Matlala Sefale, Grade 12
UWCSA (Waterford)
Have you ever imagined what it's like to dine in a restaurant 3222m above sea level¹? How the air up there feels or even how your body would feel at such high altitude? My mind only began rambling through all these imaginations as my family drove along the steep winding roads up the Maluti Mountain range. I could already feel my ears clogging up to signal the drastic change in altitude with every ridge our family's car crawled past.
It was my first time going into the highlands of Lesotho, regardless of having lived here my whole life. I remember feeling excitement as we got closer to the top of the mountain range, only to get beautifully disappointed when I realised that there was still a long, steep way to go. This happened more than a couple of times before we finally reached our destination.
It was a breathtaking view of fully snow-clad mountains gleaming in the sunshine as if to show off their brand-new wedding gowns. I rotated on my heel after getting out of the car to appreciate the beauty before me - the Roof of Africa, my homeland.
In the distance, a mountain slope was covered by a crowd of men, women, and children of different ages with ski equipment. From the parking lot, where I stood star-struck, I could hear screams of joy and excitement radiating from that crowd. I immediately knew what my first adventure at Afriski Mountain Resort would be.
I rushed to the reception to ask for permission and equipment before heading up in the direction of the luring sounds with my sister and a tour guide. The hike was easier than I had expected, probably due to the adrenaline from my excitement.
When I got there, I couldn't help but notice the diversity of the crowd of professional, amateur, and first-time skiers. I could tell that most of them were international tourists. I was happy to be there with them. It was an opportunity to get to know new people while also getting a chance to learn to ski and have fun. However, it saddened me for a second to think that it was the first time I had seen such scenery, yet it is practically my backyard compared to the other guests who had crossed a border or more to get there.
After spending a couple of hours in the snow, my family and I had lunch in the warmth of Sky Restaurant. We tasted Maluti trout fish for the first time, and if that was not when we knew we would definitely return to the resort many more times, then it must have been the skiing or the cozy luxurious yet modest accommodation.
The following summer, we were back on our way up the mountain range, except this time around the slopes were green with vegetation, and we did not need snow tyres and slow driving.
After having Maluti trout for lunch, I decided to try out mountain biking for the first time. After a few trials and a scratched knee, I made it to the next hill successfully. The pain in my knee was masked by the adrenaline rush that was drumming in my ears, which was later intensified by my ziplining adventure. It felt as if I was flying into the sunset as I anxiously let myself hang on a wire in midair from one peak to another. It was exhilarating.
Afriski has never failed to bring out my most adventurous side while also giving me the space and opportunities for calm family time or alone time. The amazing hospitality makes it easier to make friends even with the staff. If you ever want to explore the Kingdom in the sky, be sure to make a reservation at Afriski and have a taste of their infinite memorable experiences.
It was my first time going into the highlands of Lesotho, regardless of having lived here my whole life. I remember feeling excitement as we got closer to the top of the mountain range, only to get beautifully disappointed when I realised that there was still a long, steep way to go. This happened more than a couple of times before we finally reached our destination.
It was a breathtaking view of fully snow-clad mountains gleaming in the sunshine as if to show off their brand-new wedding gowns. I rotated on my heel after getting out of the car to appreciate the beauty before me - the Roof of Africa, my homeland.
In the distance, a mountain slope was covered by a crowd of men, women, and children of different ages with ski equipment. From the parking lot, where I stood star-struck, I could hear screams of joy and excitement radiating from that crowd. I immediately knew what my first adventure at Afriski Mountain Resort would be.
I rushed to the reception to ask for permission and equipment before heading up in the direction of the luring sounds with my sister and a tour guide. The hike was easier than I had expected, probably due to the adrenaline from my excitement.
When I got there, I couldn't help but notice the diversity of the crowd of professional, amateur, and first-time skiers. I could tell that most of them were international tourists. I was happy to be there with them. It was an opportunity to get to know new people while also getting a chance to learn to ski and have fun. However, it saddened me for a second to think that it was the first time I had seen such scenery, yet it is practically my backyard compared to the other guests who had crossed a border or more to get there.
After spending a couple of hours in the snow, my family and I had lunch in the warmth of Sky Restaurant. We tasted Maluti trout fish for the first time, and if that was not when we knew we would definitely return to the resort many more times, then it must have been the skiing or the cozy luxurious yet modest accommodation.
The following summer, we were back on our way up the mountain range, except this time around the slopes were green with vegetation, and we did not need snow tyres and slow driving.
After having Maluti trout for lunch, I decided to try out mountain biking for the first time. After a few trials and a scratched knee, I made it to the next hill successfully. The pain in my knee was masked by the adrenaline rush that was drumming in my ears, which was later intensified by my ziplining adventure. It felt as if I was flying into the sunset as I anxiously let myself hang on a wire in midair from one peak to another. It was exhilarating.
Afriski has never failed to bring out my most adventurous side while also giving me the space and opportunities for calm family time or alone time. The amazing hospitality makes it easier to make friends even with the staff. If you ever want to explore the Kingdom in the sky, be sure to make a reservation at Afriski and have a taste of their infinite memorable experiences.
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