|
|
|
|
MORIJA TOURISM
Morija from above The Morija Guest House
MORIJA GUEST HOUSES EXPLORE ECO-TOURISM Translating
‘eco-tourism’ into a reality that generates income for local communities can be
a challenging task. However, the experience
of Morija Guest Houses suggests that - with patience - it is possible. A starting point is to recognise that tourists are
fascinated by authentic expressions of people’s everyday lives. This means that they are curious and keen to learn
more about how local people survive in a tough environment, such as the mountains of
Lesotho. Many would much rather meet a real
family, problems and all, than be taken around a ‘cultural village’ filled with
actors. Villagers
are more than happy to share their homes and everyday lives, especially if this results in
some form of income. Morija Guest Houses have
a ‘special relationship’ with a village five hours’ walk away (on the east
of Makhoarane Plateau). Here groups of up to
20 people are accommodated in local homes overnight.
The evening is always one of song, dance and laughter. The food is prepared by the hosts, often from
crops they have grown or chickens they have raised. This
popular ‘village sleep-over’ is a winner for all.
The tourists love it, and many rate it as a highlight of their visit to
Lesotho. Villagers love it as they have
been able to invest the money in school fees, health care and farming inputs. To keep the tourists coming they have invested
their time in maintaining the bridle path and improving their latrines. As much as
the tourists enjoy their night out, they are always happy to make it back to the comfort
of the Morija Guest House where they can get a hot shower and an ice cold drink!
Below the main Guest House, which can accommodate 16 people, are a number of cottages, all built in the traditional style of the Basotho with thatched roofs and decorated walls, accommodating a further 8 people.
Most of our rooms are doubles (mostly twin beds) but we also have a few single rooms and one family room for 4. The bedrooms are simple but comfortable and tastefully decorated. Bathrooms are shared. The large dining-room and lounge of the main house can welcome up to 24 people, making it ideal for families, tour groups, retreats, meetings, corporate getaways or small workshops. Visitors can choose between meals prepared in our brand new kitchen (at very reasonable rates) or cook for themselves as the houses are fully equipped for self-catering.
Morija Guest Houses are an ideal base from which to explore historic Morija with its Museum and Archives, craft centre and local institutions. The walks around the lakes and forest provide an ambience of tranquillity and unspoiled nature. Our staff is most welcoming and Lebaka Makana, our General Manager, will be glad to assist in guiding individuals or groups on tailor-made tours. He can also arrange for parties to sleep over in a village in the mountains, a four-hour hike or pony ride from Morija for those wanting to experience authentic African life in local homes. This popular ‘village sleep-over’ is a winner for all. Many of our visitors rate it as the highlight of their tour of Lesotho, and of course villagers love it as they have been able to invest the money in school fees, health care and farming inputs. Another way in which Morija Guest Houses demonstrate their commitment to eco-tourism is by inviting regularly groups of traditional dancers or musicians, or choirs, to perform for visitors.
For more information, directions, and reservations, contact: Lebaka Makana Tel: (+266) 630 650 93 or mgh@leo.co.ls or look at our website: www.morijaguesthouses.com
|
|
The
Morija Guest House is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the historic village of
Morija, founded by French missionaries in 1833.
To
the south, Makhoarane Plateau towers above the house.
