Maletsunyane Falls

The Maletsunyane Falls, near the highland town of Semonkong, are one of the most spectacular natural sights in Lesotho and among the highest single-drop waterfalls in southern Africa. Here the Maletsunyane River plunges nearly 200 metres in a single, dramatic leap over a basalt cliff into a deep gorge, sending up spray and, in the cold highland winters, sometimes freezing into ice. The town's name, Semonkong, meaning place of smoke, refers to the mist of the falls. As well as viewing the cascade from clifftop paths or on a pony trek, the brave can tackle the world's longest commercially operated single-drop abseil down beside it.

What you actually see

• The waterfall - the nearly 200-metre single-drop plunge.
• The gorge - the deep basalt gorge below the falls.
• The record abseil - the world's longest commercial abseil beside it.
• The pony treks - the rides to the falls and viewpoints.

When to go

November to March, the highland summer and rainy season, for the fullest, most powerful flow; the falls can slow in the dry winter, though the winter cold sometimes freezes the spray dramatically. The falls are reached from Semonkong by a short hike or, in classic Lesotho style, a pony trek across the highlands.

Honest expectations

Reaching the falls involves travel to the remote highland town of Semonkong on rough roads and then a hike or pony ride, so it takes effort and is often part of a wider mountain trip, with basic facilities; the record abseil is a serious adventure activity for the brave and fit. For the spectacle of one of southern Africa's highest waterfalls thundering into a deep gorge amid wild highland scenery, though, and the classic pony-trek approach, it is a genuine Lesotho highlight.

Nearby

The town of Semonkong and the surrounding Maloti highlands are close by.