July 2026
Winter has never been my favourite season.
If you’ve been following Escapes with TKay for a while, you’ll know that July and August aren’t exactly the months I look forward to. The mornings are colder, the evenings are longer, and getting out of bed requires a little more determination than usual.
But… (and this is a BIG but)…
Winter in Lesotho transforms the Mountain Kingdom into something extraordinary.
The mountains wear a blanket of snow, the air becomes crisp and refreshing, and roads that I’ve travelled countless times suddenly feel like entirely new adventures. It is one of the few places in Africa where you can experience a true winter wonderland, making Lesotho a destination unlike any other.
Recently, a few friends and I packed our bags and headed to one of my favourite places in the country, Afriski Mountain Resort.
As always, I documented the journey, not only because I love sharing beautiful places, but because I believe travel becomes even more meaningful when we help others experience it with confidence.
Along the way, I met several visitors travelling to Afriski for the very first time.
They all shared one thing in common.
“I wish someone had told me this before I came.”
That conversation inspired a TikTok video that has since reached thousands of travellers planning their own winter escape to Lesotho.
This guide expands on those tips and brings together everything I believe every first-time visitor should know before making the journey.
Whether you’re travelling from Maseru, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein or anywhere else, here’s how to make your Afriski adventure safer, smoother and far more enjoyable.
Why Visit AfriSki?
Nestled high in the Maloti Mountains in the district of Butha-Buthe, AfriSki Mountain Resort is the highest ski resort in Sub-Saharan Africa and one of Lesotho’s most iconic tourism destinations.
During winter, visitors come to experience skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and breathtaking mountain scenery.
During summer, the mountains transform into an adventure playground offering hiking, mountain biking, quad biking, zip-lining and trail running.
But for me, Afriski is more than a resort.
It’s the drive through Moteng Pass.
It’s watching the landscape change with every kilometre.
It’s stopping for photographs.
It’s meeting fellow travellers.
It’s being reminded that some of life’s best experiences begin long before you reach your destination.
Before You Leave Home
Before You Leave Home
Here’s a quick checklist before you hit the road:
- Valid passport (if travelling from South Africa)
- Vehicle documents (if required)
- Travel insurance (if necessary)
- Warm clothing
- Fuel tank filled
- Snacks and drinking water
- Cash for emergencies
- Power bank
- Offline Google Maps
- Camera or fully charged phone.
My Final Thoughts
Afriski is more than a winter destination.
It’s proof that Africa offers experiences that surprise, inspire and challenge the way we think about travel.
As locals, we have an opportunity—and perhaps even a responsibility—to tell these stories well, welcome visitors warmly, and showcase the beauty of the Mountain Kingdom.
I hope this guide helps you travel with greater confidence, spend more intentionally, and experience Lesotho in a way that leaves you wanting to come back.
If you’re planning a trip to Afriski this winter, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below or send me a message with your questions.
And if this guide was helpful, share it with someone planning their own escape to the mountains.
Because the best journeys are the ones we inspire others to take.
Safe travels, stay safe and keep trailblazing!
