Moroke Sekoboto
LESOTHO’s homegrown celebration of taste and culture, Lesotho Gin & Trout festival, is about to take centre stage at one of the region’s most vibrant culinary and lifestyle events — the Victoria Falls Food & Wine Festival.
To be held in Zimbabwe from 29 May to 1 June, the event is a melting pot of African creativity, bringing together top chefs, fashion designers, and trendsetters from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, and now Lesotho.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Victoria Falls, Lesotho Gin & Trout festival will serve up more than just premium gins and trout. It will be serving a piece of the Mountain Kingdom.
Organised by Xperisense, the team behind the annual Lesotho Gin & Trout Festival, the appearance at Victoria Falls is a bold step onto the regional stage.
According to Xperisense spokesperson, Tšokolo Makeka, their mission is twofold: to showcase Lesotho’s unique flavours and to market the country as a must-visit destination for global travellers.
“We are excited to present our craft gins, signature cocktails, and premium trout dishes, all carefully curated to reflect Lesotho’s rich culture and natural bounty,” Makeka told the Sunday Express on Friday.
“This is the first time we’re taking part in this festival. In previous years, we have been regulars at Eswatini’s Bush Fire Festival — but now it is time to take Lesotho even further.”
He said Lesotho will be led by two culinary stars, chefs Khotso Loabe and Dallas Lepheane, who will not only dish out authentic Basotho cuisine but also compete in the festival’s culinary showcase.
“We would have loved to bring more chefs like other countries do. Some are bringing up to 10 participants thanks to sponsorships. But for now, we are doing our best with what we have,” Makeka added, calling on stakeholders to support their efforts.
He said the Victoria Falls Festival was just the beginning as Xperisense was already preparing for a major international appearance in Vienna, Austria, this August, where the team will participate in an 11-day global food and tourism showcase.
“Our gin and trout concept has caught international attention, and Europe is our next stop. We are not just promoting products but Lesotho as a tourism gem. Every cocktail, every trout dish, every bite of Basotho flavour tells a story about our country.”