Mohalenyane Phakela recently in Soloane
THE Soloane Hot Springs are among this nation’s most enchanting tourist destinations, yet remain largely unknown.
The natural plateau is situated in the remote area of Soloane, which is adjacent to Khubelu River and 10km north of the Letšeng Diamond mine in the district of Mokhotlong.
The hot water springs from a small area surrounded by grass, then cascades down the rocks to form a small waterfall barely higher than the height of an average person, which the people from the nearby villages call the “Natural Shower” from which they bath on a regular basis.
Despite Mokhotlong being one of the coldest districts in the country with heavy snow a regular feature during winter months, the hot water continues to ooze from the ground. According to tour guide Renang Konese, the Soloane Hot Springs maintain a constant temperature throughout the year.
“We experience very cold temperatures here which sometimes causes the water in the Khubelu River to freeze, but the water from the springs remains warm all year round and people come to bath here,” Konese said.
He added that the hot springs also create jobs for the surrounding communities of Mapoka and Maloraneng as they are able to accommodate tourists for a fee during peak tourist periods.
“During Easter, Independence and December, we normally have tourists from as afield as Europe and America who wish to see this place,” Konese said.
“It creates business in that they sleep at the community-owned resort, Maloraneng Lodge, or rather sleep in their tents at Mapoka Camp Site. Furthermore, they hire our horses to get to the springs and pay for our tour services.”
The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation – a parastatal body that mandated to promote the tourism sector, has expressed concern that the springs are not being well taken care of as animals can also access them.
Konese, however, said “nature works in mysterious ways”, and believes that fencing off the area would result in the springs becoming dormant.
He said the community’s plea to government was to construct “a proper route” that will enable tourists to easily reach their village and access to running water.