Oxbow

Climbing into the rugged high Maluti close to the border with South Africa, the recently surfaced stretch of the A1 nicknamed the ‘Roof of Africa’ is one of the few places in the region to receive regular winter snowfalls. It also houses the highest of Southern Africa’s only two ski resorts.

The highest surfaced road in southern Africa peaks at a breathtaking 3,222m at Mahlasela Pass, almost 100km east of Leribe and a similar distance north of Mokhotlong. It is a bleakly beautiful area of treeless Afroalpine moorland where windswept tussocks of heather are interspersed with ancient boulders and traversed by blanketed Sotho herders huddled on the back of Basotho ponies.

Perched at an altitude of 3,050 metres on the eastern descent from Mahlasela Pass, Afriski Mountain Resort is one of only two ski destinations in the whole of sub-equatorial Africa.

Afriski operates as a ski resort only during the midwinter months of June to August, when it attracts a steady stream of devoted and aspirant skiers from Johannesburg, only a half-day drive to the north. The resort accommodates up to 250 people and comprises one full kilometre-long ski slope as well as a beginner's slope, along with two ski lifts.

Outside of ski season, Afriski offers a varied selection of other adventure and outdoor activities. These include mountain biking, 4x4 trails, hiking, paintball, and high-altitude training camps for runners, cyclists and other athletes. 

For those who are not interested in skiing, but just want to experience the winter snow, a great alternative to Afriski is Oxbow, where the relaxed New Oxbow Lodge stands on a pretty montane riverbank some 15km back towards Hlotse.

Travel Tips

Sleeping: Afriski Mountain Lodge and New Oxbow Lodge 15km to the east both offer comfortable Alpine-style accommodation.

Eating: Open 365 days a year, the relaxed Austrian-style Sky Restaurant at Afriski claims to be the highest restaurant in Africa and has a diverse family-friendly menu.

Access: Mahlasela Pass, Afriski Mountain Resort and New Oxbow Lodge all lie on the surfaced A1 about 100km from Hlotse to the west and Mokhotlong to the south. Allow up to four hours for the 200km drive from Maseru, two hours for the 135km drive from Sani Top, or five hours for the 400km drive from Johannesburg.

Preparations: Skis, boots and other skiing gear are available to rent at Afriski.