Backcountry Trekking

Yellowfish – Rainbow Trout – Brown Trout

SEASON: February – April
DURATION: 7 Nights – 6 Days Fishing
GUESTS: 2-4

A truly unique and highly diverse fishery in the wild Lesotho mountains.

Backcountry Trekking explores the Bokong River between 12km & 32km above Makhangoa Community Camp. These upper reaches are not accessible as day outings from the Makhangoa Community Camp and apart from the short Backcountry Trek season, they go largely unfished for the entire year.

The target species include large yellowfish that make the remote pools, runs and glides their home. Resident Brown Trout also share these upper reaches and grow to a significant size in prime conditions. Each fish offers competent anglers the chance to target some true trophy river fish.

Fishing: Backcountry Trekking

Fly fishing on the upper reaches of the Boking is only allowed via the Makhangoa Community Camp and the community pony trekking project. This is in line with the Bokong Fishery Management Programme. Trekking guests can be assured they are fishing waters that are fished by only a handful of hardcore fly fishermen each year.

Yellowfish (prime time is January to mid-March):

The upper reaches of the Bokong River are home to fewer fish than what is experienced on the lower reaches. Each pool and run holds a handful of very large but tricky 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 hardcore angler who does not mind fewer shots with the reward being a potential trophy 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 resident Brown Trout. Though few in number, the trout guests will encounter here are large and technical, adding to the rewarding nature of fishing the area.

Trout (prime time is March and April):

As one nears the upper reaches of the Bokong River, the chance to target large single Brown Trout increases (our guests have landed fish up to 28 inches!). These fish are wild and wily. The fishing is technical and rewarding, but not for those without the technical experience, or for those who chase consistent action.
All fish are sight-fished, adding to the excitement.  Backcountry Treks in Lesotho are for only the fittest guests due to the distances required to reach the sections of the river holding the fish. We suggest a 5-night option at least to target these fish.

Rainbow trout are confined to the lower reaches of the river at the start of the trek.

Accommodation: Backcountry Trekking

These trips are based on mobile camping setup. High altitude hiking equipment is used for accommodation once on the trek. Pack animals (donkeys and horses) are used to transport equipment from site to site as the group makes their way up the river fishing.

Guests are advised that this trip is aimed at the adventurous with a good level of fitness. The first and last days of the trek involve hikes of between 8-20km depending on the group’s fitness levels and the trek duration. All hiking paths are well-worn and wide bridal paths at gentle gradients. The altitude of Lesotho must, however, be taken into consideration.

Due to the volatile weather conditions in the Lesotho mountains, guests must also be adequately prepared with appropriate clothing and wet weather gear.

We will provide all the specialist camping equipment needed, but clients are expected to bring their own sleeping bags.

Getting there

Makhangoa Community Camp is an easy 4hour drive from Clarens or Fiksburg and guests are advised to enter through either of these border posts.

All but the last 25km is on good tar roads. 4×4 vehicles are not required to access the camp, but SUV or vehicles with higher than average clearance is advised.

Transfers:

For guests who are traveling in sedan vehicles, we can arrange a transfer service from Katse Hotel (where the tar road stops). Costs of which is Rz400.00 per person for the return transfer.

Itinerary while Backcountry Trekking

• Day 1: Meet at the Makhangoa Community Camp. Trip briefing and preparation followed by fishing the home beats. The Makhangoa Community Camp is home for the first evening.
• Day 2: 8km trek to Camp 1. Pack animals carry gear. Anglers are requested to carry their daypack with personal fishing gear and lunch for the day. Fish this afternoon.
• Day 3: fish 4 km to camp 2. Guests arrive at a complete camp set-up.
• Day 4: fish 4km to camp 3. Guests arrive at a complete camp set-up.
• Day 5: 4-night package – Early morning departure, allowing for the trek back to the car park.
• Tour ends. OR Continue to Camp 4 for 5-night package
• Day 6: 5-night package – Early morning departure, allowing for the trek back to the car park.
• Tour ends. OR Continue to Camp 5 for 6-night package
• Day 7: 6-night package – Early morning departure, allowing for the trek back to the car park.
• Tour ends. OR Continue to Camp 6 for 7-night package
• Day 8: Early morning departure allowing for the trek back to the car park.

Rates

7 Night Option: POA

Prices per person sharing, based on min of 2 anglers and a max of 4.

Price Includes

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

Price Excludes:

• Transport to Makhangoa Community Camp
• Sleeping bag, tackle, and personal kit. A comprehensive packing list will be sent prior to the tour.
• Gratuities

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