Maliba Lodge

Maliba Lodge (T'selanyane National Park):
We had a one night stay at this national park, mainly known for its five star hotel, Maliba Lodge. It's mainly for enjoyment of the beautiful comforts of this western hotel but since we didn't feel like shelling out $200 plus, we decided to camp. But we still got to enjoy the views and toilets at the lodge!

We got there in the afternoon, took about 3 hrs from Maseru. We decided on a shorter easier hike, so we did the Upper and Lower trail loop that goes through the Black Pools (3 hr round trip). We started from our campsite/river huts and up to Maliba lodge, then continued to walk along half way up the mountain, between some beautifully green, lush mountain peaks. There was an option for a scramble to the top of one of the peaks, but we didn't have the time or stamina.

The hike was very easy overall with mild elevation change, mostly in the first 500 meters. The black pools were a series of pools formed by a small river. We tried to get in the water, but only got our feet wet as the water was freezing cold! Refreshing none the less. The hikes back crosses a few streams as well, and mainly followed the river in the valley back to the river huts.

Afterwards we decided to go for a nice hot dinner at the lodge we didn't realize we were in for a full 3 course meal with a palate cleanser too! It was a meal fit for a king. But then afterwards, we had to go back to our tent. The contrast was too hilarious. ...