Ramabanta MTB Trail

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TRAIL INFO

Closest Town: Ramabanta

Grading: Difficult-Extreme | Duration: 4-6 Hours

Location (Area/Province): Central Lesotho and Lesotho

Configuration: 66 km From Ramabanta to Roma

Start Point: The Trading Post in Ramabanta

TRAIL BASICS

Access: Public riding free

Beware of: Tricky descents

Facilities: Camping facilities available at both lodges.

Cell Reception: None

Route Flyover(s)

Premium and Curated Trails Only

OVERVIEW

Ramabanta to Roma will take you on a gravel road, jeep track and single track through the back country terrain of the infamous Thabana Li Mele (translated Mountain with Nipples). This is also the route for stage 3 of the Lesotho Sky(www.lesothosky.com) stage race. This section is a notorious route of the annual Roof of Africa Rally for motorbikes.On your bike

After 5km on the main gravel road towards Semonkong the patch branches off into the scenic Makhaleng river valley and the trail will follow the river for the next 35km. Initially on bridle path/single track with 2 carrying sections, then on a comfortable gravel road to Nyakosoba. Oh, did I forget to mention the “3 witches pass” before Nyakosoba? Its not the real name but after riding it you will know why we named it like this.

There you will cross the main road and follow another bridle path through the valley and up past the two Poppas (2 significant mountains with flat round peaks). This last section from Nyakosoba to Roma will require superior riding skills and most probably require you to descent next to your bike. This section is a notorious route of the annual Roof of Africa Rally for motorbikes and the descents are full of loose rocks. The rewards are scenic views into the lowlands and a fast run through a pine forest and across the plateau to Roma. Another tricky descent from the plateau and then you may call yourself a finisher of the toughest stage of the Lesotho Sky event 2011.

Off the bike

Ashley and Jenny will make you feel most comfortable at their Trading Post Lodges in Roma and Ramabanta, both logdes have camping facilities available.

CONTACT:

Telephone: +27 72 545 9032

E-mail: christian@lesothosky.com

Website Lesotho Sky: www.lesothosky.com

Website Ramabanta and Roma: www.tradingpost.co.za

GPS: 29°39′56.9″South / 027°47′49.0″East