‘Raging to Nature’: Semonkong Lodge Releases Short Film Showcasing their Record-holding Abseil in Lesotho

Watch: Raging to Nature

Semonkong Lodge, situated in the mountains of Lesotho in Southern Africa, has just released a short film, ‘Raging to Nature,’ showcasing a 204 metre abseil that descends the length of Southern Africa’s longest single drop waterfall – the Maletsunyane Falls.

The abseil itself is an official Guinness World Record and is the longest commercially operated single drop abseil in the world. The short film features local tales of the Maletsunyane River, the adrenaline-pumping journey of the abseil, and the importance of ‘raging to nature’ while you are in nature.

As guests descend the uneven cliffside, dangle over an impressive gorge, and watch the water crashing to the ground below them, there is no better description of abseiling alongside the Maletsunyane Falls than ‘Raging to Nature.’

Although just down river from the lodge, it takes an exciting 45-minute 4×4 drive to reach the Maletsunyane Falls at the edge of the impressive gorge. 

‘As we got out of the car, our guide pointed out the waterfall plummeting down the cliff. I couldn’t quite figure out whether the roaring in my ears was the falls or my heart pounding too fast to distinguish beats. On shaky legs, we hiked behind the sturdy packhorse (the only accessible mode of transportation for the abseiling equipment) along the perimeter of the gorge. Everything was lush and green, Cape Vultures were circling overhead, and the feeling of being in a place completely untouched by humans was almost enough to help me forget that I had voluntarily decided to descend a 204-metre cliff, alongside Africa’s longest single-drop waterfall, in the middle of the rainy season.’ Jordy Johnson, abseiling guest.

Professional abseil guides set up the ropes and harnesses, ensuring everything is secure before the guests start stepping over the edge. The descent lasts between 20 – 30 minutes and offers 360º views of the waterfall and gorge like nowhere else in the world. The guides encourage guests to stop halfway down, take in the scenery, and slow their minds down enough to comprehend where they are and what they are doing.

The extreme adventure activity was initiated in 2003 by lodge owners Jonathan and Armelle Halse, and operated together with local guides after extensive mountaineering training. 

“After exploring the gorge, and trekking through the area for many years, we realised that the best way to experience the true force and power of nature was to abseil right alongside the waterfall.” Jonathan Halse, Semonkong Lodge owner.

Over the last 24 years, more than 6300 people have braved the abseil, attracting people from all over the world who have put this on their bucket list.

Homeplace of the Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho is one of the most remote countries in Africa, where it is faster to travel by horse than by car, donkeys are the best way to transport goods, and the only sounds you hear are the birds, rivers, and the clanging bells of the sheep dotted along the mountain sides.

Semonkong Lodge is built on the banks of the Maletsunyane River, which meanders around the outskirts of Semonkong town – meaning ‘The Place of Smoke,’ getting its name from the smoky mist created by the Maletsunyane Falls as the water hits the gorge below.

The lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the area on the iconic Basotho pony, mountain bikes, or tackling the longest single-drop commercial abseil in the world. For those who dare, it is the best way to experience the waterfall.

Watch the short film here on Facebook: https://fb.watch/qtlAvmF05t/ or Youtube:

The Abseil:

• There is a practice session the day before on a 25-metre cliff near the lodge.
• On the big day, our team will take you on a 4×4 trip and a short hike to the top of the Maletsunyane Waterfall to our abseil point.
• There is an approximately 45-minute hike out of the gorge. An adequate level of fitness is required.
• You will need: hiking boots/ walking shoes, change of clothes, rain jacket, sunblock
• For all the information on the abseil, visit here: https://www.semonkonglodge.com/rock-climbing-abseil/

Film Credits:

• Film production: Love Africa Marketing
• Director/ Producer: Nicola Gerrard  
• Cinematographer/ editor: Sven Musica