda described the hike as spectacular and electrifying, emphasizing that Mbashe participation in such events deepens appreciation for unspoiled natural assets. He noted that events play a crucial role in driving tourism growth, fostering partnerships and building networks across borders.
The Mayor explained that their participation was also motivated by historical ties between Lesotho and South Africa dating back to the liberation struggle, as well as a desire to learn from Lesotho’s approach to strengthening tourism and promoting community participation.
However, he highlighted the importance of maintaining the road infrastructure leading to Ribaneng. While the destination has strong potential to attract repeat visitation, poor road conditions pose risks and may discourage future visits, particularly for international travelers.
In an exclusive interview, the Minister of Communication, Science and Technology, Hon. Nthati Moorosi, an avid hiker shared her passion for the outdoors and community-driven initiatives. This year marked her fourth participation in the Ribaneng Hike. She revealed that while she joined the first and second hikes independently, her third and fourth experiences were in support of the Earth Lovers Hiking Club’ organized hike at Ribaneng.
Reflecting on her continued involvement, the Cabinet Minister emphasized her belief in the power of such initiatives, noting, “I always hike because I support activities that bring people together and build a spirit of oneness.”
She encouraged organizers and LTDC to develop a compelling historical and cultural narrative for the destination, noting that tourism is fundamentally about selling memorable experiences that encourage repeat visitation and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
The Minister further encouraged hikers to leave a meaningful footprint by supporting vulnerable members of the Ribaneng community through voluntary contributions.
The Ribaneng Hike and Camping event continues to evolve into a signature adventure tourism product capable of reinforcing Lesotho’s nation brand and positioning. With improved infrastructure, enhanced storytelling, diversified tourism products and sustained stakeholder collaboration, Ribaneng can serve as a model for sustainable, community-driven tourism development in the Kingdom.
