Makhangoa Community Camp

Few know of the tiny country of Lesotho, fully surrounded by South Africa. Not only is it one of the highest average elevation countries in the world, but it is also home to great light-tackle sight fishing for yellowfish and trout as well as fascinating local Basotho culture. From the base at the Makhangoa Community Camp, guests will be able experience the harsh beauty of the country including clear intimate streams, dramatic basalt cliffs, big skies, bearded vultures, and the occasional local herding cattle. Anglers will spend their days exploring one of five beats available to them along a 20-kilometer stretch of the Bokong River and will spend evenings overlooking the Bokong in traditional stone and thatch-built houses that have been upgraded to include modern comforts. For anglers who relish foreign cultures, true adventure travel, technical light tackle fly fishing and getting off the beaten path, the Makhangoa Community Camp could be the ideal place.

Groups of six guests staying at the Makhangoa Community Camp have exclusive access to over 20 kilometers of the Bokong River, which is divided into five beats. Each morning guests and their guide will either walk to one of the lower beats directly from camp or take the primitive four-wheel drive road upriver to access the upper beats. In all cases, anglers should be prepared to walk several miles a day at an average elevation of 7,500 feet. Fishing is predominantly sight-fishing with dry flies, though nymphing is employed when water temperatures drop. The Bokong River boasts healthy populations of yellowfish with some rainbow trout and brown trout. Early morning and late evening hatches of caddis and mayflies are common, as are some heavy flying ant hatches. As an alternative, guests may also fish for surface-cruising yellowfish in the reservoir above Katse Dam. Although the steep banks make access difficult, the reservoir is a nice back-up should conditions on the Bokong River become unfavorable. This is classic 5-weight angling for fish in the 12- to 22-inch class.

The Makhangoa Community Camp is built to mirror a traditional Basotho homestead, which blends in with the mountain environment. The camp includes four traditional rondavels (round chalets), which accommodate two guests in single beds. Each rondavel, built from river stone and thatch, has a veranda overlooking the river. The heart of the camp is the outside deck which has a lounge with large welcoming couches, a fireplace, and dining counter. Lighting is stationed throughout the camp and there are outlets in the living area to charge cameras and phones. Shared bathrooms are in a separate stone building at the back of the camp, and consist of two flush toilets, two hot showers, and two wash basins. The camp kitchen has a gas stove, fridge, and freezer, allowing the South African guides to easily prepare meals. Guests can expect hearty, simple meat-and-potatoes type fare for dinners.

Makhangoa Community Camp, in conjunction with the Makhangoa Tourism Council, takes pride in training the local community members to provide a variety of additional guided adventures that pair well with the educational eco-tourism platform of this operation. Guests will have access to cultural guides to learn more about Lesotho life and communities through pony treks, village tours, hikes in the mountains and local tavern visits.

Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg - Overnight

Day 2: Private transfer (approx. 7 hours) from Johannesburg, South Africa to Katse, Lesotho. In Katse, guests will meet a member of the guide team who will transfer them the final 25km to the camp.

Day 3 - 8: Six days of guided fishing

Day 9: Transfer from the camp to Johannesburg - overnight

Day 10: Depart for home.

2025 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $3,960

Included: Accommodations and meals at the camp, round trip transfer between Johannesburg and the camp, guided fishing, community levies, fishing license

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Johannesburg, accommodations, and meals in Johannesburg, soft drinks and alcohol, staff and guide gratuities

Species: Smallmouth yellowfish, rainbow trout, brown trout

Season: Mid-November through mid-March

Capacity: 6 anglers