Semonkong Lodge, in the mountains of Lesotho, has released a short film showcasing a 204m abseil that descends the length of southern Africa’s longest single-drop waterfall – the Maletsunyane Falls.
The abseil is an official Guinness World Record for the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil in the world.
Professional abseil guides set up the ropes and harnesses, ensuring everything is secure before the guests start stepping over the edge. The descent lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and offers 360-degree views of the waterfall and gorge. The guides encourage guests to stop halfway down, take in the scenery, and slow their minds down enough to comprehend the magnitude of the experience.
The extreme adventure activity was initiated in 2003 by lodge owners Jonathan and Armelle Halse, with members of the local community undergoing extensive mountaineering training to become guides.
“After exploring the gorge, and trekking through the area for many years, we realised that the best way to experience the true force and power of nature was to abseil right alongside the waterfall,” said Jonathan Halse.
Over the last 24 years, more than 6 300 people have braved the abseil, attracting people from all over the world who have put this on their bucket list.
Semonkong Lodge is built on the banks of the Maletsunyane River, which meanders around the outskirts of Semonkong town – meaning ‘The Place of Smoke,’ getting its name from the mist created by the Falls as the water hits the gorge below.
Take a look at the short film below:
