Ts'ehlanyane National Park is a wonderful and pristine national park located in one of the most remote areas of Lesotho, at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. It can be reached in less than three hours from the capital, Maseru.

We overnight at the Maliba Lodge, a splendid accommodation facility in the heart of the Park from which most of the paths start. There are different itineraries that can be followed, in this case we choose to complete a ring following the so-called "Upper Trail" on the outward journey and the "Lower Trail" on the return journey. The routes, especially the first, are well traced with white symbols and indications of the distance travelled. The Upper Trail starts from the back of the main building of the Maliba Lodge and concentrates a good part of its altitude difference in the first 500 metres. We climb with a pleasant slope while splendid views of the mountains that surround us and the uncontaminated vegetation are already starting to open up around us. Once you reach a certain altitude the path continues flat. To our right below, the Hlotse River is visible. On the other bank, if you look closely, it is possible to spot some splendid specimens of Eland (large antelopes) along the mountain ridges. The encounter with some of these mammals could also be probable in one of the clearings we come across along the way. After just over an hour we reach the intersection with the Lower Trail and, continuing further, the Black Pool, a natural pool that forms between the rocks. After a regenerating stop we return following the Lower Trail. This itinerary remains flat and follows the course of the Hlotse river, which we cross several times. Depending on the flow rate of the water, fords can be more or less easy and safe. The Maliba Lodge and its characteristic thatched roofs are visible in front of us. We continue until we reach the chalets along the river. From this point it is possible to start a different path (including the one that leads to Holomo waterfall) or, alternatively, go up towards the lodges to return to the starting point of our hike.

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N.B. The description refers to the conditions encountered on the date of the excursion. Before embarking on the itinerary, find out about its current conditions and the possible presence of snow and/or ice, to evaluate the feasibility of the excursion and equip yourself with the appropriate equipment. Always consult the snow, avalanche and weather reports in advance.

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