LIKE A HIKE?

Raymond here, back from a beautiful 3-day hike to Lesotho. Okay I didn’t really go but the excitement from the returning guests and the stories they told - I have to admit - made me kind of envious. Usually I sit surveying my kingdom while my subjects do my bidding, but with the new addition of guided hikes on the Khotso menu https://www.khotso.co.za/hikesI’ve been awfully tempted to explore the mountains on and around the farm and venture into the wilds of Lesotho with Vicky, our Resident Mountain Guide.

Hiking alone in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ukahlamba-Maloti Drakensberg https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/985 never appealed to me, but I now have a Resident Mountain Guide living in my garden who has mapped out some spectacular routes that she loves guiding people (and cats) on and I’ve booked to join a guided hike next week!

LESOTHO

She has half day and full day hikes on the farm where people (and cats) can see waterfalls, incredible views, hike on beautiful single-track pathways, see wildlife like Eland, Black-backed Jackal, and delicious - I mean beautiful - birds. The variety of wildlife will put the Kruger Park to shame - okay, I’ve never been to the Kruger Park but we have some very good wildlife sightings right here in Underberg.

THUMATHU PASS, LESOTHO

If you’re super fit like my cohort, Pebbles, there are some strenuous hikes to choose from. If you’re a house cat like me, there are some gentle walks you can do too - there’s one along the river to the Olde Duck where you can buy some lunch, and all the other hikes include snacks, lunch and good company. Bring something to swim in in summer - there are so many pools along the way, and rocks to jump off into the water.

SEHLABATHEBE, LESOTHO

Okay, all this talk of hiking is making me hungry. I’m off to raid the backpackers food supplies.

x

Raymond rules Khotso horse trails

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SEVEN DAY LESOTHO RIDE AND HORSE CLINICS

Oh my word… It’s too much for my cat brain to handle… and, if I’m honest, my cat brain doesn't really care, except for the general disturbance, but I had promised to deliver a report…. SO - WHAT A BUSY TIME! 

Future dates for our 7 day trail with In the Saddle are in the process of being set, but I will give you all a sneak peak:

KHOTSO 7 DAY RIDE

• November 18th

• February 24th

• June 16th

7 days of carefree riding through the Basotho mountains on some of the best, most sure footed ponies you will ever experience, staying in some unique spots along the way and meeting the locals - such a thing of beauty. 

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Furthermore, we have had a visit from Waynebushnellhorsemanship, who trained some horses and more importantly some people on how to create a respectful bond between animal and human… sorry, I just threw up in my mouth - it’s really not my kind of thing, but both human and horse seemed to love it. In fact they loved it so much that they are planning an entire weekend of it! With talks by an equine physiotherapist on injury prevention as well as information on nutrition by a representative from http://www.spurwinghorsefeed.co.za/ for some free samples for all participants.

WAYNE, natural horsemanship

Other than that, it’s our last week of rest before all our groups of youngsters come through. I will be spending most of my time hiding in trees and occasionally jumping out at an unsuspecting bystander, but will generally stay well clear be away from the computer for the duration. 

Chat more soon after,

Raymond x

#Pawlove #Adventure #FarmLife #TheDrakensberg #SouthernDrakensberg #Underberg #HorseSpecialists #HorseAdventure #HorseRiddingHoliday #BasothoPony #Mountain #Lesotho #SouthAfrica #GuidedHikes #Hike #LiveFree #Lambs #SchollGroups #UNESCO #WoldHeritageSite #Expedition #7DayAdventure #MountainGuide #HorsingAround #EverybodyLovesRaymond #Kearnsney #DHS #KZN #InTheSaddle #KhotsoMeansPeace

Autumn at Khotso

This is Raymond (aka Ray, aka The Boss) reporting from Khotso. Over the next while I will be putting paw to paper and keeping you abreast of all the goings on here at Khotso. As the prime feline on the farm and overall head honcho, I feel that I am the best candidate to give a candid account from behind the scenes. Using my unparalleled stealth capabilities and near x-Ray vision (the clue is in the name), I will go where no other cat is crazy enough to go and give you the dirt on Khotso.

Calm has been restored since the recent madness surrounding In The Saddle and the 7 day adventure Khotso’s team hosted on horse back in Lesotho. A raging success, so I am told. KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR FUTURE DATES.

More exciting news surrounding the LESOTHO EXPEDITION - our epic 3 day trip has officially been accepted for the Presidents Award Gold Level. So if any of you youngsters out there are looking for the adventure of a lifetime which will help you on your way to a bright future at the same time, please get in touch!

Khotso has a new member in the Team in the form of Vicky Johnson, our very own RESIDENT MOUNTAIN GUIDE. She will be on hand to guide a variety of hikes, on the farm, overnighting in caves in the Drakensberg, proudly one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites or for a multi day trip to Lesotho.

Otherwise it has been lambs lambs and more lambs! With winter pulling in and the land free from parasites and other unwanted pests, it’s safe for our ewes to bring new life to our beautiful farm. Come and help feed the young ones.

Must dash - there’s a pigeon giving me a funny look and I think I need to go and sort that feathery mother out.

In the next episode - SCHOOLS! Khotso will be overrun by students from all over the world as well as from KZN when we’re welcoming Kearnsney, DHS and many more school groups!

#Pawlove #Adventure #FarmLife #TheDrakensberg #SouthernDrakensberg #Underberg #HorseSpecialists #HorseAdventure #HorseRiddingHoliday #BasothoPony #Mountain #Lesotho #SouthAfrica #GuidedHikes #Hike #LiveFree #Lambs #SchollGroups #UNESCO #WoldHeritageSite #Expedition #7DayAdventure #MountainGuide #HorsingAround #EverybodyLovesRaymond #Kearnsney #DHS #KZN #InTheSaddle #KhotsoMeansPeace