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City/State: Semonkong |
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Country: LESOTHO
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| WorkingAbroad Projects |
PO Box 454, Flat 1
East Sussex
UNITED KINGDOM
BN1 3ZS
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Program description: |
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An opportunity to volunteer with a community based group working in rural Lesotho and take part in developing sustainable tourism and environmental programmes alongside the local people, in partnership with the Katleho Moho Association, BTCV International, Skillshare International and WorkingAbroad Projects. This project is very special, from it's location to the people you'll meet. Although the area does experience some tourism, this is isolated from the wider community. On this project, you'll experience the area as the locals do, and in the process help start the process that will lead to greater local benefit from their stunning natural resources.
Lesotho (pronounced Le-soo-too) is a small independent nation, in the middle of Southern Africa. Nicknamed the ‘Kingdom in the Sky’ it lies entirely above 1000m and boasts some spectacularly rugged and remote landscapes. With little tourism development it is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Lesotho also offers a wonderful opportunity to experience first hand a very traditional and welcoming African culture. This is particularly true in rural areas, such as Semonkong, where the distinctive and colourful Basotho traditions are still very much alive. Semonkong, meaning ‘Place of Smoke’, because of the haze that rises from its waterfall, lies 75 miles SE of capital Maseru. Semonkong is a small, dusty town with a distinctly ‘wild west’ feel about it. You will often pass a line of Basotho ponies ‘parked’ outside the bar or the supermarket!
Katleho Moho is the community NGO that is working in 6 villages in the Semonkong district, a remote and beautiful region in the highlands of Lesotho. A small number of tourists already visit the area, attracted by a spectacular waterfall and a private lodge. However, this is the first community based ecotourism development. The Katleho Moho Association was established 2 years ago and they have successfully implemented agriculture and sanitation projects within the communities. They recently undertook a community survey which highlighted a need to empower young people in the area. A workshop was held for the youth to identify potential projects to take forward, and ecotourism and environmental management emerged as priorities. Activities discussed so far include developing a botanical garden for medicinal plants, practical conservation work, guided walks, building a craft centre etc.
Volunteers will focus on environmental conservation of the Maletsunyane Gorge (under the Youth Ecotourism and Environment Programme). You will be working at the spectacular Maletsunyane gorge and waterfall, situated 4km from town. The group will work on improving a footpath down to the bottom of the waterfall. This track is used both by visitors and locals to reach the base of the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, a major tourist destination. Until now no measures have been undertaken to maintain or improve this track. As a result the pathway is dangerous in places and users are causing considerable soil erosion. In addition the group will be undertaking a biodiversity survey of the gorge. A number of rare and endemic species can be found in the surrounding area, such as the Bald Ibis and the Spiral Aloe (Aloe Polyphylla). Unfortunately, much of this natural heritage is under threat from unsustainable land use activities such as overgrazing, uncontrolled burning and hunting.
You will be working approximately 5 hrs per day for 5 days each week. Be prepared for flexibility dependent on weather and usual local working practices. The work will involve:
Restoration of the footpath to Maletsunyane Waterfall. This track allows visitors and locals to reach the base of the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls, an important tourist destination for the community. The pathway is dangerous in places.
Biodiversity survey of the stunning and unique Maletsunyane Gorge: It is of great ecological importance, hosting some rare and endemic species. Weather and climate can affect activities.
As volunteers, you will have the benefit of a programme leader present. These leaders are highly trained and experienced and help to ensure the volunteers get the most out of their experience.
You will be staying at the Semonkong Lodge - attractive and cosy thatched 'rondeval' huts at the Semonkong lodge, located on a river bank on the edge of Semonkong town. Two dormitories huts with shared bathroom facilities (including hot showers).
With regards to food, it will involve a mix of self catering in the communal kitchen, meals provided by the lodge, and a chance to experience the local restaurants - well off the tourist trail. Local food at lunchtimes is provided by the nearest village. We try to use local produce on our projects. Please ensure to notify us of any special dietary requirements beforehand.
You should be 18 years old and over and capable of carrying out manual work in most conditions. No specific skills are needed, but those with previous experience of manual conservation work and trail work would be particularly useful, as well as those who are self-motivated, as you will get more out of the project if you are. The project will especially appeal to those with an interest in botany, hiking, conservation, African culture and so on.
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Travel to site: Independent Travel
No. in group: 8-10
Living arrangements on the program: Group living
How long does the program last?: 1-2 weeks
What are the dates of this program: 13th to 27th August 2006
18th February to 4th March 2007
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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The youth group will take you on a cultural tour around their villages to give you a taste of Basotho life, food, music and culture. You will also have the opportunity to stay a night with a local family in traditional rondavals.
This project is just one component of a broader eco-tourism and environment programme led by youth members of Katleho Moho Association. The aim of the programme is to increase community benefits from eco-tourism in Semonkong and to preserve the natural resources on which the eco-tourism sector is based. Through benefiting from eco-tourism the local community will have a greater stake in the natural environment, which is under severe threat from unsustainable land uses. (Other project activities include handicrafts development, tour guiding and cultural performances, establishment of community trust, awareness raising activities etc.)
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Cost or price of this program: |
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770 GB pounds
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Application process Involves: |
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Apply online via our website
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