Visit to Afri Ski – Lesotho
On the 11th of July, we left Pretoria and travelled to Fouriesburg where we would be staying for the next three nights. With an easy 3 and half hours drive (350 km) we finally arrived in the small border town of Fouriesburg. A mere 10 km drive to the Caledonspoort Lesotho border.
We stayed in the “Wegkomkans B&B”. It is a charming old sandstone house which sleeps 6 people. The house, dating from the early 1900’s is beautifully restored. The guest house is owned by Paula Greyling, what a friendly host. We were met with hot chocolate and jaffels.
Across the gravel road (I think there are only 5 tarred roads in the town), was the “Pophuisie”, it is a beautiful 2-bedroom house and is also more than 100 years old. It is used by guests who are looking for an affordable self-catering option.
Our aim was to cross the border early in the morning and to drive to Afri Ski. We discussed our plans with Paula who advised us on our passport & custom information that we needed to know for both the South African and Lesotho side. We remembered to get fuel (at either Fouriesburg or Clarens) otherwise we could have got stuck.
The next morning after a hearty breakfast we left for the border. It was just a couple of minutes and there weren't many people in front of us. (Remember to take a black pen with you, to complete the necessary forms). The border post opens daily from 06:00 until 22:00. Everybody in the vehicle had to present themselves on both the South African and on the Lesotho side and our passports were stamped.
Although Afri Ski is a mere 89 km’s from Fouriesburg the drive there can take up to 2 hours. Look out for goats, ox wagons, children, donkeys and the ever winding road…remember to take the necessary precautions if you are prone to getting car sick. The Monteng Pass is really scenic . There are no shops along the road, so be prepared. I would also suggest that all travellers should take enough food to last at least 24 hours and enough warm clothes &blankets with them. The weather can change within a couple of hours making the roads extremely slippery and the mountain pass can also become inaccessible.
The excitement grew by the minute, as soon as we started seeing the frozen waterfalls along the road along with some snow. But when we saw the ski resort – there was no stopping our children. The entrance fee for day visitors is R50-00 per person. In return you get a Snowbucks voucher to the value of 50. This is then redeemable from the vendors on the mountain.
Our vouchers bought us 2 hours on the ‘bum boards’ per child. (Even if you think 2 hours is not going to be enough – believe me it is. You have to walk back to where you want to start your descend). The children (and adults) had a blast and as our confidence grew, the distance and speed grew with it.
You can have skiing & snowboarding lessons either privately for you can join a group. The Pudi Kids Club will entertain your children and they offer ski lessons to the younger ones as well. There is also a day care centre.
All equipment and clothes can be rented. The resort has snow-making facilities. There are different accommodation types ranging from backpackers, to Mountain chalets, to Ski lodges, and Apartments. The Ski Passes range from 1-4 days, or you can get a season pass. The slopes are open daily between 09:00 and 17:00. The Sky restaurant offers apre-ski drinks and meals.
After a great morning on the slopes and a couple of falls with bruised egos … we had lunch at the Gondola Café before making our way back to “Wegkomkans” – and what a true 'wegkomkans’ it was!
If you would like more information please contact me.