Guided Trout & Yellowfish -Upper Bokong Lesotho

Donkeys and horses are used to transport equipment on the Lesotho backcountry trophy trek. This trip is based on a mobile camping set up.
This adventurous trip requires a good level of fitness. The first and last day of the trek involved hikes of 8-20km depending on the group’s fitness levels and trek duration. These hikes are on well-worn and wide bridal paths at gentle gradients. Lesothos high altitude must be considered.

This mountainous region has volatile weather conditions. Guests need to have the right gear.
Specialist camping equipment is provided.

THE RIVER

FISHING

Makhangoa Community Camp and community pony trekking project, have exclusive fly fishing rights on the upper reaches of the Boking. This is in line with the Bokong Fishery Management Programme. Guests can be assured this area is fished by only a handful of hardcore fly fishermen each year.

Yellowfish

YELLOWFISH (PRIME TIME IS JANUARY TO MID MARCH):
The upper reaches of the Bokong River are home to fewer fish than one finds on the lower reaches. Each pool and run holding a handful of large yellowfish. These fish feed and behave much the same as trout, and are resident in specific runs and pools for the duration of the season. The fishing here is far more technical than the lower reaches and will appeal to the species aficionado who would like fewer shots, but at larger fish. There is a real chance of connecting to yellowfish in the 6-8lb plus range. Apart from the yellowfish, the far upper beats are also home to brown trout. Though few in number, the trout anglers encounter here are large and tricky, adding to the technical and rewarding nature of fishing this area.

Trout

TROUT (PRIME TIME IS MARCH AND APRIL):
As one nears the upper reaches of the Bokong River, the chance to target large single brow trout increases (up to 28 inches!). These fish are wild and wily as can be. The fishing is technical and rewarding, but not for those without the technical knowhow, or those after big numbers of fish. Fishing is only sight fishing, and fish densities are not high. This fishing is for only the fittest guests due to the distances required to reach the sections of river holding the fish. We suggest
the 5 night option at least to target these fish.
Rainbow trout are found on the lower reaches of the river.

Lesotho backcountry trophy trek

CAMPING DETAILS

Mahkangoa Community Camp

On the day of arrival guests will spend a night at the Makhangoa Community Camp, on the Bokong River.

Prepare for the 3 to 7 night trek.
Donkeys carry gear and camping equipment. Guests need to carry their own fishing gear and day pack each day.
Departing early on Day 2, guests make the 12km trek to the first night camp.
Once settled here, guests will fish these waters after lunch.
Day 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are spent fishing up river. Roughly 2 – 4 km trek per day and moving camp accordingly..
Last Day entails a trek back to the vehicle (on well worn bridal paths at a gentle downhill gradient)

Lesotho backcountry trophy trek

Trip Itinerary

Day

• 1: Meet at the Makhangoa Community Camp. Trip briefing and preparation followed by fishingthe home beats. Night spent at the Makhangoa Community Camp.
• 2: 8km trek to Camp 1. Pack animals carry gear. Anglers carry their daypack, personal fishing gear and lunch. Fish this afternoon.
• 3: fish 4 km to camp 2.
• 4: fish 4km to camp 3.
• 5: fish 4km to camp 4.
• 6: fish 4km to camp 5.
• 7: fish 4km to camp 6.
• 8: Early morning departure allowing for trek back to car park

Lesotho backcountry trophy trek

Travel information and requirements

Makhangoa Community Camp is a 4hour drive from Clarens or Fiksburg.
All but the last 25km is on good tar roads. 4×4 vehicles or with higher than average clearance are advised.

TRANSFERS:
For guests who are traveling in sedan vehicles, we offer a transfer service from Katse Hotel
(where the tar road stops). Costs of which is R 400.00 per person for the return transfer.
PICK UP AND DROP OFF POINT:
Self-drive to camp or Katse Hotel.

• PASSPORT AND VISAS:
• All visitors require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• INOCULATIONS:
• None required.
• TIME:
• GMT+2.
• CURRENCY:
• Loti is the official currency (plural Maloti). Rands are accepted for all transactions and are
• linked to the Loti on a 1:1 basis.
• COMMUNICATION:
• Intermittent Cell Phone Reception.
• LANGUAGE:
• Sesotho and English.

Price Includes

• Meet and greet at Makhangoa Community Camp.
• Professional Guide for duration of Trek.
• Basotho Trails & Pony Guide.
• Pack Animals.
• All Community levies, conservation levies and ranger levies.
• 1 night accomodation at Makhangoa Community Camp + 3/6nights mobile camping
• Hiking stoves, lights,utensils and all catering.
• 2 Man specialised Extreme Weather Trekking Tents and Sleeping Mats.

Price Excludes

• Transport to Makhangoa Community Camp.
• Sleeping bag, tackle and personal kit. A comprehensive kit list can be provided.
• Gratuities.

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