IF you visit the Tšehlanyane National Park and do not see the three cascades (Matša-Mararo), you are missing out on the park's highlight and the stunning Lesotho highlands. The park is located 156 kilometres north of the capital Maseru.

I went to Tšehlanyane on Saturday, April 22, 2023. I was on my way from Hlotse, Leribe. The 32-kilometre route from the Main North 1 junction to Tšehlanyane has many speed humps and warning signs to drive at the slowest possible speed due to animals.

Some crops, such as sorghum and maize, were already dry along the road, indicating that they would be harvested soon. Donkeys and horses were used as modes of transportation and to ferry water from distant sources.  

The park's gates opened at 9am but I arrived earlier to meet the park's acting manager, Mr. Teboho Selikane.

Mr. Selikane and the park's guards were both friendly to me. He said Tšehlanyane's winter will last five months, beginning in April.

Like the majority of the tourists, I was greeted at the reception desk and given information about the park. There was a map that showed the region and points of interest, the decorative plant species, the animals protected within the park, the park's six rivers, and the 23-kilometre walk to the Bokong Nature Reserve. 

Mr. Selikane noted that the park, which is estimated to be 5 600 hectares in size, was too large for a one-day trip. As a result, he suggested the three cascades, and the journey there would take us through some wonderful scenery. He gave me valuable knowledge.

“Tšehlanyane is one of Lesotho's three northern parks, along with Bokong and Liphofung; it is the source of the Hlotse River. The park, which is named after the river and reeds of this location, opened in May 2002.

“We have wild life including elands, mountain reedbucks, cerval cats, porcupines, and snakes in the park. The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) established it as compensation for Basotho during the construction of the Katse Dam.

“Through the Community Conservation Forum, community members receive 10% of our annual collection as compensation,” he explained.

Our journey began in the wilderness camps. We strolled down the Liqaleng River, passing the Madiba Lodge.

“The government has subleased Madiba Lodge to operate in this area; the lodge attracts both local and international tourists,” said Selikane.  

The walk to the three cascades was through a densely forested trail, with many lovely views: towering mountains, stomach bush, dogwood, wild garlic, quilted sage wood, rose hip, and the sound of water flowing over odd rock formations.

We passed a rock pool with clear water that was popular with tourists.

Mr. Selikane warned that tourists are advised to swim at their own risk, adding that drinking is strictly prohibited when swimming.

We passed across valleys with water pouring down to rivers. 

Because our hike was hilly, we stopped halfway to take photos and gather strength. We passed through a black valley of pools, and the rocks were, of course, black, hence the name black pools.

We had travelled about 5 kilometres by the time we arrived at the Nkoja plateau, where we noticed the magnificence of the three cascades; truly, there were three cascades – (Matša-mararo).