Basali Maluti 4x4 Xtreme
Presented by The Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sport and Recreation, Lesotho, and Afriski. This newly established annual 4x4 extreme adventure following the Ebeme route, used for testing vehicles such as the VW Amarok, will take place over 4 days in the Highlands of the Maluti Mountains, mostly at above 3000m. The Maluti Mountains are known for its breathtaking views and spec
tacular scenery, but not something to be treated lightly, as it also hosts some of the most challenging mountain terrain in sub-zero temperatures. The playground of the Roof of Africa, women will attempt the challenge of this mountain from the top peaks deep down into the valleys, reaching as far into this unchartered territory as the well kept secret Soloane Hot Springs in the Mokhotlong District. The event, the brainchild of Minister Maseribane, will be held for the first time in January 2014, in conjunction with Afriski Ski and Mountain Resort and Couger SA. Minister Morena Maseribane is responsible for the development of Sport and Youth as well as Gender Affairs and with his great respect for the Women of the world, posed this challenging adventure to Couger SA, a women’s magazine for the mature woman. Afriski Ski and Mountain Resort, located in the Maluti Mountains, and well known as the Skiing and Adventure Sport destination in Africa, combined forces to bring this first of it’s kind 4x4 Cross Cultural Experience to the women of Lesotho and South Africa. The first group to take on this challenge includes a group of handpicked women across the spectrum. Debbie Rowe, GM of Afriski, will be joined by Adv Mahlape Sello, Chairperson of Murray and Roberts, Ronel Day, pop singer with 10 local No 1 hits, Director of Sport, Lesotho, Claire Pretorius from FNB SA and a few local Basotho women such as Khasiane Ramathe (Toyota) and Lipolelo Thabane.
[THURSDAY] Day 1 starts at the Caledonspoort border post, just outside Clarens and Fouriesburg, to take the women to their first training session through Butha-Buthe, up the Maluti Mountains to Afriski. At Afriski, they will be put through their paces, first at the Matete river and then drive to the Escarpment, ending the day with a breathtaking view of South Africa and Lesotho border down towards Phuditidjaba. This is only a taste of what is to come.
[FRIDAY] Day 2, starting back at Afriski, the women will take the road to the Letseng Mine, well-known for it’s quality diamonds to swerve down the Ebeme route to the Mapoka camp-site where the women will exchange cultural insights with the Basotho villagers, offering gifts, including blankets, stoves and soccer balls for the kids. the day will end with a visit and overnight at the Mapoka camp.
[SATURDAY] The 3rd day will see the Women on a pony trek to the gem of the Maluti Mountains, experienced by very few; a visit to the natural hot springs close to Mapoka, Soloane Hot Springs. This is followed by crossing the Khubelu River (Red River) a number of times to reach Chalets in the Sky where they will overnight once again, ready for the last day of the challenge.
[SUNDAY] From here, probably very tired, they will follow the road past the new mine development back to Afriski where they will be treated with a nice relaxing massage after probably the most challenging route for 4x4, has been tamed. Basali Maluti 4x4 Xtreme – Women passing through the mountain challenging the Xtreme conditions Lesotho is well known for – will become an annual event for Women wanting to test their skills against the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho.
